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.lOIJN C. LKOPAKL/ 




M ,M. I'A.M.Mi IN 



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HISTORY 



OF 



DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

MISSOURI 



DAVIESS COUNTY 

BY 

JOHN C. LEOPARD AND BUEL LEOPARD 



GENTRY COUNTY 

BY 

R. M. McCAMMON AND MARY McCAMMON HILLMAN 



ILLUSTRATED 



HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 

TOPEKA— INDIANAPOUS 

1922 



'\'^ >-.'^ 









PREFACE 



It is the aim of the editors of the History of Daviess County to present 
in substantial form an authentic history of the county and its people, to 
which the present and future generations may refer with confidence and 
satisfaction as the years come and go, and that it may be a matter of pre- 
manent record for all time. It is not an easy matter to write the history 
of such a county as Daviess. Much more research was required than was 
anticipated as every effort has been made to secure accuracy. Many events 
had an influence in shaping the destiny of this county. 

The chief sources of material were the county records, newspapers, 
reports of the state departments, the history of the county published in 
1882, "Early Days on Grand River and the Mormon War" by R. J. Britton, 
the Memoirs of Major J. H. McGee, "Memories" by John F. Jordin, and 
"Recollections" by H. C. McDougal. 

The writers have made requests for information upon various subjects 
of a large number of men and women, almost all of whom have responded 
willingly and promptly. To them the writers feel greatly indebted and 
while it is impossible to mention them all, this must not be taken to indicate 
a lack of appreciation of their efforts. 

Among those who have been especially painstaking in supplying infor- 
mation are Mrs. Mary Cruzen, Samuel F. Sperry, Sr., George W. Williams, 
S. W. Brandom, W. C. Gillihan, C. H. Longfellow, H. J. Hollis, E. A. Martin, 
Mrs. W. W. Ament, Dr. M. A. Smith, and Mrs. J. W. McClasky. 

THE EDITORS. 
Gallatin, Mo.. June 1, 1922. 



1 



INDEX. 



Abarr, Millege Lester 884 

Adkisson. W. C 663 

Adams, Edward 805 

Adams, George P 466 

Adams, M. E 7i3 

Adams, Willis 529 

Adkison, Shannon 453 

Agee, Carl J 828 

Akes, Emert 472 

Alexander, Joshua W 331 

Allen, Charles S 668 

Allen, F. T 669 

Allen, John Henry 647 

Allen, S. W 1002 

Allenbrand, R. J 541 

Allsup, J. W 400 

Ament, W. W 695 

Austin, Fred S 528 

Arnold, W. L 430 

Bacon, Henry G 727 

Bacon, Jason 898 

Ball, John Lemuel 855 

Ball, Robt. J 901 

Ball, Thomas J 854 

Bare, H. \V 470 

Barger. Dr. J. N 921 

Barlow, T. C 987 

Barnes, John H 804 

Bartlett, Oscar A 724 

Bayless, White 954 

Beauchamp, Lemuel 553 

Beck, H. M 749 

Bell, Amanda M 953 

Bennett. James B 416 

Best, .Jirthur 1023 

Bethel, Eugene L 604 

Birge, Ed E 837 

Birge, James 760 

Bishop, M. V 738 

Black, Edgar 887 

Black, R. M 983 

Blackburn, D. A 391 

Blackburn, Frank H 899 



Blackburn, John A 899 

Blackburn. W. E 386 

Blacklock, Eben E 621 

Blacklock, Ebenezer Edgar 615 

Blacklock, L. Bruce.' 622 

Blacklock, William L 616 

Blair, J. S 983 

Blakely. S. W 418 

Boley, Benjamin 810 

Bonham, William W 625 

Bowman, Lewis M 1035 

Brandom, Silvester W 576 

Bray, William E 915 

Brewer, Enoch W 645 

Brodrick, Isaac F 876 

Brown, Cornelius 623 

Brown, E. G 703 

Brown, J. Forrest 417 

Brown. John N 348 

Brown. Marcus M 488 

Brown, N. B 997 

Brown, Rufus Fayette 617 

Brown, T. T 991 

Brown, Thomas 808 

Brown, W. P 958 

Brown, W. T 444 

Brown, Walter W 878 

Brown, William H 957 

Bruce, Charles A 743 

Burge. W. F 421 

Burkhart. George 535 

Burtch. Dr. J. A 759 

Burton, Hallie 340 

Butler, Granville 838 

Cain, John J 572 

Caldwell. Joseph M 904 

Campbell. A. B 517 

Campbell, Dr. James Clyde 1007 

Campbell, Dr. Malcomb Monroe... 593 

Canaday, Andrew W 881 

Canaday, William Calvin 785 

Caraway, W. T 933 

Carlow, Peoples Bank of 417 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Carter. Amiie Laivric (Akin) 539 

Carter, H. F 532 

Carter, Salathiel 592 

Carter, W. H 624 

Castor, Grant 729 

Chamberlain, C. S 750 

Chambers, Mrs. James A 753 

Chapman, Henry 868 

Chapman, R. W 1019 

Chenoweth, M. W 502 

Childers, J. J 818 

Chilton, F 671 

Clagett, Dr. D. M 696 

Clark, S. J 990 

Cline, W. G 600 

Colburn, Byron 722 

Cole, J. o in 

Cole, Ramus M 973 

Cole, W. L 610 

Collier, D. L 589 

Collier, William H 660 

Conrad, Joseph 723 

Cook, Frank H 967 

Cook, William S 634 

Cooper, L. T 875 

Cooper, Truman 586 

Cooper, W. T 451 

Coppersmith, Dr. .A. W 793 

Cornett, R. L 1037 

Cottrill, David Marshall 557 

Cottrill, David Mars. hall 557 

Coulter, Johnson Wesley 489 

Courtier, Dewitt C 1023 

Cousins, O. G 857 

Cox, Joseph M 423 

Cox, Levi P 454 

Cox, Walter 432 

Crane, William Milton 883 

Creekmore, Rev. Grant 1027 

Creighton, Sterling Harrison 965 

Critten, James 419 

Croy, Amos B 599 

Croy, B. E 373 

Croy, E. A 442 

Crowder, Charles Bruce 700 

Cruzen, Nathaniel G 377 

Culver, Elmer L 480 

Cummings, John M 637 

Cunningham, J. H 649 



Dale, Lawrence T 848 

Dator. William E 643 

Davidson, J. E 488 

Davis, D. Harfield 387 

Day, E. B 927 

Day, Joseph Owen 631 

DeFord, Alva E 674 

DeFord, Melvin Ross 682 

Degginger, J. H 844 

Denny. Lewis W 522 

De Vorss, J. William 436 

Dice, George E 977 

Dieter. Thomas J 829 

Dills, Henry P 551 

Doak, Harry A 391 

Doak, Novia 447 

Doak, Peter P 390 

Dockery, Alexander M 352 

Dougan, Don C 783 

Dowell. William 755 

Downning, Charles L 925 

Doyle, John R 494 

Dresbach, J. A 585 

Dresbach. Samuel H 579 

Drummond, J. B., Sr 420 

Drummond, James M 435 

Dudley, Col. Boyd 344 

Dudley, Boyd, Jr 344 

Dunavan, Lewis R 816 

Duncan, Earl Clifford 860 

Duncan, Frank W 858 

Duncan, Harrison M 781 

Dunnington. J. F 400 

Dunshee, Harry J 877 

Edwards, Thomas J 929 

Elder, William Carson 474 

Ellis, John M 1012 

Ellis, N. G 1008 

Embree, Charles 601 

Enyart, James E 536 

Ernst, C. E 424 

Ethel, Willis J 834 

Etter. R. L.. Sr 367 

Evans, Claude M 641 

Evans, James J 820 

Evans, William B 882 

Everly, C. C 989 

Everly, C. H 389 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Kverly. hicnry H 102S 

Everly. S. H ' 754 

Evving, George D 958 

Farmers and Mechanics Bank, The. 571 

F"aulkner, James R 756 

Fetters, Enoch 625 

Feurt, Homer 336 

Feurt, W. H 962 

Fields, Clarence Riley 1038 

Fields, Victor 583 

Fisher, Daniel M 365 

Fitterer, Enos 379 

Fitterer, Frank A 379 

Fitterer, Oscar L 380 

Flowers, Dale S 468 

Foley, E. M., Jr 704 

Folgate, Chauncey 787 

FoUett, D. H 629 

Fore, Ted 508 

Francisco, Cort 995 

Frost, Thomas L 702 

Fulton, A. J 683 

Galbreath, John 765 

Gall, Samuel L 619 

Gallatin Trust Company, The 1034 

Galpin, Peter 693 

Gardner, Dr. P. L ill 

Gartin, Andrew C 473 

Gartin, Ray S 812 

Gay, George R 928 

Gay, James 864 

Gildow, J. Frank 744 

Giles, F. L 817 

Giles, Oliver 655 

Gillespie, J. H 986 

Gillett, F. M 831 

Gillett, John R 936 

Glendenning, Milton 523 

Goodbar, George C 383 

Goodwine, .Andrew J 802 

Gould, Will S 768 

Grace, John \V 537 

Grace, O. L 497 

Graham, Amaziah .-\ 950 

Graham, Dr. James B 987 

Grantham, Herbert C 1034 

Grantham, Lincoln 801 



Graves, P. M 830 

Graves, W. P 605 

Green, E. P 515 

Green, George E 889 

Green, Henry H 939 

Green, John Francis 456 

Green, M. M 511 

Greenlee, Claud A 573 

Greenwell, Alexander 512 

Greenwood, E. H 929 

Gregg, Aaron 790 

Gregory. James M 569 

Griffeth, C. J 888 

Griffin, W. P 691 

Grissinger, Guy Forrest 587 

Guerin, James 431 

Guess, John H 505 

Gurthep. J. B 1018 

Hadley. Larkin Francis 520 

Hager, John T 780 

Hamilton, T. E 432 

Hamilton, Wood H 384 

Hamm, Fred 652 

Hammer, Charles E 630 

Hammer, Peter 833 

Handy, W. R 449 

Harden, William S 595 

Harding, Samuel Oscar 494 

Hardinger, Dr. S. L 996 

Hardwick. John R 642 

Hargis. Dr. Wm. H 956 

Harlow, E. J 394 

Harlow, J. Sam 393 

Harman, .\. M 740 

Harpster, Ray 832 

Harrah, Harley J 1033 

Harris, George Dowe 917 

Harris, George W 863 

Harris. Lewis Allen 714 

Harrison, Clifford Melvin.... 656 

Hartsock, W. E 840 

Hathaway, W. E 734 

Hawthorne, Lester L 584 

Hays, Charles E 459 

Hays, John B 460 

Hedges, Dr. Frank 984 

Helms, Everett H 981 

Hemry, Charles 368 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Henderson. Mary Ellen 880 

Henry. Edmon 994 

Hess, Charles A 889 

Heyde, Maxmilian 598 

Heyser, Stanley 736 

Hill, James C 934 

Hinote, J. W 885 

Hise, S. R 542 

Hisel, D. E 982 

Holden, Thomas C 481 

Holmes, Henry 909 

Hopkins, Charles E 787 

Hosman. Leonard M 376 

Houston, George B 412 

Houston, W. F 915 

Hoyt. John H 650 

Hudson, Richard 800 

Hulet, Lewis C 515 

Humphrey, T. M 601 

Hundley, John A 479 

Hunter, Jesse T 464 

Hutcherson, William P 964 

James, John Thomas 1022 

Jameson. Hiram Ramsay 620 

Jameson, Madison Finley 851 

Jameson, William Alexander 644 

Jamesport, Commercial Bank of. . . 426 
Jamesport, Peoples Ex. Bank of. . . . 458 

Jarrett. Samuel A 960 

Jefferies. Thomas J 784 

Jenkins, W. E 931 

Jinkins, Joseph 747 

Johnson, G. W 746 

Johnson, James .\ 821 

Johnson, James Franklin 442 

Johnson, James L 707 

Johnson, H. L 687 

Johnson, V. P 989 

Johnson, W. .A 920 

Jolly, .Vlb.ert Newton 659 

Jolly, Frank S 814 

Jolly, Henry C 646 

Jolly, James Perry 552 

Jones, Jacob 825 

Jones, Standish E 843 

Kaufman. John W 975 

Karrar. .Vrmand 483 



Keck. E. A 731 

Kelso, Henry C 717 

Kemp. J. H 720 

Kent, Charles H 839 

Kerfoot, William H 558 

Kerlin, John W 806 

Kerwin. Thomas 798 

Kibler, James C 980 

Killam. Sam C 448 

Kingsborough, Dimmon D 477 

Kingsley, C. E 735 

Kirk. Patrick 823 

Knauer. Charles L 350 

Knight. Idella 640 

Knight. M. N 439 

Knight, V. E 910 

Koch. George B 457 

Koger. John Henry 1011 

Korn. Charles 884 

Landes. Daniel 445 

Landes. F. S 748 

Lankford. E. S 396 

Lankford. E. T 396 

Law. M. L 822 

Lawson, Joseph G 976 

Lay, W. T 923 

Lear. Henry 1021 

Lee. Wesley. J r 725 

Limpp, Rufus H 611 

Lindsey. Charles T 890 

Link, W. C 359 

Littlewood. C. E 563 

Litton. J. S 914 

Lively. Ivo W 426 

Lockwood. E. C 581 

Loest. L. C 636 

Long, James W 437 

Love, Penn 922 

Lowrey. Charles N 943 

Lowrie, D. Luther 343 

Lyons, H. E 507 

McAllister, M. F 942 

McCammon. Robt. M 1031 

McCarty. John H 866 

McCaskey, J. B 679 

McCampbell, Walter E 524 

McClaskey. John W 446 



I 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



McClure. Elcania 763 

McClure. Jonathan 856 

McCIure, W. T 425 

McConkey, Samuel R 779 

McCoy, Jesse James 896 

McCoy, John R 461 

McCoy, S. D 574 

McCray, Robert D 872 

McCue, J. L 428 

McCue, P. S 458 

McCue, R. M 381 

McCullough, Joseph Lafayette 870 

McDaniel, George W 657 

McDaniel, J. W 992 

McDonald, J. B 942 

McElvain, Joseph 338 

McElroy. T. H 799 

McGinnis, Asa Hardin 900 

McKenney, Keeran 852 

McKnight, James W 827 

McMahan, H. C 443 

McMillen, Albert 850 

McMillen, J. L 853 

McMillen, Patrick Henry 513 

Macy, Perry 404 

Macy, Seth 403 

Macy, W. C 392 

Mallory, James M 699 

Manion, Edward \V 554 

Mann. Alva 638 

Mann, Clem P 767 

Mann, Moses 560 

Manring, James A 709 

Manring, Jordan William 711 

Marlow, L. C 433 

Martin, T. A 412 

Mathews, Alonzo 1026 

Maupin, R. E 935 

Meadows, J. E 970 

Meadows, Mary Elizabeth 1009 

Meadows, Oscar P 1010 

Melton, William Ellis 549 

Mendenhall, C. C 578 

Mettle, Oliver 360 

Miller, A. 509 

Miller. A. W 751 

Miller, Charles B 1004 

Miller, James M 665 



Miller, Martin Van Bnren 544 

MiUigan, William J 797 

Millman, Isaac 684 

Millstead, Hayden 946 

Minor, Leland F 979 

Mitchell, George William 548 

Mock, George 673 

Monk, Jesse W 658 

Monroe, Jonathan S 506 

Moody, Wade D 940 

Mooney. P. A 966 

Moore, E. E 562 

Morris, Theodore F 664 

Morris, Tmiothy 1015 

Morris, W. J 1014 

Morrison. G. M. Dallas 791 

Morton, Frank 612 

Mothersead, Charles H 465 

Moulten, L. T 1036 

Murphy, Robert 493 

Murray, G. G 361 

Musselman, John 342 

Nalle, John 1025 

Naylor, W. E 419 

Neal. Joab P 789 

Needles. Simpson W 530 

Neth, Albert 690 

Newcomb, J. E 594 

Newman, A. A 907 

Newman, Jacob 846 

Nickerson, James H 969 

Nugent, Dr. J. T 455 

O'Hare, Hugh El wood 963 

O'Mara, James 497 

O'Toole, James M 925 

Olsen, George A 698 

Osborn, Henry 655 

Osborn, W. T 906 

Pangburn, Marion Edgar 937 

Pape, Carsen 909 

Parks, William 609 

Parman. Orville S 463 

Pate. John A 761 

Patterson, M. H 911 

Patrick, Benedict W 409 

Patton, H. E 373 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Patton, Isaac Gentry 498 

Patton. J. T 985 

Patton, Jefferson P 974 

Patton, John F 774 

Patton, Joseph Henry 653 

Patton, William A 842 

Payne, Clinton L 375 

Peniston, Anthony 608 

Peniston, George H 414 

Peters, Mrs. Ida M 721 

Pierce, Benjamin 583 

Pierce, Fred L 402 

Pierce, Lee R 374 

Pipkin, Dr. Charles 930 

Place, A. J 339 

Pogue, George H 752 

Pogue, W. C 388 

Potter, Charles 835 

Powell. Lew Wallace 912 

Powers, Harvey 796 

Powers, J. Clark 795 

Preston, John 504 

Price, Aseph Butler 545 

Prichard, William M 944 

Prior, Crittenden D 1028 

Pulsifer, Joseph R 824 

Quigley, Silas Edgar Ill 

Quisenberry, P. T 811 

Railsback. Daniel 924 

Ralph, W. D 519 

Ramsbotton, William 404 

Ray. Charles 561 

Ray, James M 771 

Reed, George W Hi 

Reed. J. W 747 

Reed, John W 1000 

Reich, J. L 680 

Reid, Adelbert W 686 

Rhea, George W 730 

Rice, D. P 550 

Richardson, Philip 874 

Ridinger, G. W 409 

Rigney, T. N 484 

Rizzi. A 611 

Robertson, James 565 

Robertson, Wesley L 672 

Robinson, D. H 1001 



Robinson, J. H 918 

Robinson. O. P 972 

Robison, John B 540 

Robison, Lester M 503 

Roper, William Terry 893 

Royston, Mrs. Ada M 948 

Runyon, Charles Henry 588 

Rnnyan, George Sterling 534 

Rybolt. Edward E 998 

Sager, George A 580 

Sager, W. F 794 

Sale, J. M 865 

Sale, Phillip 543 

Sampson, W. B 605 

Sanford, Thomas H 591 

Schwyhart, M. S 745 

Scott, Charles L 770 

Scott, H. C 397 

Scott, J. C 757 

Scott, Roy T 719 

Scrivner. V. H 438 

Sealey, George F 635 

Seller, A. F 363 

Semple, Malcolm Monroe 501 

Shakleford, Dr. Earl 949 

Shockley, T. R 440 

Shoemaker, Everett M 716 

Short, Alexander 726 

Shrike, John J 614 

Sidens, William J 568 

Slagle, W. M 873 

Smith, Asa L 1015 

Smith, Dr. M. A 356 

Smith, Edgar L 556 

Smith, Frank L 776 

Smith, J. J 590 

Smith, James D 469 

Smith, Kimbro 971 

Smith, W. D 772 

Smith, W. Glen 354 

Snapp, Delbert D 607 

Snider, J. M 422 

Spaht, Gustave 602 

Speers, William 670 

Sperry, Samuel F 1016 

Spiers, Amos 978 

Stapleton, Robert E 905 

Stapleton, William Peery 491 



I 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Steiiiniaii. Edward 826 

Stephens, Arthur M 366 

Stewart. J. R 892 

Stewart, John W 666 

Stith, James 762 

Stout, C. J 358 

Stovall, Hardin N 951 

Strasser, John A 708 

Streeter. Cyrus 678 

Stroup, Silas M 908 

Summa, Earl 567 

Sunima, Ira 567 

Surface, Samuel R 677 

Sutton, John George 813 

Sweaney, Boon L 897 

Sweat, J. R 662 

Swisher, C. H 742 

Tate, J. H 349 

Temple, W. A 836 

Terry, Anda B 974 

Thomas, Joseph 862 

Thomas, William 803 

Thompson, Dr. ,\ 895 

Thompson, Dr. R. V ii7 

Thompson, W. L 766 

Tibbs, J. L 739 

Todd, Levi 472 

Tolbert, J. W 441 

Tolen, Mark 415 

Townsend, W. P 408 

Trimm. James C 1029 

Trosper, Milton 401 

Trosper, William B 688 

Tuggle. Floyd S 394 

Tunnell, Clarence E 632 

Turner. Edwin 955 

Uhlig. Paul J 786 

Utz, Alfred E 1006 

Utz. J. J 815 

Utz, William L 1017 

V'andermark, James Edward 525 

Van Hoozer,_ Jonathan W 527 

Vaughn, James 628 

Wade, Allen F 1035 

Wade. I. L 410 



Wagers, J, T. 617 

Walker, John W 510 

Walp, Henry S 894 

Walls, Boyd E 993 

Waltemath, John A 496 

Waltemath, Fred 809 

Ware, B. F 415 

Warren, A. H 429 

Washburn, L. E 807 

Waters, Davis E 952 

Watkins, George P 769 

W^eldon, J. H 406 

Weldon, William G 758 

Wellman, William Z 741 

West, Edward F 689 

Wetzel, Reuben 736 

Whaley, M. P 462 

Wharton, David Amos 861 

Wheatley, Charles T 627 

White, Jerome C 681 

Whitt, O. R 999 

Whitton, Charles R 782 

Whitton, Rufus 848 

Wiglesworth, Ovelman 713 

Wilder, John F 7i7 

Wiles, Ralph 427 

Williams, George W 995 

Wilmore, D. C 597 

Wilson, Samuel 7?ii 

Wood, Mrs. Ada 1003 

Wood, R. F 961 

Wooden, M. H 675 

Wooderson, David H 500 

Wooderson, Frank 841 

Woodring, R. E 1020 

Woodruff, Frank A 369 

Wynne, H. S 991 

Yadon. John A 867 

Yates, Benjamin \ 941 

Yates, C. G 750 

Yates. M. B 947 

Yeater. H. C 486 

Y'oell, E. G 919 

Yost. Cornelius 968 

Youtsey. Archibald S.. J r 398 

Youtsey. Eben Estes 398 

Youtsey. O. S 926 



PART I. 



History of Daviess Counhj. 



CHAPTER I. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



TERRITORY EMBRACING DAVIESS COUNTY- INDIAN OCCUPATION— FIRST SETTLERS- 
SETTLEMENT OF BENTON TOWNSHIP— SETTLEMENT IN OTHER TOWNSHIPS- 
NATIVITY OF PIONEER SETTLERS— CHARACTER AND NATIVITY OF LATER 
ARRIVALS 65-70 



CHAPTER 11. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 



PETITION PRESENTED IN 1836 BY ALEXANDER DONIPHAN— LOCATION OF COUNTY 
SEAT— TOWN ORDERED PLATTED AND SALE OF LOTS— REPORT OF COMMIS- 
SIONERS—EFFORT TO REMOVE COUNTY SEAT TO CRAVENSVILLE— OTHER 
EFFORTS TO CHANGE COT'NTY SEAT 71-74 



CHAPTER III. 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



COURT HOUSE— JAIL— COUNTY FARM AND BUILDINGS 75-81 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER IV. 



CITIES AND TOWNS. 



GALLATIN— COFFEY— WINSTON— PATTONSBITRG — JAMESON— CARLOW — LOCK 
SPRINGS— ALTAMONT— CIVIL BEND — MILLPORT — ADAM-ONDI-AHMON — CRAV- 
ENSVILLE— PRAIRIE CITY— CRITTBNDEN—ECLIPSE— OLD PATTONSBURG — VIC- 
TORIA— ALTA VISTA— BANCROFT 82-90 



CHAPTER V. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



BLACK HAWK WAR— HBATHERLY WAR— MEXICAN WAR— COL. WICKHAM'S MILITIA 
COMPANY, COMPANY A. SECOND MISSOURI REGIMENT. N. G. M 91-93 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE MORMONS IN DAVIESS COUNTY. 



LYMAN WIGHT THE FIRST MORMON TO SETTLE IN DAVIESS COUNTY— HEADQUAR- 
TERS AT FAR W:EST— JOSEPH SMITH, JR., SELECTS SITE OF STRAKE IN 
DAVIESS COUNTY— GROWTH OP TOWN— FIRST MORMON TROUBLE— LATER 
DEVELOPMENTS— THE MORMON WAR— MOBOLIZATION OF TROOPS— EXTERMIN- 
ATION ORDER— MAUN'S MILL MASSACRE— MORMONS SURRENDERED TO MILITIA 
LEADERS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENCE— SUBSEQUENT TRIAI^— REMAINS OF 
MORMON OCCUPATION 94-101 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER VII. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



SENTIMENT DIVIDED IN DAVIESS COUNTY— ACTIVITIES OF UNION MEN IN 1861— 
COMPANIES ORGANIZED— HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHED AT GALLATIN— GUER- 
RILLA WARFARE— SKIRMISH — BOUNTY OFFERED TO VOLUNTEERS — UNION 
SOLDIERS FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— COMPANY A— COMPANY G— COMPANY B— 
FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY— SPECIAL ORDER NO. 6— CONFEDERATES— CIVIL WAR 
INCIDENTS 102-121 



CHAPTER VIII. 



PIONEER AND MODERN TRANSPORTATION. 



STAGE LINES— FERRIES— NA VIOATION— ROADS— RAILROADS 122-132 



CHAPTER IX. 



CHURCHES. 



PIONEER MINISTERS— PIONEER CHURCHES— CAMP MEETING — CHURCH SERVICES- 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH— CATHOLIC CHURCH— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— EVAN- 
GELICAL CHURCH — BAPTIST CHURCH — METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH — 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOUTH -PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH— SEVENTH DAY AD- 
VENTISTS 133-145 



CHAPTER X. 



SCHOOLS. 

EARLY DAY SL'BSCRIPTION SCHOOLS— PIONEER TEACHERS— FIRST SCHOOL HOUSES- 
LOCATION OF EARLY SCHOOLS— TEACHER'S INSTITUTES— HIGH SCHOOLS— CON- 
SOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOLS— APPROVED RURAL SCHOOLS— GRAND RIVER COL- 
LEGE—GRAND RIVER ACADEMY— GALLATIN ACADEMY 146-153 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER XL 



BENCH AND BAR. 



THREE CIRCUIT JUDGES FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— FIRST TERM OF CIRCUIT COURT 
HELD IN 1837— FIRST BUSINESS TRANSACTED— CHANGES IN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT- 
CIRCUIT JUDGES— LAWYERS IN ISGO— LAWYERS WHO CAME AFTER THE CIVIL 
WAR— ATTORNEYS IN 1882— PRESENT DAY ATTORNEYS— THE TRIAL OF FRANK 
James 154-158 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



WM. P. THOMPSON THE FIRST DOCTOR IN THE GRaND RIVER COUNTRY— OTHER 
EARLY DAY DOCTORS— THE LIFE AND PRACTICE OF PIONEER DOCTORS— THE 
DAVIESS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY— THE GRAND RIVER MEDICAL ASSOCIA- 
TION 159-160 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE PRESS. 



FIRST PAPER PUBLISHED IN THE GRAND RIVER COUNTRY IN 1843— FIRST NEWS- 
PAPER PUBLISHED IN DAVIESS COUNTY IN 1853— EARLY DAY NEWSPAPERS 
AND PUBLISHERS— ED. HOWE ENGAGED IN NEWSPAPER WORK HERE— LATER 
PUBLICATIONS— NEWSPAPERS AT GALLATIN. WINSTON. COFFEY, LOCK- 
SPRINGS. JAMESON. ALTAMONT. JAMESPORT. PATTONSBURG AND OTHER 
PLACES 161-168 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER XIV. 



A CHAPTER OF "FIRSTS." 



CHAPTER XV. 



OFFICIALS. 



UNITED STATES OFFICIALS— STATE OFFICIALS— DA^aESS COUNTY REPRSENTA- 
TIVES— COUNTY TREASURERS— PROBATE JUDGES— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— 
RECORDERS — SHERIFFS — PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS — CIRCUIT CLERKS- 
COUNTY CLERKS— COl'NTY Jl'DGES 173-179 



CHAPTER XVI. 



THE WORLD WAR. 



BARLEY ENTRANTS FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— FIRST REGISTRATION— DRAWING 
UNDER THE SELECTIVE DRAFT— EXEMPTION BOARD— FIRST GROUP OF MEN 
CHOSEN— LEAVING FOR CAMP— KILLED IN ACTION— DIED OF DISEASE— 
WOUNDED— DAVIESS COl'NTY SOLDIERS— RETURN OF SOLDIERS— AUXILIARY 
WAR WORK— LIBERTY LOANS— UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN— THRIFT STAMP 
CAMPAIGN— COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 180-194 



CHAPTER XVII. 



AMERICAN RED CROSS. 



FIRST APPEAL— DAVIESS COUNTY CHAPTER ORGANIZED- BRANCH CHAPTERS- 
GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP- SCHOOL AUXILIARY— RED CROSS WEEK- FIRST AID 
CLASS— MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE— WELCOME HOME ENTERTAIN- 
MENT— .\WARDS FOR SERVICE— PEACE PROGRAM 195-199 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER XVIII. 



SOCIETIES AND LODGES. 



GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC— SONS OF VETERANS— PATRONS OF Hl'SBANDRT— 
YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION— UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS— 
P. E. O. SISTERHOOD— JAMESPORT FORTNIGHTLY CLUB— DAVIESS COUNTY 
IMMIGRATION SOCIETY— DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— THE W. 
C. T. U.— MASONIC— EASTERN STAR— KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS— I. O. O. F.— RE- 
BEKAHS— AMERICAN LEGION 200-211 



PART II. 



History of Gentry County. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



THE AUTHOR'S OBSERVATION OF SIXTY-FIVE YEARS IN GENTRY COI'NTY— HIGH 

POINTS OF HISTORY— PROGRESS OF GENTRY COUNTY— ADHERENCE TO FACTS— 

"HARKING BACK" 213-214 



CHAPTER II. 



TERRITORIAL HISTORY. 



CLAIMED BY RIGHT OF DISCOVERY— INDIANS' RIGHTS SWEPT ASIDE— LOUISIANA 
PURCHASE— TERRITORY OF MISSOURI ORGANIZED— HO'WARD COUNTY ESTAB- 
LISHED— "THE MOTHER OF COUNTIES" -GENTRY COUNTY ORGANIZED IN 1845— 
NAMED IN HONOR OF COLONEL GENTRY— LOCATION 215-216 



CHAPTER III. 



NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOPOGRAPHY. 



■SVHAT CONSTITUTES NATURAL RESOURCES— AVAILABLE AND POTENTIAI^-MIN- 
ERAL SPRINGS— RAINFALI^PHYSICAL FEATURES— SCENERY AND SOIL— "A 
LAND OF PROMISE." 217-218 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER IV. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 



NONK OF THE FIRST SETTLERS NOW LIVING— CONQUEST OF THE NINETEENTH 
CENTURY— WHAT THE PIONEERS BROUGHT— THEIR AMBITIONS- SETTLEMENT 
BEGAN IN 1834— FIRST SETTLERS— OTHER SETTLERS— FIRST SCHOOI^FIRST 
POSTOFFICE:— FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN COUNTY- FIRST CHURCH— EARLY 
PREACHERS 219-221 



CHAPTER V. 



PIONEER LIFE. 



REMINISCENT AND TRADITIONAL — THE PIONEER'S HOME — IMPLEMENTS — HIS 
TRIALS AND PRIVATIONS— SCARCITY OF NECESSITIES— BUILDING THE LOG 
CABIN— THE CRUDE FURNITURE— COMMUNITY SPIRIT— PASTIMES— GAME AND 
FISH— THE BLACKSMITH— GRISTMILL AND TRADING POST 222-228 



CHAPTER VI. 



FIRST COURTS. 



MET IN 1845— OFFICERS APPOINTED— BI'SINESS TRANSACTED— CREATED SIX MUNIC- 
IPAL TOWNSHIPS— FIRST PETITION FILED IN CIRCUT COURT— EARLY RECORDS 
—RECORD BOOK STILL IN EXISTENCE 229-234 



CHAPTER VII. 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



COURTHOUSE— JAIL— COUNTY FARM BUILDINGS 235-241 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER VIII. 



TOWNSHIPS. 



ATHENS— BOGLE— COOPER— HOWARD— JACKSON— HUGGINS— MILLER— WILSON. 242-259 



CHAPTER IX. 



CITIES AND TOWNS. 



ALBANY— AT FIRST CALLED ATHENS— LOCATION— FIRST HOUSE— FIRST BUSINESS 
AND PROFESSIONAL MEN— TOWN INCORPORATED— FIRST SCHOOLS AND OTHER 
INSTITUTIONS— NEWSPAPERS— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— PRESBYTERIAN-METHO- 
DIST EPISCOPAL-BAPTIST— LIBRARY 260-271 



CHAPTER X. 



CITIES AND TOWNS— CONTINUED. 



STANBERRY— KING CITY— GENTRY VILLE—McFALI^-FORD CITY— A LANTHUS— ISLAND 
CITY— DARLINGTON— BERLIN— GENTRY— EVONA— OTHER TOWNS 272-281 



CHAPTER XI. 



AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRY. 



FAVORABLE SOIL AND CLIMATE— DIVERSITY OF PRODUCTS— CORN EXHIBITS— POUL- 
TRY SHOW— COMPARISON OF 1902 CROP— LIVE STOCK AND OTHER PRODUCTS- 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS— WORLD'S FAIR WINNERS— STOCK BREEDERS— POITLTRY 
EXPERTS— FINE GRASSES — CALF AND PIG SHOW — HORSES — "IF GENTRY 
COUNTY WERE MY NATIVE LAND." 282-294 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER XII. 



CIVIL WAR PERIOD 



OPINIONS DIVIDED— POPULATION MADE UP OF NORTHERNERS AND SOUTHERNERS- 
DEVELOPMENT RETARDED— P'EDERAL CONTROL MAINTAINED 295-296 



CHAPTER XIII. 



RAILROADS AND HIGHWAYS. 



AGITATION FOR RAILWAYS BEGINS— FIRST ROAD IN THE COUNTY— THE WABASH- 
LEON. MOUNT AYER AND SOUTHWESTERN— STATIONS IN THE COUNTY— HIGH- 
WAYS— JEFFERSON HIGHWAY— HARD SURFACE ROADS 296-298 



CHAPTER XIV. 



SCHOOLS. 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS— TEACHERS INSTITUTE— HIGHER STANDARDS— HEALTH WORK IN 
SCHOOLS — TEACHERS ASSOCIATION — CONOLIDATION — PALMER COLLEGE — 
NORTHWEST MISSOURI COLLEGE— CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 299-305 




CHAPTER XV. 



LODGES, SOCIETIES AND CLUBS. 



MASONIC LODGES— THE EASTERN STAR— INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS- 
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION— CIVIC CLUB— LADIES LITERARY 
CLUB— DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— P. E. O.— CHAMBER OF 
COMMERCE 306-312 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

CHAPTER XVI. 



WORLD WAR. 



GENTRY COUNTY RESPONDS— TWENTY-NINE GOLD STARS— A LIST OF EX-SERVICE 
MEN FROM GENTRY COUNTY- NECROLOGY— RED CROSS AND OTHER ORGANI- 
ZATIONS—BOND SALES 313-325 



CHAPTER XVII. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 



COUNTY COURT JUDGES— PROBATE JItdGES— CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT— CLERKS 
OF COUNTY COURTS— CIRCUIT AND COUNTY ATTORNEYS— SHERIFFS— COLLEC- 
TORS— ASSESSORS— TREASURERS— JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT— REPRE- 
SENTATIVES— COUNTY SURVEYORS— SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS— CORONERS- 
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS 326-330 



PART III. 

Biographical. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Albany High School Building 213 

Alexander, Joshua W 331 

Allsup, J. W 400 

Austin. Fred S 528 

Bank Building Robbed by the James 

Boys 128 

Bennett, James B 416 

Brandom, Silvester W 576 

Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth A 488 

Brown, Marcus M 488 

Caldwell, Joseph M 904 

Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Salathiel 592 

Carter, W. H. and Grandson 624 

Court House, Daviess County 65 

Court House, Gentry County 213 

Culver, Elmer L 480 

Culver, Mrs. Mary Olive 480 

Dale, Lawrence T 848 

Dockery, .\le.\ander M 352 

Dudley, Col. Boyd 344 

Dunavan, Lewis R 816 

Dunavan, Mrs. Lewis R 816 

Enyart, James E 536 

Ernst, C. E 424 

Foley, E. M., Jr 704 

Gallatin, South Side Square 96 

Gay, George R 928 

Gay, James and Anna F 864 

Gillett, Mr. and Mrs. John R 936 

Gould, Residence of Will S 768 

Green, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. and chil- 
dren 456 

Greenwell, Alexander 512 

Griffeth, Mr. and Mrs. C. J 888 

Hadley, ' Larkin F 520 

Hadley, Mrs. Larkin F 520 

Hamilton, Wood H 384 

Harpster, Ray 832 

Harrison, Clifford M 656 

Hedges, Dr. Frank 984 

Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. John F. .. 880 

Hemry, Charles 368 

High School Building, Gallatin 96 

Hosman. Leonard M 376 

Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard 800 



Hunter, Jesse T. and Family 464 

Jarrett, Samuel A and .-Mmira 960 

Jefferies, Thomas J 784 

Johnson, W. A 920 

Jolly, Mr. and Mrs. James Perry... 552 

Kemp, J. H 720 

Killam, Sam C 448 

Knight, Residence of Idella 640 

Leopard, John C Frontispiece 

McCammon, R. M Frontispiece 

McClure, Jonathan 856 

McClure, Mrs. Jonathan 856 

McCoy, Mr. and Mrs. J. J 896 

McCray, Robert D 872 

McDaniel. J. W 992 

McDaniel, J. W. Mrs 992 

Macy, W. C 392 

Mann, Moses 560 

Mettle, Oliver 360 

Miller, Martin Van Buren 544 

Milling Company. Daviess County.. 600 

Palmer College 304 

Peniston, Mr. and Mrs. .\nthony... 608 

Pogue, George H 752 

Poviell, Mr. and Mrs. Lew Wallace 

and daughter 912 

Preston, Mr. and Mrs. John 504 

Prichard, William M. and Family... 944 

Robertson, Wesley L 672 

Shockley, L. L 440 

Stanberry Public School 272 

Stanberry, South Side of Park 304 

Stanberry, View of First Street.... 272 

Todd, Mr. and Mrs. Levi 472 

Townsend, W. P 408 

Transportation, Early Day 240 

Trosper, Mr. and Mrs. William B... 688 

Yost, Cornelius 968 

Y. M. C. A. Building, Gallatin 192 

Waltemath, John .A 496 

Waltemath, Mrs. John .\ 496 

Waters, Davis E 952 

Waters, Mrs. Davis E 952 

Waters. Residence of Davis E 952 

Wetzel, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben 736 



PART I. 



History of Daviess Counhj. 



CHAPTER I. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



TERRITORY EMBRACING DAVIESS COUNTY-INDIAN OCCUPATION— FIRST SETTLERS- 
SETTLEMENT OF BENTON TOWNSHIP— SETTLEMENT IN OTHER TOWNSHIPS- 
NATIVITY OF PIONEER SETTLERS— CHARACTER AND NATIVITY OF LATER 
ARRIVALS. 

The territory now embraced in Daviess County was at the formation 
of the State of Missouri, attached to the county of St. Charles, which in- 
cluded all of the territory lying North of the Missouri River as well as some 
territory south of the river. The County of Howard was organized by the 
territorial legislature in January, 1816, and the present Daviess County was 
attached to this new county. In 1820 the first State Legislature organized 
the County of Ray which embraced that part of the State lying North of 
the Missouri River and west of Grand River. 

It was not until 1830, however, that the first white man settled in 
what is now Daviess County. This territory had formerly been inhabited 
by tribes of Sacs, Foxes, Pottawatomies and Musquakies and it was not 
until 1834 that the last Indian camp disappeared. Their last camp was 
Auberry Grove, north of the present town of Jamesport. It is said that 
hunters and trappers had visited this section of the country as early as 
1826 but no homes had been built prior to 1830. 

Probably the first house in the county was built by John and Mayberry 
Splawn, who came to the county in Jan., 1830. The cabin was erected near 
the present site of the Rock Island depot. The Splawns soon removed east 
of Gallatin to what is still known as Splawn Ridge. The third cabin was 
built by John Tarwater. The Splawns, Tarwaters and Stephen Roberts 
came in January and February. In the spring James Weldon, Benedict 



66 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Weldon, Humphrey Best, Daniel Devaul and his son, James R., John 
Stokes, Christopher Stone and his sons, James, Hardin, Robert and Wil- 
liam and John Edward followed. 

In 1831, many settlers came in. The following settled on Honey and 
Marrowbone Creeks : Josiah and Jesse Morin, Thomas Edwards, Lewis 
Linville, Philip Covington and Elisha B. Creekmore. Not far away lived 
Andrew McHaney and Meriwether T. Green. Jacob S. Rogers, L. Brook- 
shier, William Runnels, Thomas Aubeny and William Morgan also came 
in 1831. Rogers settled below the mouth of Honey Creek and had a ferry. 
The others of those last named settled east of the river not far from the 
Splawns, Edwards and others. 

Robert P. Peniston, Sr., and his son, William P. came to the county in 
1831. The family had come out from Kentucky the year before and had 
settled in Ray County. Mr. Peniston, after visiting this county, was so 
favorably impressed that he decided to locate on the site afterwards known 
as Millport. The rest of the family were Robert P., Jr., Thomas, Francis 
and Theodore. From 1831 to 1833, Benjamin Sampson, Elijah Frost, H. 
W. Enyart, Benjamin Vasser, William Prewett, Benjamin Burns, Wiley 
Cope and family, Russell and Solomon Frazier, Jerry Burns and John 
McCully all settled in what later became Grindstone Township, now Mar- 
ion and Benton Townships. Adam Black located in Jamesport Township. 

The first settlement in Benton Township was in 1833. Benjamin 
Sampson came from Tennessee and settled on the western side of the 
township — about a mile from the county line. Later in the year H. W. 
Enyart came, locating a little over a mile from Mr. Sampson. During the 
winter and the following spring Benjamin and Jerry Burns, John McCul- 
ly, Charles and Isaac Burns and John Githens, all natives of Kentucky, lo- 
cated in the township. Mr. Enyart taught the first school and built the 
first loom used in the township. Liberty and later St. Joseph were the 
principal trading points of these settlers. 

Colfax Township was first settled by Momions in 1836. Practically 
nothing is known of settlements made there prior to 1840. Probably the 
first settlers after the Mormons were James, Joseph and Edward Wood, 
all of whom came from Kentucky in 1839. Abner Osbom, from Indiana, 
soon followed. Benjamin Rowell, from New York, came in 1840 and lo- 
cated on the south side of Marrowbone Creek. In 1841 John Castor, a 
soldier in the war of 1812, came from Ohio. He had seven sons, who also 
became citizens of this township. Other pioneers in this locality were 
the Kelsos, Rev. Jeremiah Lenhart, Ira Hulette, Luther Cole, Jesse Osborn, 
and James Drake, all of whom came in 1841 and 1842. Camden was the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 67 

chief trading point for these settlers, with Richmond and occasionally Lib- 
erty receiving a share of the trade. 

The first settler in Grand River Township was Solomon Tetherow, 
who came in the spring of 1831. There is some doubt as to whether 
Mr. Tetherow or John Splawn built the first cabin in the county. William 
Bowman, the first sheriff of the county, came a few weeks afterwards. 
In 1833 John Tai-water and his wife, Nancy Tarwater, located in this 
township, but had lived at anothpr point in the county prior to that time. 
John Martin and his wife came in 1833, Adam Black in 1834, John Roland, 
Alfred Coots and James O'Dell in 1835. Richmond and Liberty were the 
chief trading points of these settlers. 

1831 marks the first settlement in what is now Harrison Township, 
Eli Wilson and Benedict Weldon came first, both from Tennessee. Nicholas 
and Elijah Trosper, Thomas Reed and Manuel Martin, all Kentuckians, 
came soon afterwards. Obediah Ramsbottom, another of the pioneer set- 
tlers of this township, was a native of England. 

Jackson Township had as its first permanent resident Robert P. Pen- 
iston, who built a cabin there in 1833. Daniel Girdner, John Oxford and 
Robert McHaney also staked out claims there. All of these settlers were 
from Kentucky. The first loom in the township was owned by Mrs. John 
Oxford. 

Thomas Auberry was the first settler in Jamesport Township. Prior 
to his coming to Daviess County in 1834, he had been a resident in Ray 
County and had laid out the town of Richmond. He is described as being 
"a preacher, doctor, farmer, horse-trader, horse-racer, surveyor," 
and "could play at cards so as to come out ahead about as often as 
his opponent." Settlers came slowly to this section of the county — they 
preferred the timber to the prairie. In 1837 and 1838 a number of Vir- 
ginians came in — James Callison, Richard Hill, John McClung and Robert 
Miller. Isaac Jordin, James C. Hill and others came within a short tme. 

Jefferson was one of the first townships to attract homeseekers. 
Anderson Smith, a native of Tennessee, and his wife came from Clay 
County in 1834. Judge Henderson and John Owings, came the same year. 
During the next two years John Higgins, Elijah Armstrong and Wiley 
Cope, all from Tennessee, became residents of the township. 

William M. Prewett and John Smith were the first settlers in Liberty 
Township. They came in the spring of 1834. H. W. and Elisha Creek- 
more, Tobias Miller and T. P. Gilreath came a few months later. All 
but John Smith were Kentuckians, although several of them resided in 
other counties in Missouri before coming to Daviess County. During the 
first two years the settlers had to go to Richmond or Liberty to have their 



68 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

grain ground. A few years later a mill was built on the border of DeKalb 
County and the longer journeys were no longer necessary. 

Lincoln Township was settled comparatively late, John Williams, 
who came in 1837, being the first resident. Mrs. Sarah Williams soon set- 
tled in the same section. Reuben Macy and Thomas Brown followed in 
1838. All came from Kentucky. Peter Bear, a native of Ohio, came 
in March, 1839, and John Mikels, a native of Kentucky but for a time 
a resident of Indiana, come the same month. Other pioneer settlers 
were William and Berg Shirley, from Indiana, Jacob Brown, from Ohio, 
and Joseph Everly, originally from Pennsylvania but more recently a res- 
ident of Indiana. 

David and James Brown came to this county in 1832 and settled in 
what later became Marion Township. Ebenezer Fields, Thomas Penning- 
ton and a few others came in 1833. Before 1838 Rebecca Clevenger, 
David Groomer, Taylor McCulley, William Roper and Elijah Frost had be- 
come residents of the township. The majority of these settlers came 
•from Kentucky. Asa, Ross and Henry Vanover, also from Kentucky, came 
in 1838. Mrs. Rebecca Clevenger and Mrs. William Roper were e.specially 
noted for their skill in weaving. 

Many of the early settlers of Monroe Township have already been 
mentioned. Hardin Stone, Samuel McDow, John Stokes, and William 
Stone came in 1833. The next year Andrew McHaney, M. Wilson, T. B. 
Blakely, George Hemry, B. Osborn, Elijah Foley, William Splawn and 
others arrived. The Stones were from the Carolinas, McHaneys from 
Virginia and the Stokes from Kentucky. 

The first residents of Salem Township were Jonathan and Alexander 
Liggett, natives of Tennessee, who came in 1837. A short time later 
Aurelius Richardson, A. G. Dergin and Matthew Harboard settled in the 
vicinity of where Coffey is now located. John Severe came in 1841 and 
built a water-mill at the Rocky Ford on Cypress Creek. 

In 1833 James McCreary preempted a piece of land in what is now 
Sheridan Township. E. Mann and several others whose names are not 
known, came the same year. Isaac Splawn, Benjamin Rowell, E. Kelso, 
Charles McGee, Nathan Marsh, Anthony Mullins, E. Hulett, and A. Mc- 
Murtry came the following year. In 1840 the McMurtrys, John, Joseph, 
George and Samuel, brothers of A. McMurtry, came from Tennessee. 
George and Reuben Noah, from Ohio, became residents the same year. 
Richard Woodress, Dr. Samuel Venable, Thomas Kries, were also among 
the 1840 immigrants. 

The first settlement in Union Township was made in 1831. In 1830 a 
hunting party from Ray County made up of John Stone, John Stokes, Dan- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 69 

iel Devaul, Wyman Vanderpool, Thomas Linville and two others, had 
been so well pleased with the country that they staked out claims in 1831. 
The Splawns, Creekmores, Penistons and others came in 1831, 1832, and 
1833. Millport was located in Union Township, and as a trading center 
tended to attract residents to that section of the county. The location of 
the county seat in Union Township also tended to give it a lead. Other 
settlers who came prior to 1840 were John A. Williams, Thomas W. Jacobs, 
Thomas Clingan, William C. Atkinson, Jacob Stollings, Lewis J. Dodd, 
Philip Covington, and Marshall K. Howell. 

John Williams, a native of North Carolina and James Munn, of Ken- 
tucky, settled in the northern part of Washington Township in 1836. D. 
Nelson Foster and his wife came in 1838 from Franklin County, Indiana, 
and William Taylor from Kentucky. 

A glance over the first few pages of this chapter shows that the over- 
whelming majority of the early settlers were from south of the Ohio River 
and of the Mason and Dixon line. A few were from Indiana and Ohio, 
but practically none were from New England or the Central Atlantic states. 
Upon examining the sketches of pioneers written by John F. Jordin in 
his "Memoirs," all except one of the subjects came from Kentucky, Vir- 
ginia. Tennessee and North Carolina. The McCues, Prices, Jordins, Bar- 
ges, Gillilans, Hills, Drummonds and Callisons were from Virginia ; the 
Blakelys, Penistons and Ballingers from Kentucky, the Oxfords from North 
Carolina, and the Dinsmores from Tennessee. 

At a later date the character of the population became more cosmo- 
politan. In the history of the county published in 1882, sketches of 395 
Daviess County citizens are given. Classifying them according to the 
place of birth, the following is obtained. 

Missouri 79 or 20 7c 

Virginia 74 or 18.98% 

Ohio 55 or 13.94% 

Illinois 40 or 10.12% 

Kentucky 33 or 8.36% 

Indiana 23 or 5.82% 

Foreign 19 or 4.89%^ 

Pennsylvania 16 or 4.057r 
Tennessee. . . .14 or 3.55% 
Maryland 10 or 2.53% 

Five were from Vermont, three from Wisconsin, eight from North 
Carolina, four from New York, four from Iowa, one each from Alabama, 



70 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Deleware, Michigan, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Mississippi, two from 
New Jersey. Of those of foreign birth, nine were from England, four from 
Canada, five from Germany, four from Ireland, and one from Scotland. 
By taking the same group and eliminating those who came to the 
county after 1860 a much larger percentage is found to have come from 
the Southern states. Of the 395, only 192 came to the county before that 
date and the chart then stands: 

Virginia 55, or 26.65% 

Kentucky 26, or 13.52% 

Ohio 26, or 13.52% 

Indiana 20, or 10.41% 

Tennessee 11, or 5.72% 

Missouri 17, or 8.85% 

North Carolina 9, or 4.69% 
Pennsylvania ... 3, or 3.65% 

Illinois 7, or 3.65% 

Maryland 6, or 3.13% 

In the latter group nearly 54 per cent were from the Southern states 
as against 37 per cent in the first group. In neither group was an attempt 
made to separate residents from Virginia and West Virginia. Most of 
them came before the separation of West Virginia, and the biographies 
frequently did not state the location in the state from which the subject 
came. It is interesting to note that a great many of those who were born 
in Ohio and Indiana were of Virginia stock. The parents came from Vir- 
ginia, stopped in one of these states for a number of years, and then moved 
on to Missouri. 

While the 395 used as a study was only a small part of the population, 
it is probably large enough to be fairly representative of the county. A 
similar study now would probably show a larger percentage born in Mis- 
souri, and a greater number born in the adjoining states of Illinois and 
Iowa. 



CHAPTER II. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 



PETITION PRESENTED IN 1836 BY ALEXANDER DONIPHAN— LOCATION OF COITNTY 
SEAT— TOWN ORDERED PLATTED AND SALE OF LOTS— REPORT OF COMMIS- 
SIONERS—EFFORT TO REMOVE COUNTY SEAT TO CRAVENSVILLE— OTHER 

EFFORTS TO CHANGE COT'NTY SEAT. 

On Nov. 29, 1836, Mr. Alexander W. Doniphan, then representative 
from Clay County, presented to the House of Representatives "the petition 
of sundry inhabitants of the territory attached to the County of Ray, pray- 
ing the organization of a new county," "and also a petition of sundry citi- 
zens of the same place and for the same purpose." Upon Mr. Doniphan's 
motion, the petitions were referred to a select committee, Messrs. Doni- 
phan, Head and Nolan. 

On Dec. 19th, Mr. Doniphan, as spokesman of the committee, reported 
a bill to organize the counties of Caldwell and Daviess. The Journal does 
not give the original bill, but only change was made in the form — an 
amendment changing the boundry line of Caldwell County. This amend- 
ment was proposed by Mr. Blythe of Ray County and adopted on Dec. 21st. 

On Dec. 20th, the bill was reported to the Senate, and on Dec. 27th, 
the Senate reported that it had concun-ed in the passage of the bill. On 
Dec. 29th, the committee on enrolled bills reported that this act with others 
had been presented to the Governor for his signature. The bill was ap- 
proved by Governor Boggs on Dec. 29, 1836. 

Location of the County Seat. — The act creating Daviess and 
Caldwell Counties provided that a commission composed of Joseph Baxter, 
of Clay County, Cornelius Gilliam of Clinton County, and William W. 
Mauzee of Ray County, to select a seat of justice for each of the new coun- 
ties. They were to meet at the home of Francis McGuire in Caldwell county 
on the 1st Monday in April, 1837, and select a site for the. county seat 
of that county, proceeding as soon as possible to Daviess County. The 
citizens north of the river and those on the south desired the county seat 
on their side of the river. The south side won, but there has always been 



^ 



72 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a feeling among the people north of the I'iver that the seat of justice 
should be removed to some point further north. 

Just why one of the already established towns, Millsport or Cravens- 
ville was not selected is not known. A site was chosen and the name 
Gallatin was given to it. The town was ordered to be platted and a sale 
of lots to take place Jan. 8, 1838. Lots might be bought on one or two 
years credit from the date of sale. 

It was not, however, until Sept. 3, 1839, that the report of the com- 
missioners was recorded, and then they had to be hunted up by the county 
clerk, Robert Wilson. Their report read as follows: 
To The Honorable The County Court of Daviess County : 

We, Joseph Baxter, Cornelius Gilliam and Jacob Riffe, being duly ap- 
pointed commissioners to select and locate the seat of justice for the 
County of Daviess, respectfully submit the following report to your Hon- 
orable Body. After being duly qualified, we proceeded to your county on 
the 11th day of September, 1837, and succeeded in finding the center of 
said county, and after a minute examination of the county for several 
miles around said center, we selected and made the location of said seat of 
justice on the northwest quarter of Section No. 20, in Township No. 59, 
of Range No. 27, and designated the place by setting a stake in the presence 
of a number of your citizens on the 13th day of September, 1837, and 
we believe that said location is the most eligible that can be made within 
four miles of the center of your county. 

Respectfully yours, 

Joseph Baxter, 
Jacob Riflfe. 

Jacob Riffe had been appointed to take the place of William Manzee 
who was "very ill and likely to die." 

In 1840 a petition was presented to the county court signed by William 
Michael, Joseph Everly and others asking for the removal of the county 
seat to Cravensville. This would place the seat of justice within a half 
mile of the geographical center of the county. Another reason given for 
asking for the removal was because Gallatin was located "in that part of 
the county which is mostly prairie and cannot admit so dense a population 
as the parts lying west, northwest, north and east of the center of the 
county, with the elements necessary to make settlements." Accoi'ding to 
the petitioners, this would in the future make Gallatin difficult of access 
to the future population. According to tradition. Judge M. T. Green threw 
the petition to the floor and stamped on it. 93 names were signed to the 
petition. At that time there were 280 taxable inhabitants in the county 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 73 

and the law required the concurrence of three-fifths of the taxpayers in 
order to secure removal. Lacking the requisite 168 votes, the petition was 
rejected. 

In locating the county seat all the requirements of the law were not 
strictly complied with, and a question arising as to the legality of the pro- 
ceedings, it was thought best to secure the passage of a legalizing act by 
the Legislature. The request for this act was referred to a committee of 
the Senate. It is evident from the report that the citizens desiring the 
removal of the county seat had not been idle. The report of the com- 
mittee found on page 187 of the Journal of the Senate, 1841, is as follows: 

"Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1841. The committee on the judiciary considered 
with some care the papers and evidence of witnesses in relation to the 
contest about the county seat of Daviess County. They believe that the 
County of Daviess has a good title to the tract of land on which Gallatin, 
the present county seat, is located, but that there have been some inequal- 
ities in the location of the county seat, particularly in the fact that the 
title papers of the county seat not having been submitted to and approved 
by the circuit court of the county. 

"The remonstrance against the bill to legalize the county seat renders 
it probable that a majority of the citizens of that county are opposed to 
Gallatin being continued as the county seat, but as there is considerable 
contrariety of opinion on that subject and as lots have been sold and con- 
tracts made for public buildings at that place, the committee thinks it 
best to legalize the present county seat at Gallatin with the express stipu- 
lation that the seat of justice of said county may be removed at any time 
hereafter by the citizens of said county under the general law if the re- 
quisite number in favor of adopting such a course. The committee there- 
fore report back the bill with an amendment." 

In accordance with the report of the committee the legalizing act was 
passed and approved by the Governor in Jan. 29, 1841. The act empha- 
sized the duty of the county court to order an election for the removal of 
the county seat if demanded by three-fifths of the taxpayers. 

Another attempt to remove the seat of justice north of the river was 
made in the winter of 1865-66. Cravensville had now disappeared but it 
was proposed to locate a new town nearer the geographical center of the 
county than Gallatin. The effort was without result. 

An attempt to change the boundary line between Caldwell and Daviess 
had been made in????. Mention of the bill is made in the Legislative 
Journals, but since it did not pass the changes contemplated are not knonw. 

In 1867 and 1868, however, Gallatin citizens were suddenly alarmed 
by a petition presented to the Legislature by the residents of Hamilton. 



74 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Hamilton is on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad and was nearly three 
times the size of Kingston, the county seat of Caldwell County. But Ham- 
ilton was not in the center of the county, so the citizens undertook to put 
themselves in the center of the county. The petition to the Legislature 
asked that Township 58 be set off from Daviess County and added to 
Caldwell and that a tract of land six miles in width extending the whole 
length of the south side of Harrison County be added to Daviess. While 
putting Hamilton in a position to secure the county seat, it meant that Gal- 
latin and Bethany would be within three or four miles within the southern 
lines of their counties. A letter in the North Missourian of Dec. 24, 1867, 
from W. T. Foster, of Pilot Grove, Daviess County, stated that a majority 
of the people desired the change. This statement was at least open to 
debate. About the feeling of the people of Gallatin there was no doubt. 
Captain Ballinger was sent to Jefferson City to protest against the pass- 
age of such a bill. On Jan. 28, 1868, he telegraphed that the question was 
"dead and buried" by the Legislature. 

Since that time no attempt has been made to change the county line, 
nor the county seat. Until after the building of the new courthouse at 
Gallatin there was always a feeling that there was still a chance for the 
seat of justice being removed north of the river and the largest number 
of votes cast against the building of the courthouse was found in the north- 
ern townships. 



CHAPTER III. 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



COURT HOUSE— JAIL— COUNTY FARM AND BUII-DINGS. 

Court House. — Daviess County's first court house was a private resi- 
dence — the home of Elisha B. Creekmore. Here both the county and cir- 
cuit courts met. At the march term of the county court, 1838, the ques- 
tion of the erection of a court house and jail was discussed, and the fol- 
lowing order was made: 

"It is hereby ordered by the court that Philip Covington be and is here- 
by appointed Superintendent of the court house and jail which is to be built 
in Gallatin, and that he draft a plan of said building and report to this 
court at its next regular term." 

On March 26, 1838, this plan was presented and approved and an ap- 
propriation of $6,000 made for the erection of the building. May 25, 1838, 
was set as the day on which the contract for the building would be let to 
the lowest bidder. The order further provided that the contractor should 
be bound in a sufficient bond for the completion of the building within three 
years, and that one-third of the payments be made annually. 

Mr. Creekmore's home being outside of the county seat, the court, in 
May, 1839, ordered that court from that time on should be held in Gallatin. 
Mr. Creekmore was paid $13 for house rent for circuit court. He was 
treasurer for the first eighteen months, and he evidently paid no attention 
to the court order that business was to be transacted at the county se^t, for 
he later made that statement that for the first half of his term of service 
he received no salaiy and that he was finally dismissed because he persist- 
ed in keeping his office at home instead of in Gallatin. 

Just when the contract for the court house was let is not known, but 
at the March term of the county court, 1839, a contract with Thomas N. 
Aubrey, Robert P. Peniston and William P. Peniston was rescinded, and 
"Philip Covington, supei'intendent of .said courthouse is hereby authorized 
to give up the bond for the completion of said building to the said con- 
tractors on the receipt of his obligation for the payment thereof." Evi- 



76 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

dently Aubrey and the Penistons had taken no steps towards carrying the 
contract into execution. 

The court then tried two men — Jacob StolHngs and W. C. Livcy. 
Their plans were accepted in March, 1840. The specifications provided 
that the foundation was to be three feet thick, the brick wall of the first 
stoiy to be 18 inches thick, second story 13 inches thick ; the building was 
to be four square, two additional windows in the upper story, one over each 
door, the wall and the roof were to be painted Venetian red, doors to be 
painted a beech yellow, the door and window casings and sash to be painted 
with white lead. The window blinds were to be green and the window 
frames were to be put in plain and arch braces and mouldings to be put in 
afterwards. The contractor was to be put under bond to put up the walls 
and roof in one year and the remaining part in two years, each part pay- 
able when completed. 

In writing of the building of this first courthouse, J. F. Jordin says: 
"So it was that these sturdy old pioneers with the entire revenue amount- 
ing to but $286.44 started boldly to build a $6000 courthouse and a $400 
jail. But there were giants in those days ! Men who were in the habit 
of doing impossible things, men with civic pride who realized that their 
lot had been cast in a land rich in latent natural resources and with brave 
hearts and willing hands they approached the task of proving themselves 
worthy of such a heritage. * * * * Coonskins were current money 
of the realm and at 50 cents apiece it would have taken 12,800 coons to pay 
for these public improvements." 

Work was begun in the summer of 1840. The enterprise seems to 
have been backed financially by Benedict Weldon. Various changes were 
made in the plans, more time was granted, there were changes in contrac- 
tors, and finally on May 1, 1843, the following court order was made: 

"Now on this day come Joseph L. Nelson and prayed the court to re- 
ceive the court house as finished (except the repairing of two windows 
which have been broken since the completion, one bolt on each of the out- 
side doors, repairing the plastering in second story and penciling chim- 
neys) and that the court would order the Superintendent to deliver to him 
the said Nelson the bonds executed to the county by Benedict Weldon for 
the completion of said house. Whereupon the court proceeded to examine 
the house, after which mature deliberation being thereupon had, it is 
ordered that the house be received as finished with the exceptions above 
named; that Tobias Miller, the superintendent, deliver up to said Nelson 
the bonds of Benedict Weldon aforesaid." The total cost of the court- 
house was $8094.55 Its dedication went uncelebrated. A writer in the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 77 

Gallatin Democrat of Oct. 8, 1908, gives the following description of the 
building: 

"The old courthouse was square, probably 40x40, no record existing 
of its exact dimensions. There were two double door openings, one each 
on the west and south. The courtroom took up the entire lower floor. The 
rostrum was on the north side built high so that the feet of those on it 
were above the eye level of the seated spectators. The courtroom was fur- 
nished with wooden benches. Here it was that James S. Rollins and R. 
M. Stewart, candidates for governor, met in a joint debate and would have 
pummeled each other with their fists but for the prompt intervention of 
friends. 

"The stairway leading to the second floor was at the southwest corner. 
There were four rooms upstairs, one too small for practical use on account 
of the stairs, but was the office for many years of the early day lawyers 
beginning with the late John A. Leopard. The probate oflSce was in the 
northeast room, the recorder's in the northwest and the sheriff's in the 
southeast." 

A single story, two room structure was built about 1858 just east of 
the courthouse and in it the circuit clerk and recorded, the offices being 
under one official at that time, and county clerk's offices were established. 
There were no vaults in the offices and the records were kept in desks or 
racks having little or no protection. 

A wooden tower surrounded by a balcony and ornamented with a brass 
ball the size of a washtub topped the building. On gala days the band 
occupied the balcony and the tower was decorated with flags. This cupola 
was a constant source of trouble. It would leak. As early as 1849 the 
court paid $85 to have it guaranteed waterpi-oof for two years and in 1870 
the total repairs on the courthouse amounted to $1500. 

As early as 1865 we find the local papers complaining of the condition 
of the courthouse. The old building grew more and more unsatisfactory 
and in 1883 the Frank James trial was held in a building owned by Judge 
Alexander on the west side of the public square on the site now occupied 
by the Payne Furniture Company. On June 12, Mr. Lamkin, of the Galla- 
tin Democrat, had published this statement: "It is said that Governor 
Crittenden and Phelps, General Shelby and other eminent men will be in 
Gallatin to attend the James trial, and it is enough to make every citizen 
of Daviess County blush with shame to be compelled to point to this miser- 
able abode of bats and owls and say to these eminent visitors, "This is our 
courthouse." After the trial the county court entered into negotiations with 
Mr. Alexander, and the building was arranged to accommodate the circuit 



78 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

court and one or two county offices. The old court house was torn down 
in 1886, but the side building remained for several more years. 

In 1890 the building owned by Judge Alexander burned and the Pro- 
bate records were destroyed. The present building on the same site was 
then erected. 

Several propositions to vote bonds for a new courthouse were voted 
down. In 1889 a proposition to erect a $50,000 courthouse was rejected by 
a majority against of 223 votes. In March, 1902, the county court, on the 
petition of the required number of taxpayers ordered an election to be held 
on April 22, on the question of erecting a new courthouse at a cost of not 
to exceed $75,000, to be paid for in bonds payable in five and due in ten 
years, to be paid by a levy of not to exceed 25 cents on the $100 valuation. 
A verj' light vote was cast and the vote stood 1526 for and 1118 against, 
but since a two-thirds majority was necessary, the proposition was lost. 

In September of the same year, a petition was presented to the court 
asking for a vote on the question of issuing bonds not to exceed $70,000, 
bearing 4 per cent interest and maturing in five years. At the election 
on Nov. 4, the vote stood 1821 for and 1054 against, Washington, James- 
port and Lock Springs precincts having a majority against. 

The voters having twice within a year rejected propositions for build- 
ing, the county court felt justified in making a contract for the use of the 
Alexander block for a period of seven years. 

The question was still kept before the people by the press, and in 
1905 petitions were again circulated for another submission of the propo- 
sition. It was proposed to build a $75,000 courthouse, to be paid for by a 
special tax of four direct levies of 20 cents each rather than by issuing 
bonds. More than 500 singned the petition and it was presented to the 
county court by D. H. Davis. Accordingly, December 9th was set as the 
day of election. Mass meetings were held all over the county. This time 
the vote was 2299 for and 803 against. Only four townships failed to give 
the proposition a two-thirds majority, and two of these went more than 
two to one against. 

An advisory committee was appointed by the county court in Febru- 
ary, 1906. The members were Frank Ray, W. T. Smith, H. R. Hill, R. E. 
Maupin, W. C. Pogue, John R. Handy, W. P. Minnick, D. H. Davis, W. H. 
Kindig, E. G. Brown, J. H. Wise, Grant McCrary, E. M. Foley and Moses 
Mann. The court selected as a building committee A. M. Dockery, C. M. 
Harrison, J. W. Meade, Boyd Dudley and Weasley L. Robertson. 

In April, 1906. architects submitted plans to the county court, but de- 
cision was deferred for a time. The plans and specifications of P. H. 
Weathers were adopted, and in August the contract for the construction 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 79 

of the building were let to M. T. Lewman, of Louisville, Kentucky, at $69,- 
625. Work was begun early in November, with J. W. Alexander, Superin- 
tendent of construction, and M. E. Pangburn, accountant. In April, 1907, 
the foundation was pronounced satisfactory. The cornerstone of the 
building was laid on May 24, 1907, the Masonic lodge having charge of 
the ceremony. On Monday, August 31, 1908, the court formally accepted 
the courthouse and final payment was made to the Louisville company. 

The formal dedication took place Oct. 5th. In the morning the corner- 
stone of the Y. M. C. A. was laid, the Masons having charge. In the after- 
noon the meeting was called to order by Judge George A. McWilliams. 

Jail. — As stated in the account of the courthouse, Philip Covington 
was ordered in March 1838 to draw up plans for a jail. The plan was ac- 
cepted and an appropriation of $400 was made for that purpose. The 
contract was awarded to John B. Comer in May, 1838, and a year was 
allowed in which to erect the building. Mr. Comer was unable to finish 
the work in that time and in June of the following year an extension of 
time until December 25 was granted him. The court may have considered 
a jail to be of more immediate importance than a courthouse as three years 
was allowed for the building of the latter. The lack of a good jail was 
presented rather forcibly to the citizens when in July, 1839 Maybeny 
Mitchell presented the court with an account in favor of certain citizens 
of Clay County for guarding Joseph Smith and others. The bill amounted 
to $480. Since the entire revenue derived from taxation that year amout- 
ed to but $460.30, $125.45 of which was delinquent, the dismay of the court 
may be easily imagined. The matter was laid over to the August term, 
and court refused to allow the claim. It was then by agreement certified 
to the circuit court for final adjudication. This court found for the citi- 
zens of Clay County and in Sept., 1840, the court ordered the claim to be 
paid. 

Again John B. Comer asked for an additional year in which to com- 
plete the jail. The building was finally ready for occupancy in March, 
1841. The jail is described as follows in Kost's History of Daviess County: 

"It stood on the next block north of the public square in Gallatin, and 
was made of hewn timber one foot square and notched down so as to fit 
close. It was double, on one pin within another, with four inches of space 
between them. This space was filled with straight poles dropped down 
from the top. The bottom or floor was also double, like the sides. The 
inner space of the building was 20 feet square and the height of the 
ceiling was also 20 feet. The only entrance was through a trap-door in 
the center of the ceiling." 

The total cost of this prison was $560. In April, 1857, the court ap- 



80 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

propriated $4000 to build a stone jail in the northwest corner of the public 
square. James McFerran was appointed to superintendent its construc- 
tion. The building was completed Nov. 15, 1858, and cost $7850. In June, 
1859, a kitchen and smokehouse were added at a cost of $579. This jail 
burned in ????, the general opinion being that it was set on fire. 

In 1887, it was decided by the county court to errect a new jail, $11,- 
000 of the county funds being appropriated for that purpose. A. M. Irving 
was appointed commissioner, and submitted plans for a jail and sheriff's 
residence. This jail has been used ever since. Recently a survey was 
made by W. L. Nelson, representing the State Board of Charities, of the 
jails of the state. He described thirty-two as being below a descent stand- 
ard as to ventilation, sanitation, size or security. The Daviess County 
jail was among the 32. 

County Farm. — The first move to secure a permanent home for 
the cai'e of the destitute of the county was made in 1864. Prior to that 
time the care of the poor had been let out by the sheriff to the lowest bid- 
der. Occasionally the court would assume the responsibility and fix the 
terms for their support. The terms ranged all the way from $25 to $100 
a year, paid quarterly. 

At the December term of the county court, 1864, Andrew Shriver and 
Samuel A. Richardson were appointed commissioners to select a site for 
an almshouse and to report in January, 1865. A tax of one-sixth of one 
per cent on all subjects of taxation was ordered to defray the expense of 
purchasing the farm and erecting the necessary buildings. 

The commissioners reported that of the several farms off'ered, what 
was known as the Ward farm seemed to them the best suited for the pur- 
pose and recommended its purchase at $15 per acre. The farm of 160 
acres was purchased at that price, William W. Everly acting as agent for 
the county. The following terms ivere agreed upon ; one half cash, $800 
within two months and $400 within six months, with ten per cent interest 
upon deferred payments. 

This farm was of little use to the county. No buildings were put up, 
and after a few years it was sold and another farm selected. 

The farm of John Cooper was purchased by the county court in July, 
1873. The tract included 100 acres and the purchase price was $2000. 

In 1914 an examination of the county farm disclosed that miserable 
conditions obtained. The conditions, when reported, created a demand 
for a decided change. A petition was then circulated asking for a special 
election to vote on the question of erecting a modern infiiTnary. The peti- 
tion was signed by nearly 700 taxpayers. The court accordingly in March 
1915 ordered an election to be held the first Tuesday in June. The propo- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 81 

sition was to sell the present farm and purchase a site nearer the county 
seat. A special tax of 10 cents on the $100 valuation for two years was 
ordered to pay for the new building. This proposition was rejected by the 
voters. 

Since that improvements have been made on the present farm, and 
while conditions are far from ideal, things are in a fair condition. 

Not all of the poor are cared for at the county farm. A number are 
allowed a certain amount a month, while other needy persons are given oc- 
casional help. 

The county also has the expense of a number in the various state in- 
stitutions. At the end of 1920 the county had supported 42 persons in state 
hospitals and assisted 47 not in state hospitals. The total amount expended 
by the county for poor persons in state hospitals was $987.90, while the 
sum expended for poor persons not in state hospitals was $4864.18. 



CHAPTER IV. 



CITIES AND TOWNS. 



GALLATIN— COFFEY— WINSTON— PATTONSBTRG — JAMESON— CARLOW — LOCK 
SPRINGS— ALTAMONT— CIVIL BEND — MILLPORT — ADAM-ONDI-AHMON — CRAV- 
ENSVILLE;— PRAIRIE CITY— CRITTENDEN— ECLIPSE— OLD PATTONSBURG — VIC- 
TORIA— ALTA VISTA— BANCROFT. 

Gallatin. — The events connected with the selection of the site for the 
seat of justice have already been mentioned. The land upon which the 
town is located was preempted by Philip Covington. Some difficulty later 
arose over the title and it was not until 1869 that the necessary quit claim 
deed was secured. The town was platted in December, 1837 and the first lots 
were sold Jan. 8, 1858. Main and Grand streets were each to be 80 feet 
wide, and all other streets 60 feet in width. Jacob Stollings built the first 
house in the town — located where the Etter Dry Goods Company now has 
its store. At about the same time George W. Worthington put up a build- 
ing for a dram shop. The first grocery store was kept by John A. Williams. 
Thomas W. Jacobs opened a dry goods store and Jesse Adamson a grocery. 
Compton and Mann a general store. All of these business establishments 
were started before June, 1838. The first tavern was opened by Lewis J. 
Dodd, while the "Mansion House" was opened in 1844 by Stollings and Peck. 

Gallatin was first incorporated in 1854, the trustees being Thomas T. 
Frame, Joseph L. Wilson, Alfred L. Barnett, George W. Brosius and Robert 
Wilson. For some unknown reason no other trustees were elected under 
this charter. On Nov. 7, 1854, Gallatin was again incorporated. Dr. John 
Cravens, Adam Clemdenen, James Owings, Henry Whittington and Otis B. 
Richardson were appointed the first trustees. By 1857 the town had a pop- 
ulation of about 400 and then asked for incorporation as a city. The Gen- 
eral Assembly passed the necessary act and it was approved by the Gov- 
ernor Nov. 21, 1857. The first election of Mayor and Council was held in 
May, 1858 when the following were elected. William M. Givens, Mayor; J. 
H. McGee, S. T. Hill, John Ballinger and Henry W. Lile, Council. The 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 83 

Council then appointed William M. Sheets, Clerk, William T. Osborn, Treas- 
urer and C. A. Witt, Marshall and Collector. 

During the Civil War there were no elections, control of affairs being 
largely in the hands of the militia. In Nov., 1866, upon the petition of 
Joseph of McGee and a hundred and one other residents tax payers, the 
county court appointed Joab Woodruff, Joseph H. McGee, Samuel A. Rich- 
ardson, D. L. Kost and John Ballinger, Trustees for the town until next 
election. This enabling act seemed unsatisfactory and in Sept., 1868 a 
number of citizens petitioned W. C. Gillihan, who was a notary public to 
call an election to fill all vacancies in "office elective under the charter of 
said city". The election of D. Harfield Davis as Mayor, Jacob Woodruff, 
Robert H. Grantham, Benton Miller and James D. Vance, members of the 
council. 

A new charter was granted Gallatin in 1870 by the General Assembly, 
and the first election under it was held the first Tuesday of April 1870, and 
resulted in the selection of D. C. McDougal, Mayor, Joel H. Brundidge, 
Thomas J. Grain, A. M. Irving and Amos Poe, council. 

In 1877 an attempt was made to have Gallatin become a city of the 
Fourth Class, but the proposition was defeated by a vote of 33 to 94. The 
city continued to operate under its special charter until 1908 when by a 
vote of 260 to 105 Gallatin became a city of the Fourth Class. 

A number of additions have been made to the original town site. 

In 1878 it was decided to macadamize the public square. The work 
was under the direction of Squire Ewing. Morley and Venable were given 
the contract for the south side at $2.00 per square of 10 feet. By 1882 the 
work had been completed, as well as a road to the Rock Island depot. It is 
now proposed to have the main streets paved. In 1905 an ordinance was 
passed providing that all new sidewalks put down must be made of brick 
or granetoid. 

In 1906 Governor Dockery purchased a tract of land which he presented 
to the town for a park. Additional land was purchased and Dockery Park 
was formally dedicated on June 18, 1907. For many years the Catholic 
church had owned a lot in Gallatin near the park. A controversy later 
arose over the ownership and finally in 1909 an acre adjoining the park 
was exchanged for the land in controversy. In the same year Governor 
Dockery added two more acres to the park. 

Since 1911 Gallatin has maintained a Chautauqua which is managed 
by a group of citizens, rather than by a Chautauqua company. 

The population of Gallatin in 1890 was 1,489; in 1900, 1,780; in 1910, 
1,825; and in 1920 it was 1,747. 

Jamesporl. — The story of the founding of Jamesport is best related 



84 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in the words of one of the founders, Dr. J. T. Allen, who in 1905 wrote a 
series of articles for the North Missourian entitled, "Recollections of an 
Old Settler." 

"James Gillilan's house stood near where the school house now stands, 
only on the West side of the street. Remember that there was nothing 
east of that but prairie. I built my office in his yard in the spring of 1856. 
I made a trip to Virginia in that fall. When I left I told Mr. Gillilan to 
finish my office. When I returned it was nearly Christmas, but Mr. Gillilan 
had not done a thing to my office. When I asked why, he said he thought 
I would want to go to one of the new towns, which had been laid out in my 
absence. I was, as the saying goes, knocked clear out of the persimmon 
tree, as the understanding was when I left we would lay out a town where 
it now exists. There was a spritely widow, a Mrs. Murray, who had laid 
out a town thr-ee miles north of the Jamesport-to-be, and she called it 
Edray. If any doubts this, look at the records in your county clerk's office. 
Another town was laid out by Mr. Smith about two miles east. As I had 
devoted a great deal of time in studying the law about how to lay out 
towns, I found that Mr. Smith, although he had advertised sale of lots, had 
violated the law by not having previously recorded the plat as the law di- 
rects. So I scared him oflf by a threat of the law, and I told Mr. Gillilan I 
thought we could beat the widow, as this was the place for the town. So 
with his consent I platted the old town and got a young man named Solo- 
mon to survey it. Not being accustomed to laying out towns, I made the 
streets too narrow. Mr. Gillihan gave me choice of a half block, with the 
privilege to select where I wished. I selected the lots where the old Buz- 
zard bank stood. On the other half was erected the first hotel. We had 
a public sale of lots and did well. I will state here that with Mr. Gillilan's 
consent we had an agreement that no saloon should be allowed to hold any 
lot. They finally beat us in this. 'As the children of darkness are always 
wiser in their generation than the children of light.' 

"This is a true story of the origin of Jamesport. Mr. Gillilan and my- 
self pondered a long time as to the name we should give our new foundling, 
and as we were both named James, we concluded to call it for ourselves." 

The town grew slowly, having in 1870 only about 120 inhabitants, 
with the building of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, now a part of 
the Rock Island sj-stem, Jamesport took on new life. The first train came 
thru the town on June 25, 1871. New business houses began to be built. 
A grain house was erected by Franklin Collison in the summer of that year, 
Dunn & Miller started a large store building and a lumber yai'd established. 
In 1872 the Jones Mill was built. Between July 1, 1871 and Jan. 1, 1872, 
forty dwellings and ten stores were built. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 85 

In 1872 a petition was presented to the county clerk asking that James- 
port be incoiTDorated. 

Franklin Callison, Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Maro Thomas, A. B. Barnes 
and Isaiah H. Jones, were appointed trustees. 

By 1875 the population had increased to 400. In that year the board 
of trustees undertook numerous improvements, sidewalks and street cross- 
ings were put in. 

In Jan. 22, 1881, Jamesport voted to become a city of the fourth class, 
The vote being 78 to 22. Franklin Callison was the first mayor and P. H. 
Lilly, J. C. Murray, Horatio Bunker and J. H. Berry made up the first 
board of aldermen. 

The Commercial Club has been especially active in the improvement 
of roads. 

Jamesport has one of the prettiest parks in this section of the state. 

Coffey. — Located in Salem township is a small town platted under the 
name of Salem but the post-office is known as Coffey. The official name of 
the town is now seldom used. It was platted in 1856, and the plat recorded 
July 29th of that year. In an account of the life of William Galbreath the 
following data was obtained: "Uncle Billy Galbreath came to Daviess 
County in Oct., 1848, and settled on the site of what is today Coffeyburg.** 
*** He gave the ground on which Pennebakers store now stands to Cole 
Brown and Frederick Westpheling in the early Fifties, provided they 
would establish a general merchandise store, which they did, ****** Uncle 
Billy was one of the committee, which secured the crossing of the old state 
roads from Plattsburg to Trenton and Hamilton to Bethany at Coffeyburg 
and the store located at the crossroads did a thriving business." The first 
residence was built by Edwin Mclntire. William Triplett had the first 
blacksmith shop and William Gillispie the first cabinet shop. The town be- 
gan to get daily mails in 1876. 

The building of the K. C. & I. Railroad which passes through the town 
made it an important center in that part of the county. The population 
In 1920 was 367. 

Winston. — The 1882 history makes the following statements regard- 
ing Winston : "It has a greater extent of rich farming country tributary 
to it than any town in the county, not even excepting Gallatin, and if a 
public spirit of enterprise is exhibited will soon rival in population and 
wealth the seat of justice of Daviess." 

The Chicago and Southwestern railroad was completed in the summer 
of 1871. At that time a station was established about halfway between 
Gallatin and Cameron. This station was at first called Crofton. The land 
upon which the town was built was owned by Mrs. Susan Ethington, Fred- 



86 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

erick Croft, Jacob Fleisher and Henry Koons. A large portion of the site 
was donated to the railroad company for railroad and town purposes. The 
railroad conveyed the land to a group of men in Gallatin known as the Gal- 
latin Company. The company pushed the sale of lots. The town then be- 
came known as Winson or Winstonville. The postoffice was established at 
this point in Feb., 1872, and F. B. Brown was the first postmaster. There 
being another postoffice in the state called Winson the postoffice here was 
called Emporia. Up into the eighties the town was frequently referred to 
by this name. 

T. J. Jefferies was the first station agent and the first store was open- 
ed by Joseph Swike in 1871. Henry Koons established the first hotel. The 
first physician was Dr. Wilson, and Dr. D. M. Clagett came in 1874. 

The town was incorporated in March, 1878, and T. J. Jefferies, D. M. 
Clagett, Jonas Potts, John T. Taylor and Otho Preston were the first 
trustees. 

A commercial club was organzied in 1906. 

The town has a population of 339. 

Pattonsburg. — The plat of Pattonsburg is filed under the name of Elm 
Flat. It is located in the bottoms of Sampson Creek and took the name 
from the number of elms growing there. About a mile and a half north of 
the town stood old Pattonsburg. When the Chillicothe and Omaha Railroad 
was being built through the county in 1871, Benton Township subscribed 
$20,000.00 to the road, said road to run through the old town of Patton- 
burg. But instead the company built to Big Creek and there stopped for 
a time. Business men from Pattonsburg began to move to the railroad and 
soon the old town was deserted. The new town grew rapidly. A list of 
business references in 1876 contains the following names. E. H. Tillery, 
proprietor of the Valley house, Alex Edson proprietor of the Forest House. 

Elm Flat was first incorporated Aug. 7, 1877, but an error had been 
made in the description of the land. On Sept. 10th, the court granted the 
amended petition. 

W. G. Weldon, John W. Casebolt, F. E. Venable, Thomas J. Mattingly 
and E. B. Christie constituted the first board of trustees. 

On IVIay 28, 1895, the business section was almost entirely destroyed 
by fire. The loss was estimated at more than $50,000. New buildings were 
soon put up. 

In 1909 the county was subjected to the most disastrous flood in its 
history. On July 6th, the flood began. Big and Sampson creeks and Grand 
river rose rapidly. A band of some thirty men headed by Mayor Maupin 
started working on the dike near Pattonsburg, thinking that by rip-rap- 
ping a great of the danger could be averted. Within a few hours the town 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 87 

was under water except some of the houses in Highland addition. The 
new drainage project which is on foot in that section of the county will 
when completed, prevent the recurrence of a like disaster. 

The population is 1068. The town has always had a group of business 
men who were interested in good roads and they have managed to secure 
the location of a number of trails thru Pattonsburg. 

The citizens have recently opened a country club house. 

Jameson. — The St. Louis, Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad completed its 
road as far as the location of Jameson in June, 1871. A surveying party 
from Chillicothe laid out a town at this point, completing the work on June 
12, 1871. Benjamin G. Kimball was appointed as agent for the company 
and on the following Monday, he began selling lots at $100 each. The land 
upon which the town was laid out was entered by Charles Cravens on Oct. 
2, 1854, and a year later a tract adjoining it by Ark Briggs. Henry Briggs 
owned the land at the time the town was laid out. At first the postoffice 
was known as Feurt Summitt, but the name was afterwards changed to 
Jameson. 

Herbert D. White put up the first building, a small frame building used 
for a grocery and restaurant. The store building of a Mr. Threlkeld and 
James F. Hamaker were erected within a short time. Elijah Hubbard was 
in charge of the first hotel. J. W. Wanamaker, a blacksmith and wagon- 
maker, soon opened a shop and did a lively business. William McCoy start- 
ed a livery and feed stable. The first drug store was owned by Dr. William 
Allen, who was also the town's first physician. The first lumber yard was 
owned by Leeper & Grappler. 

John A. Brown was the first postmaster, but was soon succeeded by 
Dr. Walker. Squire Scott, one of the justices of Grand River Township, 
held the first court in Jameson. The railroad books show that 24 cars of 
grain and 53 cars of stock were shipped from the new town during Oct. 
and Nov., 1871. 

On Oct. 12, 1876, Jameson was incorporated, and A. 0. Siple, W. T. 
Stovall ,J. M. Raley, A. Ingraham, and S. F. Howell were appointed trustees. 

In 1882, a plot of ground was laid off for a public park. Here has been 
held the annual event of greatest social importance to Jameson and the 
surrounding community, the K. P. picnic, held each year on Aug. 9th. 

The population of Jameson was 329 in 1920. 

Carlow, an incorporated village in Jackson Township, is a station of 
the Wabash Railroad. The town has several stores and a bank. A con- 
solidated school has recently been built on a site a short distance north of 
the village. 

Lock Springs is in the southeast part of Jackson Township on the 



88 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Wabash railroad. In 1890, it had 212 inhabitants ; in 1900, 246 ; in 1910, 
255 ; and in 1920, 288. 

Altamont is the youngest town in the county. In the early nineties, 
the C. R. I. & P. Railroad built an extension of its line to St. Joseph. Win- 
ston had expected that the division point would be at that place. Instead 
the junction was located about three miles nearer Gallatin, and called Alta- 
mont, meaning "High Mountain", and so named because of its elevation of 
1,002 feet at the railroad depot. 

All of the members of the present town board are women, with one 
exception. It is the first town of the county to elect women to such posi- 
tions. The population in 1920 was 349. 

Civil Bend is an unincorporated village located in Marion Township. 
It was laid out by Gilbert Canfield in 1868. The first business house was 
built by John T. Price, and N. B. Brown was another of the early merch- 
ants. In 1880 the population was 78. With the coming of the railroads, 
other towns located along the railroad prospered at the expense of Civil 
Bend, which has declined in population and business importance since 1880. 

Mill Port was a thriving village when Daviess county was organized 
in 1836. At that time the settlers on Lick Fork, Honey creek and Grind- 
stone creek combined and managed to have the county seat located south 
of Grand river. This marked the end of the prosperous career of the first 
town in the county. Mill Port merchants lost no time in removing to the 
county seat, where they were among the first merchants of the new town 
of Gallatin. In the fall of 1838 Mill Port was burned by the Mormons and 
no attempt was made to rebuild it. 

Adam-ondi-Ahmon. — Early in 1837 Mormon immigrants began to flock 
into Daviess County. They settled mainly south of the river. At the time 
the administrative headquarters of the Mormon church had just been 
established at Far West in Caldwell County. In April, 1838, Joseph Smith, 
Jr., had one of his famous revelations which resulted in the establishment 
of a Mormon town in Daviess County. Following the vision he tells in his 
History of the Church how in May of that year he came up Grand river 
until he came to the home of Lyman Wight, one of the most prominent of 
his followers. Here they selected a town site, four miles south and one- 
half mile west of Gallatin. This place had been called Spring Hill, but 
by order of the prophet it was now named Adam-ondi-Ahmon. 

Cravensville. — After the Mormons were driven from Adam-ondi- 
Ahmon, a new town was established on the same site by Dr. John Crav- 
ens, who had come from Virginia and had settled in Saline County, a short 
time before the outbreak of the Mormon trouble. The town was called 
Cravensville. For a number of years Cravensville contested with Gallatin 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 89 

for the county seat. At one time 93 of the 280 taxpayers of the county 
petitioned to have Cravensville made the seat of justice, but the county 
court rejected the proposal. The town had ten or twelve dwelling houses, 
several stores and about 60 inhabitants. 

Prairie City. — The plat of Prairie City, located in the northern part 
of the county, was filed by J. R. Vancil on June 1, 1857. As late as 1870 
the village had an assessed valuation of $365, but at that time it had prac- 
tically disappeared. 

Crittenden was located in the southwestern part of Lincoln Town- 
ship. Stage lines passed through it four times a week. In 1860 Joseph 
H. Herndon was postmaster. After the war practically nothing was heard 
of the village. 

Eclipse had practically no existence except on paper. The plat was 
recorded Dec. 15, 1856 by James Blizzard. 

Old Pattonsburg was located about one and one-half miles north of 
the present town of that name. About 1845 Matthew Patton built on Big 
Creek the first water-mill in Benton Township. The settlement which 
sprang up near the mill was at first called Patton Mill, but was later chang- 
ed to Pattonburg. 

In 1872 the Wabash Railroad built as far as the present site of Pat- 
tonsburg, which was then known as Elm Flat. The business men soon be- 
gan to remove to the Flats, but they took the name of the town with them. 
The old town rapidly disappeared, and is now a cornfield. 

Victoria. — Jefl'erson Township furnished sites for two towns, which 
are now extinct. Victoria, named for the English queen, was laid out in 
in 1855 by John Osborn, and was located less than a mile from the southern 
line of the township in Section 32. 

When the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad was built, trade was di- 
verted to Cameron and when later the Rock Island was built thru the 
country, Victoria was again overlooked and has been practically extinct 
since 1880. 

Alta Vista, also located in Jefferson township, was laid out by M. D. 
Hines, in 1856. Mr. Mines conducted the first store located in the new town. 
Alta Vista had the distinction of giving the first barbecue in the county on 
July 4, 1858. Alta Vista has also disappeared, the name remaining only to 
designate the neighborhood. 

Bancroft was situated about a mile from the Sullivan County line in 
Lincoln Township. In 1859 John Oram and Thomas Mickels each gave five 
acres for the town site. The first merchant was Washington Nichols and 
Lon Chaplin had the first blacksmith shop. This town enjoyed a greater 
prosperity than its contemporaries. About 1890 the Omaha and Quincy 



90 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Railroad was built through the county, missing Bancroft by about a mile. 
Oilman was built at that distance from Bancroft. From that time on the 
town fought a losing fight and has now ceased to exist. 



CHAPTER V. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



BLACK HAWK WAR— HEATHERLY WAR— MEXICAN WAR— COL. WICKHAMS MILITLV 
COMPANY. COMPANY A. SECOND MISSOURI REGIMENT. N. G. M. 

Black Hawk War. — Settlers had just begun to come into what is now 
Daviess County when all of North Missouri was aroused over the threaten- 
ed attack of Indians under Chief Black Hawk. In the fall of 1831, many 
of the settlers took their families back nearer the Missouri River where 
the county was more thickly populated and better protection was offered, 
in case of attack by the Indians. It is said that Daniel Devaul when 
the first alarm came announced his intention of staying and seeing the 
thing through. He made a very heavy door to replace the thin slab one, 
and cut holes through which to shoot. A few of the neighbors decided to 
stand by him and the Devaul cabin was arranged to withstand the seige. 
About this time a second alarm came, conditions seemed much more terri- 
fying. Mr. Devaul and his two friends decided not to risk their lives any 
longer and followed the neighbors to a place of safety. Some of the pio- 
neers who did not leave the county built a block house surrounded by pali- 
sades near a spring on the old John Merritt farm. Scouts were sent out 
and every one was ready for business if the Indians appeared. But there 
was no need for alarm as the Indians who sometimes visited the county 
were very peaceably inclined. 

A company of rangers was organized in Ray County by Colonel Skouts 
and many young men living within the boundaries of the present Daviess 
County joined the company. Among them were Hardin Stone, Theodore 
Peniston and Milford Donaho. Maj. McGee relates this incident which 
occured while the men were in service : 

"It was while scouting at the head waters of the Chariton river that 
the rangers met a company from Howard County on a similar warlike mis- 
sion. During the meeting the question of markmanship came up and a 
shooting match was arranged between the two companies. A Mr. Josiah 
Davis was selected by the Howard County boys to show Daviess County 
youngsters how to handle shooting irons while the gallant hunter and rang- 
er Milford Donaho was selected as the Ray and Daviess County representa- 



92 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tive to show the Howard County boys that while they could hold a full 
hand at brag, when it came to a sharp eye and a steady hand the rangers 
were at home to all comers. It was reported a close match, but Mr. Donaho 
was declared the winner." 

The Indian War was soon over and with the danger removed the set- 
tlers soon began to return and many others came with them. 

The Heatherly War. — What is usually styled the "Heatherly War" is 
impoi'tant chiefly because of the excitement it created in the northwestern 
counties. A family by the name of Heatherly lived in what is now Grundy 
County on Medicine river. With them were four men, Thomas, Watkins, 
Hawkins and a colored man. All were regarded as rather desprate charac- 
ters.. In 1836 they were organized into a regular horse-stealing band, and 
made raids wherever there was any chance of meeting with success. In 
the fall of that year they took horses from a man by the name of Dunbar 
and his companion. Both men were killed trying to defend their property. 
The character of the Heatherly gang being pretty well known, they were 
under the necessity of doing something to divert suspicion. They there- 
fore invented the story that the Indians, the lowas and the Sacs, were on 
the warpath, scalping and killing and burning the homes of the settlers. 
Any mention of an attack by the Indians was terrifying to the settlers and 
they had visions of whole armies of savages pouring in upon them. The 
inhabitants at Moore's and Thompson's settlements assembled. Those at 
Moore's hastily built a block house. The militia was ordered out by Gen- 
eral Thompson, two companies were ordered out from Ray, and two from 
Clay, a number joining from Daviess and Livingston. It was soon learned 
that it was a false alarm and the settlers determined to find out the cause. 
It was soon traced to the Heatherly gang, who had stated that Indians had 
been murdering. The bodies of the two men were found in the river. De- 
tection being practically certain, Hawkins, one of the gang, turned state's 
evidence. The gang was sent to the penitentiary. 

The Mexican War. — The exploits of the Missouri troops in the Mexi- 
can War are too well known to need repetition. Daviess County's part in the 
struggle is harder to determine. In 1846 a volunteer company was raised 
in Ray County and mustered into service on the first of August. This 
company, Company "G", Battallion of Missouri Mounted Rifles, was com- 
manded by Captain Israel R. Hindley. A number of Daviess County men 
joined this company. Captain Hindley was killed at the Battle of Mors, 
and William M. Jacobs then became captain. This company was a part of 
the command of Colonel Alexander W. Doniphan. A company was raised 
in northern part of Daviess County, and in Harrison and Gentry Counties. 
This group became Company "H" in a regiment which went from Jackson 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 93 

County. Captain Simons, who had raised the company, died on the way out 
and Benjamin Salmon, of Daviess County, was elected to fill the vacancy. 
In July, in a fight with the Apache Indians and Mexicans, Captain Salmon 
was severely wounded. After the battle he was removed to a hospital at 
Toas where he died the following February. Other members of Company 
"H" from this county were Nathaniel H. Blakley, Granville D. Sego, James 
A. Robinson, John M. Conkle, Samuel Gunter, Henry Johnson, Jacob Hoover 
and Captain Meredith Morris. 

William Y. Slack of Livingston County organized a company in that 
county, and a number of Daviess countians enlisted. Among them were 
Captain John W. Sheets, Francis Peniston, Jack Edwards, Thomas Latham, 
James Wynne and John B. Comer. 

Major S. P. Cox was a member of Company "D" of the Oregon Battal- 
ion. This battalion was ordered to Mexico, but before they got out of 
reach were ordered back and sent to Nebraska to keep the Indians quiet. 
Stokes and English (first names not known,) Thomas B. Lynch, A. T. Pat- 
ton, George W. Nickell, J. L. Haynes, W. P. Young (Ohio), and Henry 
Akins Roberts (Illinois) were also veterans of the Mexican War. Stokes 
died in service. There were, no doubt, many others from Daviess County 
or who at some time have lived in the county who served in this war. 

The return of these soldiers was not allowed to pass unnoticed and 
the homecoming is described by Major McGee, "The citizens to honor them 
had a great barbecue. Colonel Doniphan, their commander, was invited to 
be present and dehver the speech of the occasion. The ground selected 
was what is now enclosed in Block E, McGee's Addition to the city of Gal- 
latin, all the ridge east of town being then heavily timbered. The tables 
were spread on the top of the hill. The trenches for roasting the meat 
were dug on the brow of the hill just above the spring now owned by Will- 
iam Adams. Colonel Doniphan was present and talked for about an hour 
in his usual style. He gave the boys a great deal of credit." 

Col. Wickham's Militia, Co., A, 2nd Missouri Regiment, N. G. M. — 
About 1882, Col. J. A. Wickham of Gallatin was made a field officer of the 
Second Missouri Regiment, N. G. M. Company "A" was organized in Gal- 
latin, but some of its members lived in other parts of the county. The 
armory was over Etter's store. A list of the officers of Company "A" was 
published in the Gallatin Democrat of May 27, 1882, which is given below : 

A. M. Irving, Captain ; Frank Clingan, First Lieutenant ; George T. 
Crozier, Second Lieutenant. 

Non-commissoined Officers: William Johnson, First Sergeant; 0. A. 
Smalley, Second Sergeant, C. A. Stout, Third Sergeant, J. A. Selby, Fourth 
Sergeant; George H. Smith, F'ifth Sergeant. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE MORMONS IN DAVIESS COUNTY. 



LYMAN WIGHT THE FIRST MORMON TO SETTLE IN DAVIESS COUNTr— HEADQUAR- 
TERS AT FAR WTEST— JOSEPH SAUTH. JR.. SELECTS SITE OF STRAKE IN 
DAVIESS COUNTY— GROWTH OF TOWN— FIRST MORMON TROUBLE— LATER 
DEVELOPMENTS— THE MORMON WAR— MOBOLIZATION OF TROOPS— EXTERMIN- 
ATION ORDER— MALTNS MILL MASSACRE— MORMONS SURRENDERED TO MILITIA 
LEADERS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENCE— SUBSEQUENT TRIAI.— REMAINS OF 
MORMON OCCUPATION. 

The facts included in this chapter are taken largely from "Early Days 
on Grand River and the Mormon War," by R. J. Britten, who has made a 
most thorough investigation of the subject. 

The first Mormon to settle in Daviess County was Lyman Wight, who 
came in 1837. He had left Ohio, hoping to be allowed to live in peace, and 
settled first in Jackson and later in Ray County. Being driven from both 
counties he came to Daviess County. 

At this time the Mormons had just located their administration head- 
quarters at Far West, in Caldwell County, and Joseph Smith. Jr., the pro- 
phet began to select various places in the neighboring territory as stakes. 
On May 18, 1838, Joseph Smith Jr., and others traveled north to the mouth 
of Honey Creek, and the next morning crossed Grand River at the mouth 
of Honey Creek and Nelson's Ferry, and followed the river to the home of 
Lyman Wright. Near this place Smith selected the site of the city, "which 
the brethern called 'Spring Hill,' but by the mouth of the Lord it was named 
Adam-ondi-Ahmon, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall conie 
to visit his people, or the ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel, 
the prophet." (Smith, History of the Church.) 

The new town grew rapidly, soon having over 500 inhabitants, a good 
wagon road was built between Adam-ondi-Ahmon and Far West, making 
communication easy between the two points. 

A number of Mormons entered land, and it seemed for a time they had 
indeed reached a land where they might live peacefully. But soon friction 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 95 

arose between them and their Gentile neighbors. The Gentiles grew sus- 
picious of the Mormons and no doubt held them responsible for many 
acts of depredation with which they had nothing to do. A secret society 
called the Danites was organized by the followers of Smith. The highest 
degree in this order was that of "Destroying Angel." Whatever the real 
purpose of this organization may have been, the other settlers in the county 
believed that its purpose was to plunder and rob those who were not be- 
lievers in their doctrine. The wrath of the Gentiles can be easily imagined. 

The first outbreak came in Aug. 6, 1838. A general election was being 
held in Gallatin. The Missourians attempted to keep the saints from vot- 
ing and a general fight followed. One man was stabbed, and about twenty 
others injured, but no one was killed. The Missourians were victorious, 
and the saints had to leave. After this, according to the phophet, "The 
brethern held a council about one-fourth of a mile out of town, where they 
saw mobbing recruits coming in, in small parties of from five to 25 in num- 
ber, armed with clubs, pistols, dirks, knives, and some guns, cursing and 
swearing. The brethern, not having arms thought it wisdom to return to 
their farms collect their families, and hide them in a thicket of hazel bush, 
which they did, and stood sentry around them through the night, while the 
women and children lay on the ground in the rain." 

The news of this engagement reached Far West the next day, it being 
reported that several of the saints had been killed, and were refused burial 
by the Gentiles. Accordingly a group started to the scene of hostilities. 
Thinking that Adam Black, then a justice of the peace, was largely respon- 
sible for the difficulty, the saints called on him and secured his promise not 
to do them any violence so long as he was not molested. 

A meeting was arranged between some of the citizens of Mill Port and 
the saints of Adam-ondi-Ahmon — Joseph Morin, John Williams, James 
B. Turner and others representing the Missourians ; Lyman Wight, Vinson 
Knight, John Smith, Reynolds Gaboon being the leaders for the saints. At 
this meeting each agreed to preserve the others' rights, and that neither 
would uphold wrongdoing, and that all offenders would be dealt with ac- 
cording to the law. 

Shortly after this, Aug. 10th, affidavits were sworn to in Ray County 
by William P. Peniston, William Bowman, Wilson McKinney and John 
Netherton, stating that Adam Black had been intimidated by the Mormons, 
and that their leaders intended to "intimidate and drive from the county 
all the old citizens, and possess themselves of their land, or force such as do 
not leave to come into their measures and submit to their dictation." 

On Aug. 16th, the sheriff of Daviess County, accompanied by Judge 
Morin called upon Joseph Smith Jr., at Far West with a writ to take him 



96 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

to Daviess County for trial for visiting the county on the 7th. He inform- 
ed the sheriff that while he would submit to the laws of the land, he wished 
to be tried in Caldwell County since the attitude of the people of Daviess 
was so unfriendly. The sheriff then went to Richmond to see Judge King, 
and returning informed the prophet that he was not in his jurisdiction and 
that he could not act in Caldwell. 

On Sept. 2nd, Joseph Smith Jr., sent for General David R. Atchison, 
who was in command of a division of the State Militia, hoping that his 
presence would stop the citizens of Daviess preparing for hostilities. He 
also wrote to Austin A. King, circuit judge, asking him to assist in putting 
down what he termed as a "mob." General Atchison arrived the next day 
and was employed as counsel by the Mormons, as was his partner. Alexan- 
der W. Doniphan. Joseph Smith Jr., and Lyman Wight agreeing to a pre- 
liminary hearing before Judge King, in Daviess County, arrangements 
were made for the trial to be held at Mr. Littlefield's near the present site 
of Winston. 

Court was convened at the Littlefield home on Sept. 6th, but no testi- 
mony was taken and the case was continued until the next morning, at a 
Mr. Rgalin's who lived further south, within a half mile of the Caldwell 
County line. William P. Peniston was the prosecutor and Adam Black, 
the only witness for the state. The hearing resulted in Smith and Wight 
being bound over to court on a $500 bond. 

At this time a wagon load of fire arms was being sent from Richmond 
to Daviess County. Learning of this the civil authorities at Far West de- 
cided to intercept them. A writ was issued, the wagon surrounded and 
John B. Comer, William L. McHaney and Allen Miller put under arrest. 
These men were held till Sept. 12th. Their preliminary trial was held at 
Far West, when they were bound over to the circuit court, the charge 
against Comer being "attempting to smuggle amis to a mob," and the 
others as accomplices. 

The arrest caused a great deal of excitement. The Missourians peti- 
tioned the Governor to drive the Mormons from the state, while the saints 
petitioned for his protection. On Sept. 11th, General Atchison ordered the 
militia to Caldwell and Daviess Counties. The order was given to General 
Doniphan, who reported on Sept. 15th that he had ordered Col. William A. 
Dunn to raise four companies of mounted riflemen of 50 men each, and pro- 
ceed to the scene of the excitement. General Doniphan, accompanied by 
his aide, then went to Far West, where he took charge of Comer, McHaney 
and Miller, and collected the arms captured by the saints. The arms were 
sent to General Atchison. Comer was also sent to Ray County, while the 




HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING. GALLATIN 




SOL'TH SIDE OK SUI-AKE. (iALLAI IX 



II 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 97 

other two were taken to Daviess County by General Doniphan where they 
were released on parole. 

Arriving at the camp of the citizens of Daviess and adjoining counties, 
he read them General Atchison's order to dispearse. They insisted that 
they were acting only for the purpose of defending themselves, but General 
Doniphan reported "They still continue in arms marching and counter- 
marching." Proceeding to the camp of the Mormons, Colonel Wight in 
charge of the troops agreed to disband and to turn over all Mormons accus- 
ed of crime if the opposing side should also disband. "I intend to occupy 
this position until your arrival, and I deem it best," wrote General Doni- 
phan to General Atchison, "to preserve peace and prevent an engagement 
between the parties, and if kept so for a few days they will doubtless dis- 
band without coercion." Shortly thereafter. General Doniphan arrived 
and reported to the Governor that thei'e were 200 or 300 men in arms from 
Livingston, Carroll and Saline Counties under the command of a Dr. Aus- 
tin of Carroll County, whom he ordered home. "The citizens of Daviess 
County, or a large portion of them residing on each side of the Grand River 
have left their farms and removed their families either to the adjoining 
county or collected them together at a place called Camp Ground. The 
Mormons of Daviess County had also left their farms and had encamped for 
safety at a place immediately on the east band of Grand River, called Adam- 
ondi-Ahmon. Both parties have been scouting through the country and 
occasionally taking prisoners and threatening and insulting each other, but 
as yet no blood has been shed. I have been informed by the Mormons that 
all of those who have been charged with a violation of the law will be in to- 
day for trial. When that is done the troops under my command will be no 
longer required in this county if the citizens of other counties will return 
to their respective homes. I have proposed to leave two companies of 50 
men each in this county and to discharge the remainder of the troops." 

On the 18th, Governor Boggs ordered the 4th division, commanded by 
General S. D. Lucas to the county, evidently considering that the force was 
not large enough, or that General Atchison underestimated the gravity 
of the situation. 

Later General Atchi.son wrote the Governor that the citizens of other 
counties had gone to their homes, as had also the Mormons, and that he 
considered the insurrection at an end for the present. However, a portion 
of the military force was left in the county under the command of General 
Parks. On Sept. 25th, he wrote General Atchison that a committee from 
Daviess County would meet the next day with a committee of Mormons at 
Adam-ondi-Ahmon to propose to them to buy or sell. 

But the suspension of hostilities in Daviess County was followed by as 



98 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

serious trouble with the saints in Carroll County. The Mormons finally 
agreed to leave the county, and they then joined their fellow-believers at 
Far West. 

Here on the morning of Oct. 15th, a company of about 100 men was 
organized. The commander was a Mormon, Lieutenant Colonel Hinkle, 
who held a commission in the State Militia. It is said that he acted under 
the order of General Doniphan. This company, accompanied by Joseph 
Smith, Jr., then went to Adam-ondi-Ahmon. On the 18th of October about 
150 Mormons came to Gallatin, and finding but a few men in the place, took 
possession of the town. Removing the goods from the stores, the business 
houses were burned. According to Major McGee. "We could stand in our 
dooryard and see houses burning every night for over two weeks. The Mor- 
mons completely gutted Daviess County. There was scarcely a Missourian 
home left standing in the county. Nearly every one was burned. Their 
flight from the county had been so precipitated that they left all they had 
behind, taking only their families and teams. The Mormons secured all 
their property and took it to De Amon and there placed it in what was term- 
ed the Lord's Storehouse, to be issued out to the saints as they might need." 

According to the Prophet, the Missourians removed the contents of 
their houses and set fire to them themselves and then accused the saints of 
doing it. He also tells of threats made by the "mob," as he termed all his 
enemies. 

During this time, on Oct. 18, 1838, General Parks came to Daviess 
County and went at once to the home of Lyman Wight, at Adam-ondi-Ah- 
man. On the 25th, a small engagement took place near the ford of Crook- 
ed Creek, and several of the Mormons were killed. 

The following day Governor Boggs ordered a large force of the militia 
into Daviess County. This order came as a result of petitions, he says, 
stating that "The Mormons with an armed force have expelled the inhabi- 
tants of that county from their homes, have pillaged and burned their 
dwellings, driven off their stock, and were destroying their crops ; that they, 
the Mormons, have burned to ashes the towns of Gallatin and Mill Port in 
said county, the former being the county seat of said county, and including 
the clerk's oflSce and all the public records of the county, and that there is 
not now a civil oflScer within said county." On the 27th, the Governor 
issued his famous 'Exterminating Order,' addressed to General Clark, in 
which he states 'The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be ex- 
terminated or driven from the state, if necessary, for the public good. Their 
outrages are beyond all description. If you can increase your force you 
are authorized to do so, to any extent you may think necessary." It is 
said that General Atchison, upon receiving this letter, withdrew from the 



i 



• HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 99 

military force, saying he would not be a party to the enforcement of such 
inhuman commands. On the other hand, it is also stated that he was re- 
lieved of his command by the Governor. 

According to "The History of the Church," the Danites were organiz- 
ed at this time by a Dr. Avard. In a speech to his followers he instructed 
them to rob and plunder from the gentiles as this was the way to build up 
the kingdom of God — laws were of no consequence under the new dispen- 
sation. Naturally, this aroused the ire of the gentiles, and they were in 
no frame of mind to believe the statements of the presidency of the church 
that Avard's actions were unauthorized and met with the disapproval of the 
Mormon authorities. 

In the meanwhile troops were gathered in obedience to the call of the 
Governor, and the feeling between the two factions increased. On Oct. 30th, 
what is usually referred to as Haun's Mill Massacre took place in Caldwell 
County. On Oct. 30, 1838, a force of between 2,200 and 3,000 men gather- 
ed near Far West under Generals Lucas, Wilson and Doniphan. Before 
the expected battle the leaders of the Mormons were delivered to the militia 
through one of their number. Colonel Hinkle, who was supposed to be in 
command of the Mormon forces. He had also made terms upon which the 
Mormons agreed to leave the state. The Mormons later gave up their 
arms and were ordered to leave the state. Their leaders were tried before 
a military court (though Lyman Wight was the only one connected with 
the military) and sentenced to be shot. General Doniphan refused to obey 
the orders and threatened General Lucas if they had them executed. The 
order was never carried out. According to the interpretation placed upon 
one of the articles of agreement the church membership was held liable for 
the payment of the debts of the war waged against them, and in this man- 
ner deprived of their property. No hearing was given them. 

On Nov. 4th, John B. Clark assumed command in Far West, with ex- 
plicit orders from the Governor to carry out his "Exterminating order." In 
speaking of the Mormons, he reviewed the terms of the treaty, stating that 
the first three provisions had been complied with — their leaders given up 
for trial, their aiTns given up, and their property signed over to defray the . 
expenses of the war. He then advised them to comply as quickly as pos- 
sbile with the last provision — to leave the state. 

On Nov. 6, 1838, the Governor wrote General Clark, directing him to 
hold a military court of inquiry in Daviess County. General Clark then 
ordered Bragadier-General Robert Wilson to go to Adam-ondi-Ahman for 
this purpose. He arrived there on the 8th. Every man in town was put 
under guard, and the court established, with Adam Black as judge, and a 
soldier in General Clark's command as prosecuting attorney. At the end 



100 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES • 

of three days, every man tried was honorably acquitted. General Wilson 
then ordered eveiy family to be out of town within ten days. They might 
spend the winter in Caldwell County, but must leave the state then on pen- 
alty of extermination. This is a sample of the permits issued to those 
against whom a charge had been sustained : 

"I permit David Holman to remove to Caldwell County, there to re- 
main during the winter or to pass out of the state. 
Nov. 10, 1838. (Signed) R. Wilson, Brigadier General, 

By F. G. C, Aide." 

On Nov. 2nd, Joseph Smith Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Hiram Smith and other 
Mormon leaders were started for Independence under a strong guard. They 
were detained at Richmond and there 53 were held for trial, charged with 
high treason against the state, murder, burglary, arson, robbery and lar- 
ceny. Austin A. King presided at the trial. The testimony of Samson Avard, 
mentioned above in connection with the Danite band, gave testimony which 
confirmed the beliefs of the Gentiles regarding the purpose of that organ- 
ization. Smith states that in his diary Avard swore falsely in order to 
save himself. When the defendants were called upon for witnesses, Smith 
says that, "The persons whose names were given were thrown into jail and 
the few who were allowed to testify were prevented by threats from telling 
the truth as much as possible." In spite of this 23 prisoners were dismissed 
for lack of evidence. Finally, all but Lyman Wight, Hiram Smith, Caleb 
Baldwin, Alexander McRae and Joseph Smith, Jr., and four others were 
released. The first group was sent to Liberty, the other four to Boone 
County. P. P. Pratt and Morris Phelps escaped from the Boone County 
jail, July 4, 1839. Follet escaped with them but was recaptured. Luman 
Gibbs, the remaining one of the four, apostatized and was acquitted. 

Joseph Smith Jr., and his companions arrived in Liberty on the first 
day of December, 1838. 

After various preliminaries and during which time the prisoners ap- 
pealed to the Legislature and the Supreme Court and no action taken, — on 
April 6, 1839, Judge Austin A. King ordei-ed them taken to Daviess Coun- 
ty. On April 8th. they were delivered to Sheriff Wm A. Morgan of Daviess 
County. The grand jury was in session at the time, and returned a true 
bill for treason against the prisoners and others. The witnesses were: 
Samon Avard, Waterman Phillips, Adam Blaxer, Josiah Marin, John Cor- 
ril, J. L. Rogers, Francis McGuire, Lebum Marrin, Henry McHenry, John 
Edwards, John Brown, Robert McGaugh, John B. Comer, Jackson Job and 
Ira Glaze. 

Indictments against the prisoners for murder, treason, burglary, lar- 
ceny, theft and receiving stolen goods, were also returned by this jury. The 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 101 

prisoners pleaded not guilty when brought up for the trial before Judge 
Thomas C. Burch. A change of venue was asked by Smith and his compan- 
ions on the ground that the judge had been of counsel in the cause. The 
request was granted and the case transferred to the circuit court of Boone 
County. 

On April 15, 1839, William Morgan and four guards started to Colum- 
bia, Mo., with the five prisoners. On the night of the 16th the Mormons 
escaped. 

Only one log cabin remains to mark the site of the Mormon town, 
Adam-ondi-Ahman. On the elevation nearby grows a giant hackberry tree, 
at the foot of which is a pile of limestone. This spot is commonly referred 
to as "Adam's Grave." 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



SENTIMENT DIVIDED IN DAVIESS COl'NTY— ACTIVITIES OF UNION MEN IN 1861— 
COMPANIES ORGANIZED— HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHED AT GALLATIN— GUER- 
RILLA WARFARE— SKIRMISH — BOUNTY OFFERED TO VOLUNTEERS — UNION 
SOLDIERS FROM DA\aESS COUNTY— COMPANY A— COMPANY G— COMPANY B— 
FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY— SPECIAL ORDER NO. 6— CONFEDERATES— CIVIL WAR 
INCIDENTS. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War, the people of Daviess County were 
divided in sentiment, probably the majority of them, however, being South- 
ern sympathizers. Major McGee reports that while there were plenty of 
Union men in the county, in Gallatin there were only 20 men who, in the 
fall of 1860, favored standing by the Union and only eight would declare it 
openly. Judge S. A. Richardson, S. B. Cox, John Ballinger, Harfield Davis, 
Owen H. McGee, William V. McGee and Joseph H. McGee. James McFer- 
ran, councellor of the group, kept in the background. The southeast cor- 
ner of the square in Gallatin, occupied by Davis and Son, druggists, was 
known as "Secession Corner." While Harfield Davis was a Union man his 
father was a violent rebel. Finally the firm dissolved, Baalis Davis going 
into business at Chillicothe. 

The activities of the Union men during 1861 are told by Major McGee 
in the following paragraphs: 

"Dr. C. C. Hogan, my old family physician, had raised a company for the 
rebel army, had them camped on Grand River bottoms, about three miles 
from town. Rebel companies were now organizing and drilling all over 
the country. Many of them would come upon the platform in front of my 
office while Judge Richardson and I were in there and talk so that we could 
hear them. They would purpose taking out what few Union men there 
were in Gallatin and hang them. They never did. This kind of life could 
not be borne always. We decided to put an end to it. Upon consulting 
Major Cox, Captain Ballinger, brother William, John Shriver and myself, 
we concluded to leave town and raise one or more companies, then come 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 103 

back, take possession of the place, keep it. * * * We set the time for 
us to leave. It was arranged that all should get an early dinner, then meet 
at my house promptly at 12 m. At 12 o'clock sharp we all mounted our 
horses, laid our rifles before us on our saddles. Two abreast we galloped up 
the street and by "Secession Corner." More than 20 rebels were standing 
looking at us as we galloped past. They had never dreamed of such a 
thing. Their eyes bulged out to such an extent that you could have almost 
thrown a lariat around them. I had part of a company enlisted who were 
to meet us at Honey Creek. We went by, got them, went on to Cameron. 
Dr. Folmsbee had enlisted a company on the east side of Grand River and 
met us at Cameron. I had about half enough to organize a company. 

"Learning that Colonel Craynor was disbanding his men at St. Joseph 
and knowing that all the Civil Bend boys who were with him would reenlist, 
Capt. Ballinger and myself got on the train. We went to St. Joseph to see 
them ; found that they had all started for home across he country. We re- 
turned to Comeron the same night. Early next morning we mounted our 
horses and struck across the country to intercept them. We halted them 
late in the evening, made arrangements with them to meet at a neighbor's 
the next morning and go with us to Comeron to enlist. We all met the 
next morning an went to Cameron. We were mustered into six months' 
service under the call made by Governor Gamble. Col. James H. Birch 
was our mustering officer. As Dr. Folmsbee had his company first made 
up, his was Company A. Mine was Company .B. Major Cox was mustered 
in as Major over our two companies. Meredith Morris was my first lieuten- 
ant, McLain Wilson my second lieutenant. 

"We were mustered in Sept. 18, 1861. We had no arms but our old 
shot guns and rifles. * * * * We got word that Price had sent troops 
across the river to tear up the H. & St. J. R. R. The objective point would 
be Cameron. We kept our horses saddled and bridled for two nights ; had 
pickets out for five and ten miles on the Lexington road. 

"Judge Birch, father of Colonel Birch, our mustering officer, got on the 
engine with the engineer, (it was not safe to run a train on the railroad on 
account of Bushwackers) and went to Hannibal, got on a stemboat there 
and went to St. Louis ; gave his individual bond for guns with which to arm 
our two companies ; did not leave the city until he saw them boxed and ship- 
ped to us. They were nothing but old Springfield muskets. We were sup- 
plied with fixed ammunition, which made them a great improvement on 
our former arms. We still remained at Cameron practicing our arms and 
scouting through the country. 

"Captain Folmsbee and myself concluded we would take a survey of 
the county around Gallatin. When we started, I supposed we were coming 



104 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

to Gallatin. When we got as far as where the Round school house now 
stands, four miles west of Gallatin, Captain Folmsbee, being the ranking 
captain, ordered the command to take the road leading to Esquire William 
Everly's, near where the Crab Orchard church now stands. I was anxious 
to see home. Tried to get him to change his order. He declined doing so. 
It was probably well enough that he did not, as I aftei^wards learned that 
Dr. Hogan's rebel company was expecting us and had concealed themselves 
on each side of the road west of Major Cox's and intended bushwacking 
us as we came in. We went to Squire Everly's and struck camp, which was 
afterwards known as Camp Everly. 

"We remained at Camp Everly until we had seen our families and learn- 
ed all we could as to the intention of the rebels. It is singular how numbers 
can be magnified. In Captain Folmsbee's company and my own we had 
probably 150 men all told. Yet the rebels at Gallatin who could by occupy- 
ing the cupola of the court house and using a field glass take in our camp, 
as it was only four miles oflf, had magnified our number to 1000 men. We 
did not try to undeceive them. After we had remained in camp as long as we 
thought best, we concluded to break camp and return again to the railroad 
where we could get our supplies. We camped the first night after leaving 
Camp Everly at old Uncle John Castor's on Marrowbone Creek. We were 
treated to the best he had on' his farm. Next day we moved to Kidder on 
the H. & St. J. R. R. Made our quarters in the depot. Major S. P. Cox 
now took command of us as our major. We remained at Kidder some two 
or three weeks drilling. It was determined to return to Gallatin even if w« 
had to fight our way in. We broke camp at Kidder early in the morning 
and started for Gallatin. We were not interrupted on the way, entered, 
took possession of Gallatin without opposition. To say that we were joy- 
fully received would be partly true and partly false. By our families and 
Union friends we were joyfully received but by the rebels of the town, they 
would rather, as one woman expressed it, "have seen the devil coming into 
town." The drama was now changed. For the last two months the town 
and country had been under the control of the rebels. Union men fared 
badly. Now that we had possession they expected there would be a retalia- 
tion. 

"I forgot to state that before we left Kidder some of the boys whilst on 
a scout duty had captured Dr. Hogan. He had taken his company off south 
to Price's army, had returned to recruit others. We countermanded his 
orders. Captain Ballinger and myself took him to Hannibal, where he was 
confined as a prisoner of war until he took the oath. He was paroled. It 
took the rebel portion of Gallatin some time to settle down to the conviction 
that they were still in the Union. They finally gave up all hopes of Price 



y 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 105 

coming to relieve them, accepted the situation hoping and praying for the 
success of the Southern Confederacy." 

Major Samuel P. Cox established his headquarters in Gallatin. In ad- 
dition to the companies commanded by McGee and Folmsbee, Captain 
Brumfield's company from the northern part of the county and two from 
Harrison County were stationed there. The rest of the winter was passed 
in scouting through the country, keeping out Confederate recruiting offi- 
cers, arresting Confederates and requiring them to take the oath. 

Service in the six months militia being ended in January, 1862, plans 
were made to organize a regiment of cavalry of the Missouri State Militia. 
In April the regiment was formed with James McFerran as colonel. Three 
of the companies were raised in Daviess County, Company A, under Cap- 
tain Joseph H. McGee, Company B, under Captain W. H. Folmsbee, and 
Company G, under Captain John Ballinger. 

On April 9, 1862, the field and staff officers were commissioned. The 
batallion was perfected March 26th, except companies G and H, which 
were added April 9, 1862. On May 28th, two new companies were added. 
In February. 1863, the Fifth Missouri Cavalry (ten companies) was broken 
up and three of the companies added to Colonel McFerran's regiment, while 
Companies A. and D. were broken up. 

Only one engagement took place in Daviess County and it was only a 
slight skirmish — a sort of game of hide-and-seek. The official account of 
the encounter is found in the official records of the Union and Confederate 
Armies, Series I, Vol. 13, p. 207: 

"Headquarters, Breckenridge, Mo., Aug. 16, 1862. 

I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant 14 men of the First 
Regiment of Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, under Lieutenant Goodbrake, 
and 21 militia, under Captain Vickers, making in all 35 men, near Cravens- 
ville, in Daviess County. Mo., were fired upon from the brush by 85 guerril- 
las, under Davis and Kirk. The engagement lasted for about an hour and 
a half, and resulted in the defeat of the guerrillas, with a loss of six killed 
and ten wounded, 15 horses, and ten guns. We had three severely and two 
slightly, wounded. Our wounded are all doing well and will recover. 

"On the 6th a notorious guerrilla and outlaw named Wicklin was shot 
and on the 7th a notorious guerrilla named Daniel Hale was also shot by 
our troops in the forks of Grand River." 

James McFerran, Colonel Commanding First Regiment Cavalry, 
M. S. M. 

Major James Rainsford, Assistant Adjutant General, St. Joseph, Mo. 

A more detailed and widely varying account of this skirmish is given 
by John F. Jordin. He says: 



106 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

"Jesse Clark, who father was a Presbyterian preacher, and one of 
the pioneers of Livingston County, came into this section from Mercer 
County where he was then living, and having many friends and acquain- 
tances in this and Livingston Counties he organized a small company of 
volunteers for the rebel service. Clark represented to his friends that 
there were many adherents to the cause of the South in Mercer and Schuy- 
ler Counties and that if a company could be formed and invade those coun- 
ties these men would flock to their standard. The company was formed, 
that is, a few adventurous spirits were gotten together and started on this 
wild goose chase. They invaded Mercer, passed through Schuyler, back 
across Harrison, over into Worth and Gentry Counties, but the expected 
accesion to their ranks did not materialize, so the expedition turned and 
headed for Daviess County and home. The original number augumented 
by some 30 or 40 recruits nearly all of whom were unarmed were met near 
Di-Ammon by a considerable force of Federal ti'oops under the command 
of Captain Woodrow. 

"A skirmish at once ensued. About 15 of the rebels who had guns 
held the Union soldiers in check until their unarmed companions got away. 
Among those on the firing line were the men before mentioned. It was 
their first baptism in the fire and smoke of battle but not a man flinched. 
A desultory fire was kept up by both parties until nightfall. Charles Goben 
was the only man hit on the Confederate side and in the darkness the little 
band became separated and he was not missed until the next day when it 
was found that Goben and Thomas Hicklin had been left behind. Hicklin 
was unhurt but his horse had given out and he had wandered about in the 
darkness and became lost. The next day he and Goben were captured by 
the Federal troops. After his capture Hicklin was questioned about the 
fight and as to whether or not he had taken part in it. He admitted at 
once that he had. He was then asked to give the names of those who were 
with him. This he politely, but firmly, refused to do. Threats and per- 
suasion alike failed to move him and he remained steadfast in his refusal 
to betray his comrades. At last he was given to understand in unmistake- 
able language that if he persisted in his refusal to answer his life would 
pay the forfeit. His answer to this grim ultimatum was characteristic of 
the super-courage and unfaltering loyalty of the man ; "Be not afraid of 
them that kill the body," said he, 'and after that they have no more that 
they can do, but I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear ; Fear him which 
after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say to you, fear 
him.' " Thomas Hicklin had been a devout student of the Bible, and it 
was fitting that the final answer that was to decide his fate was given in the 
words of the Master. He was taken out on the prairie upon or near the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 107 

present farm of Robert Johnson in Grand River Township and there a pla- 
toon of soldiers were drawn up and Hicklin was placed in position to re- 
ceive their fire. An attempt was made to blindfold him but at his request 
this was not done. And so it was with a courage that never faltered and 
a firmness that the terrors of death could not shake this loyal soul calmly 
met his fate. Truly, 'Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay 
down his life for his friends.' " 

Some of the Daviess County Federal troops took part in various en- 
gagements in northeast Missouri in pursuit of Porter. Others were en- 
gaged in the pursuit of Poindexter's men in Livingston and Linn Counties. 
In August, 1862, the first regiment was sent to Lexington. For some time 
these men took part in various engagements in Layfette, Johnson, Jackson, 
Cass, Bates, Vernon, Cooper and Saline Counties. In 1864, the regiment 
was sent to Sedalia and then on to Jefferson City, reaching the latter place 
in October and taking part in various engagements in the vicinity. Early 
in 1865 the regiment helped exterminate guerillas in central Missouri. 

The county must have been quite thoroughly scouted. An examina- 
tion of the history of the various organizations shows that the following 
Union troops were on scouting duty : Livingston County Home Guard, Cox's 
Batallion, James' Batallion, Burris' Batallion. The last named organiza- 
tion was mustered out of service at Gallatin March 14, 1862. A Harrison 
County Batallion was mustered into service at Gallatin Oct. 5, 1861, and 
discharged at the same place on March 14, 1862. 

In 1864 the county off'ered a bounty to all who would volunteer in the 
service of the United States. The county's quota under this call was 169. 
A tax was ordered to be levied in 1865 to pay a bounty of $100 to each 
volunteer. 82 names were reported as joining under this act. 

The Adjutant General reported that up to Dec. 31, 1863, the number 
of men reported in the services from Daviess County was distributed as 
follows : 

18th Infantry 2 

23rd Infantry 39 

25th Infantry 60 

35th Infantry 2 

2nd Cavalry 3 

11th Cavalry 32 

12th Cavalry 1 

Total 139 



108 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Illinois Regiments 7 

1st Nebraska Inf 1 

Total 8 

Missouri State Militia: 

First Cavalry 467 

Sixth Cavalry 14 

Total 481 

In the abstracts of quotas and ci-edits for the state of Missouri during 
1864 and 1865, 261 men had been called before Dec. 19, 1864, while the 
county was credited with 284 enlistments. Under the call of Dec. 19, 1864, 
the c.ounty's quota was 90, but only 30 responded to the call. 

The following list of Union soldiers is taken from the 1882 history of 
Daviess Cuonty : 

Company A. — This company was mustered into service Feb. 3, 1862, 
at Gallatin, Mo., by Capt. T. B. Biggers. This company was commanded by 
Capt. Joseph H. McGee, of Gallatin ; First Lieutenant Meredith Morris, of 
Pattonsburg, and Second Lieutenant McLain Wilson, of Monroe Township. 
On April 3, 1863, Joseph McGee was promoted to major; March 26, 1863, 
Meredith Morris succeeded him as captain; Benton Miller as 1st lieuten- 
ant, and McLain Wilson holding his position as 2nd lieutenant. Captain 
Morris was dismissed April 26, 1865 ; Lieut. Miller was mustered out 
Feb. 11, 1865, and McLain Wilson resigned April 23, 1864. 

ROLL OF COMPANY A. 

Privates. 

Bear, Martin L. Doll, John H. 

Blenkenship, Benjamin F. Flemming, Thomas J. 

Blenkenship, Alfred Flemming, William H. 

Browning, Alfred. Frazier, Levi. 

Browning, William R. Fields, Stephen. 

Barber, Elisha. Frazier, Samuel. 

Bartlett, John. Gray, James. 

Brown, Solomon. Gentry, John A. 

Crawford, Benj. R. Gentis, David. 

Cutshall, John R. Grantham, John E. 

Clore, George W. Garrison, Benj. F. 

Dutcher, William R. Gray, William A. 

Downing, William. Handel, Isaac I. 

Downing, Thomas. Harrah, James C. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 109 

Hughes, John S. Powell, George W. 

Holmes, Henry. Powell, William C. 

Haver, John. Persinger, John. 

Hughes, Joseph. Royston, William H. 

Hayes, Thomas F. Royston, James M. 

Hines, James A. Royston, Benj. F. 

Harter, George W. Reed, Orange. 

Jones, John R. Roney, William. 

Johnson, Eleazer. Smith, Martin. 

Leard, Alfred C. Sweaney, Andrew. 

Leard, Robert J. Snider, Lewis. 

Leard, William A. Schaffer, David. 

McGee, James. Shriver, Nathan. 

McCrary, John W. Shipley, James H. 

Marshall, Dennis. Travis, Charles. 

Moore, Robei't N. Utterback, Ferdinand. 

Netherton, James C. Whitman, Thomas W. 

Poe, Jonathan. • Woodey, Nathan. 

Transferred : 

Kenney, Patrick S., first sergeant. Leard, Alfred C. 

Groomer, David, first corporal. Lewis, Jacob. 

Copa, John, prive. Lewis, Joseph P. 

Frazier, William, private. Hamm, John. 

Frazier, Henry C. Jeffries, Martin P. 

Hilton, William H. O'Neil, Thomas. 

Di-scharged for Disability : 

Bear, Peter, second sergeant. Everly, Samuel H., private. 

Tipton, George W., fifth sergeant. Field, Riley, private. 

Stone, George W., third sergeant. Grantham, William D., private. 
Grantham, Robert H., sixth sergeant. Miller, William F., private. 

Peniston, Thomas, bugler. Sweaney, George, private. 

Miller, Seamon, private. Sego, Charles B., private. 
Leai'd, James G., private. 

Died of Disease. 
Handel, Edward W. Dale, Thomas J. 

Non-Commissioned Officer.^ — Sergeants. 

Benton Miller, orderly sergeant. David E. Youtsey, second sergeant. 

W. V. McGee, quarter-master sergt. William L. Powell, third sergeant. 

William C. Gillihan, company sergt. Lewis Heaston, fourth sergeant. 
Benjamin F. Poe, first sergeant. 



110 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Corporals . 



First, Isaac H. Wilson. 
Second, Daniel Johns. 
Third, Joshua Brown. 
Fourth, James Browning. 



Fifth, George T. Netherton. 
Sixth, Charles W. Lake. 
Seventh, Wiley W. Stone. 
Eighth, John W. Hancock. 



Company G. — Company G was organized March 27, 1862, with John 
Ballinger as captain. The original roll of the company could not be found, 
but the roll of the company when mustered out was preserved by Lieut. 
David Groomer. 



ROLL OF COMPANY G. 
Privates. 



Brown, David. 
Blakely, Andrew C. 
Caldwell, James H. 
Crowder, James M. 
Cope, John. 
Endicott, Jacob I. 
Frazier, William. 
Frazier, Miles. 
Fansler, Thomas. 
Fansler, William. 
Fitts, Jackson. 
Galbreath, Squire. 
Hilton, William H. 
Hill, David. 
Hindman, John U. 
Jeffries, Martin P. 
Leeper, Joseph. 
Mitchell, John T. 
Morgan, Asa. 
McBride, Sylvester K. 
McBride, James. 
Miller, George W. 
Oram, James. 
Peugh, George W. 
Reynolds, John M. 
Shriver, Francis W. 
Shriver, Nova Zembla. 
Sabens, Thomas B. 
Smith, Jeremiah. 
Dilley, Barnett. 



Splawn, John R. 
Splawn, Isaac N. 
Smith, John M. 
Jeffries, George W. 
Walker, Albert G. 
Ham, John F. 
Hines, Benj. F. 
Miller, Michael. 
Harris, Seth H. 
Orr, Jasper N. 
Payne, Ebenezer. 
Way, Charles A. 
Orr, Moses. 
Rowhuff, James. 
French, Jesse N. 
Day, John M. 
Osborn, Carlow B. 
Simms, Thomas. 
Allen, Charles W. 
Bailey, Jasper N. 
Benedict, Moses. 
Cope, Wiley. 
Cope, William B. 
Cain, George L. 
Duskins, William F 
Elliott, Gilford. 
Gilkey, Robert T. 
Grindstaff, Julias. 
Johnson, James G. 
Jacques, Gabriel M. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



111 



Hall, George W. 
Lewis, Joseph P. 
Miller, John H. 
McClure, James. 
McClure, David. 
Owen, Richard. 
Payne, Reuben L. 
Pilcher, Francis L. 
Rop, James L. 
Rowland, John D. 

Lewis Jacob, bugler 

James, John. 
Clevinger, Pitman A. 
Place, Peter. 
Gillihan, Benona H. 



Risdon, John, drunkenness. 
Jordan, James, drunkenness. 
Harmon, Jacob C. 
Harmon, Richard M., disability 
Harmon, David, disability. 
Murphy, Thomas, drunkenness, 
O'Neal, Thomas, disability. 
Shadwick, Levi, disability. 
England, William, disability. 
Fields, Thomas, disability. 
Brown, Joel R., disability. 
Keene, Joseph B., disability. 
Place, Richard J., disability. 
Knight, Thomas, disability. 
Brown, Joel R., disability. 
Dilley, Barnett, disability. 
Splawn, John B., disability. 



Rhoades, Charles W. 
Sabens, William M. 
Stout, William S. 
Starr, William M. 
Starr, James. 
Stephens, Wiley. 
Wright, John R. 
Wheeling, Harrison. 
Worley, William T. 
Wilson, Matthew. 
Killed in Battle, 
killed Aug. 9, 1862, at Panther Creek, Mo. 

Died. 

Fitts, George W. 
Orr, Patrick M. 
Pennington, William J. 

Discharged. 

Smith, John N., disability. 
Splawn, Isaac N., disability. 
Smith, John N., disability. 
Jefferies, George W., disability. 
Walker, Alfred G., di.sability. 
Ham, John T., disability. 
Hines, Benj. F., disability. 
Miller, Michael, disability. 
Harris, Seth H., disability. 
Orr, Jasper N., disability. 
Payne, Ebenezer, disability. 
Way, Charles A., disability. 
Orr, Moses, disability. 
Rowhuff, James, disability. 
French, Jesse N., disability. 
Day, John M., horse stealing. 



Deserted. 
Moore, James. Stephens, John E. 

Non-Commissioned Officer.s — Sergeants. 
Alfred R. Leard. David K. Eeads. 

Joseph Dilley. Charles M. Rogers. 

Benj. H. Hines. Eli McClure. 



112 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Davis Lewellyn. 

Isaac Summers. 

David M. Heath, 

disability. 



discharged for 



Nathan Johnson, discharged for 
disability. 

James Johnson, died at home, 
Daviess County Nov. 3, 1862. 
Corporals : 

Henry C. Frazier. 

Willis Dilley. 

Daniel Pilcher. 

Henry Dilley, discharged for dis- 
ability. 

George W. Hall, discharged for 
disability. 

John L. Shriver, discharged for 
disability. 

Luther Ferrington, deserted on 
May 16, 1863. 
Company B. — The original roll of this company was lost. The follow- 
ing list is as nearly correct as possible. 



William G. Stow. 

Bailey Webb. 

Harvey Dilley. 

William H. Elliott. 

Carl R. Lord, discharged for dis- 
ability. 

Joseph P. Lewis, discharged for 
disability. 

Ira C. Tuttle, discharged for dis- 
ability. 



Privates. 



Alexander, John. 
Allen, Isaac. 

Atwell, 

Brown, William. 
Baker, Guy. 
Baker, Harvey. 
Bashford, Cline. 
Butler, Francis. 
Butrick, William. 
Butrick, G. 
Bender, James. 
Bender, Robert. 
Bender, John. 
Blessing, Henry. 
Critton, Erve. 
Critton, James. 
Cole, Harvey. 
Collins, Thomas. 
Sactor, J. 
Castor, Benjamin. 
Castor, William. 
Castor, C. 



Critton, Joseph. 
Charles, C. 
Daniels, C. 
Daniels, James. 

Elmore, 

Enyhart, Richard. 
French, J. 

Fulcher, 

Fannon, William. 
Fannon, Joseph. 
Gipson, Thomas. 

Harolson, 

Henderson, 

Harmon, J. 
Hoover, Isaac. 

Harmon, 

John, B. 
Keene, Gabriel. 
Knight, J. 
Laswell, John. 
Laswell, A. J. 
Landers, Joseph. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



113 



Ohar, M. 
Place, F. A. 
Paxton, Doc. 
Reader, Robert. 
Renn, William. 
Rhodes, N. 
Snider, Henry. 

Snider, Henry, Caldwell County. 
Shanks, Michael. 
Story, G. 
Story, Mounce. 
Story, John. 
Sego, Lemuel. 
Sitch, Perry. 
Savey, William. 
Savey, L. 
Tracy, D. 
Woodson, Richard. 
Wilson, Adam. 
Ward, James. 
Webster, Hiram. 
Non-Commissioned Officers. 
Daniel Lebow, sergeant. 

Forty-third Infantry, Missouri Volunteers. 

The Forty-third Regiment was organized, September 22, 1864, under 
the command of Chester Harding, Jr., of St. Louis as colonel. Only one 
company was partially organized from Daviess County, under the captaincy 
of William F. Flint, whose address was given as Bethany, but who, after 
the war became sheriff of Daviess County. A portion only of the names 
can be given and all of these were not from this county. They were in 
active service in the Central Missouri District and were mustered out of 
service June 30, 1865. 

Privates. 



Leber, Isaac. 
Lewis, Sylvester. 
Mann, Adam. 
Morris, John. 

Miries, 

Myers, S. 

McFarland, Marshall 
McGarvin, David. 
McGarvin, Dennis. 
McCarty, Dennis. 
McCarty, David. 
McClure, John. 
Matthews, David. 
McKinney, Arthur. 
Nichols, D. 
Norton, J. 
Noah, Uriah. 
Nichols, Joseph. 
Nichols, Rhodes. 
Nichols, John. 
Nations, Edward. 



Brown, Joel E. 
Bowyer, William 
Hendick, T. J. 
Hendrick, John 
Herndon, Isaac 
Irwin, Joseph 
Daniels, Richard 
Frazier, Joseph 



Bolin, William 
Eads, William 
Rader, John 
Cline, John 
Robb, James 
Foster, Andrew J. 
Terry, David 
Terry, Aaron 



114 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Terry, David T. Chapman, Alonzo 

Miers, William Chapman, C. 

Poe, James Sarrah, Jacob 

Smith, W. T. Henderson, John 

Smith, John E. Endicott, Jacob 

Wright, James Greenwood, F. L., drummer 

Royston, Powell Flint, Larkin S., fifer 

Yost, Cornelius 

Non-Commissioned Officers — Sergeants. 
First, Nathan E. Reed, Fourth, William Tibbies, 

Second, Silas H. Hammond, Fifth, Hugh Sharon, discharged, 

Third, L. L. Terry, Fifth, Robert S. Terry, promoted 

Corporals : 
First, Isaac N. Goodwin, Fifth, Joseph H. Knott, 

Second, James O. Frisbee, Sixth, Sideon Smith, 

Third, John F. Silby, Seventh, John Hendricks, 

Fourth, Philip Higgins, Eighth, Corydon Hart. 

There were in the above company fifty-five more privates whose 
names could not be secured, and part of them were from Daviess County. 

Special Order No. Six. — Among the orders which were issued applying 
to the county, Special Order No. Six was probably the most drastic. 

Headquartei's, Sub-district of Chillicothe, 
Chillicothe, Mo., Dec. 17, 1864. 
Special Order No. Six : 

The committees named below are hereby appointed for Daviess County 
whose duty it is in their respective townships to prepare and put in the 
hands of Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel P. Cox at Gallatin with the least pos- 
sible delay a list of all persons of their respective townships who have been 
in the rebel army designating those who are or have been attached to guer- 
illa or bushwhacking organizations, also including all persons against whom 
evidence of aiding armed rebels or bushwhackers and the withholding of 
information concerning their presence and movement can be furnished. 
This list will give the name, age and residence of each person, when he 
joined the rebel army, what family he has and where they are now living, 
the age of the eldest child at home, present value of personal property, 
number of acres of real estate and such additional remarks touching each 
family as to enable the military to aiTive at just conclusion in the premises. 

Committees: 

Gallatin Township : Joseph H. McGee, William Bristow and Jacob Woodruff. 
Jackson Township: Lieut. Mounts Nichols, W. G. Eads, George N. Smith. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 115 

Harrison Township: John H. Tuggle, Thomas R. Tuggle, Manuel Martin. 
Jefferson Township : James L. Powell, G. M. Lile, G. M. Tipton. 
Pattonsburg Township: Dr. William Pyle, Capt. M. Morris, Henry Dilley. 
Salem Township: Judge B. M. Coffey, Capts. W. B. Brown and Andrew 

Barr. 
Grand River Township: Judge Peter Bear, J. P. Brown, M. Netherton. 

The closing events of the war are chronicled in the Gallatin North Mis- 
sourian, established in 1864. On Nov. 17th of that year, an account was 
published of the fight with Price near Independence, and the Big Blue in 
which many Daviess countians took part. 

On April 5, 1865, news reached Gallatin that Petersburg and Richmond 
had surrendered to Grant. At four o'clock a meeting was held in the court 
house and enthusiastic speeches made. Committees were appointed to plan 
for the proper celebration of the event. All citizens were requested to 
illuminate their homes. Postmaster Taylor, Bob Graves and Major Cox 
hurriedly collected enough money to brilliantly illuminate all the windows 
in the court house and get up an oyster benefit. The banquet committee 
was composed of S. A. Richardson, Major McGee and Dr. Givens. The 
paper reports that most every house was illuminated. 

On April 8th, Salem celebrated the surrender of Richmond on a grand 
scale. The speakers were Captain Brown, J. H. Hardin, R. H. Vandivert 
and others. 

During 1864 and 1865 a great many new settlers came into the county. 
Fearing that the newcomers might have disloyal tendencies, a meeting 
was held Jan. 28, 1865, and a resolution passed that a committee be appoint- 
ed to find out the political affiliations of those proposing to settle in the 
county, and that none but loyal persons were to be allowed to come into the 
county to live. 

Confederates. — Although a large number of men from the county 
went into the Southern army and while many of the non-combatants were 
Confederate sympathizers, the county was at all times under the control 
of the Federal authorities. Little can be learned of the activities of the 
Confederates. Major McGee mentions a company raised by Dr. C. C. 
Hogan. The recruiting service of John D. Casey, Will Jordin, Logan En- 
yart and others are occasionally referred to. It was necessary, with the 
Federals in control, to proceed secretly. After evading the local authori- 
ties, the danger of crossing the Missouri river to join the Southern Army 
was yet to be encountered. Some were turned back, but it is estimated 
that more than 300 from Daviess County were in the Confederate Army. 
Efforts have been made to compile a list of these soldiers, but it is far from 
complete. Names of Confederate soldiers who were not residents of the 



116 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



county at the time, but have at a latei* date lived here are also included for 
several reasons. In the first place, it is not always possible to be sure 
whether the soldier was living in the county during the war. Second, since 
no concerted effort has been made until recently to collect records of these 
soldiers, it may be of value to those interested to have the record, even 
though he served in another state. 

Thanks are due Mr. N. A. Baker, Mrs. Mary Cruzen, Mr. George Will- 
iams and Mr. Samuel Sperry, Sr., for assistance in compiling the list. 



H. E. Acton, 
Frank Abcock, 
J. H. Abcock, 
George P. Allen, 
William Anderson, 
Lut Ashby, 
N. A. Baker, 
Noah J. Black, 
A. C. Ball, 
Alfred F. Barnett, 

Blizzard, 

W. S. Beard, 
L. M. Best, 
Thomas Bradshaw, 
James A. Bowen, 
W. H. Bray, 
Joseph Breeden, 
James Brosius, 
Thomas B. Brookshire, 
Nathan Broughton, 
Calvin Burge, 
John W. Burge, 
J. C. Byrd, 
John D. Casey, 
Richard Childs, 
William Childs, 
Henry Clothier, 
Pit Cloudas, 
John B. Comer, 
Jerre C. Cravens, 
Dr. John Cravens, 
John Cravens, Jr., 
William Cravens, 



Jesse A. Creekmore, 
Nathaniel G. Cruzen, 
William Cruzen, 
William Darr, 
Edward Davis, 
Dr. F. M. Davis, 
Josiah Davis, 
William Davis, 
James R. Dehring, 
Jesse Dehring, 
A. L. Deavers, 
Arthur Dever, 
Jim Dever, 
J. T. Dunn, 
Harve Ellis, 
L. A. EUis, 
Logan Enyart, 

Rev. Enyart, 

James W. Estes, 
George D. Ewing, 
Hiram Faulkner, 
Mat Foley, 
T. R. Ford, 
Thos. Gee, 
Dick Gilkey, 
Press Githens, 
Doute Githens, 
Pack Githens, 
John D. Gillilan, 
Mathias GiUilan, 
N. B. Githens, 
Charles Goben, 
J. T. Green, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



117 



Jack Haines, 

Henry Harnes, 

A. N. Harper, 

Cap Harper, 

Hardin Hartley, 

Jacob Haynes, 

Dave Hays, 

Patrick H. Hawkins (?) 

T. B. Head, 

Frank Hicklin (?) 

Tom Hicklin, (?) 

Dr. John Hillman, 

Dr. C. C. Hogan, 

George Hopkins, 

J. Houghton, 

James M. Hunter, 

John Hyatt, (?) 

John Irving, 

Richard Irving, 

William Irving, 

T. B. Jackson, 

Thos. Jennings, 

James Jordin, 

William Jordin, 

H. H. Justus, 

Daniel Kessler, 

John Kessler, 

Joseph Kirk, 

James F. Knight, 

James Lamey, 

Thos. Lathrop, 

Dee Lawson, 

William Ledgewood, 

John Lile, 

Henry Lockwood, 

Lockwood, 

Lockwood, 

Sam Lowrey, 
Gus. A. Lynn, 
David Martin, 
John Middleton, 



Wm. Mead, 
George McCartney, 
William McCartney, 
Wm. Henry McClung, 
R. J. McClane, 
Sam McClane, 
M. B. McClung, 
J. W. McCullough, 
Frank McCue, 
George McCue, 
James McCue, 
Paul McCue, 

McCue, 

McCue, 

R. M. McCue, 
Archie McDaniel, 
Martin McDaniel, 
William McDaniel, 
Dock McDonald, 
Jno. McLauglin, 
James McMillion, 
John A. McNeel, 
John H. McNeill, 
William S. McNeill, 
John Macrander, 
M. T. Mallory, 
Alexander Mann, 
Independence Mann, 
Jacob Mann, 
Dr. J. B. Marley, 
Alphonso E. Martin, 
Gabriel May, 
James W. Miller, 
John H. Miller, 
Robert Miller, 
Alfred C. Minnick, 
Tim Murray, 
Davis Nance, 
J. W. Neill, 
William N. Nickell, 
G. I. O'Ferrell, 



118 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



W. T. Osborn, 
Bob Owens, 
Jacob Oxford, 
Asa Payne, 
Henry Payne, 
Francis Peniston, 
H. C. Peniston, 
John Perry, 
Wm. Perry, 
B. F. Pugh, (?) 
Lute Powell, 
John Pryor, 
J. A. Scott, 
John Sheeler, 
Bootes Shultz, 
Edward Shultz, 
Peter Shultz, 
Sidney Shultz, 
Tom Shultz, 
Dick Shutluth, 
Emanuel Small, 
George C. Smith, 
George H. Smith, 
I. V. Smith, 
Stephen Smith, 
Jack Sperry, 
E. W. Stafford, 
Joseph Stamper, 



W. T. Stovall, 
Maro Thomas, 
John Taylor, 
Obediah Taylor, 
J. E. Tomlinson, 
Milton Tye, 
Thomas Tye, 
Richard Vallandingham, 
Monroe Ware, 
Joseph Weldon, 
Nick Weldon, 
Martin Weldon, 
George W. Williams, 
Monroe Williams, 
Roger Williams, 
Samuel Wilson, 
Jason Winburn, 
Charles F. Witten, 
William F. Witten, 
John H. Wood, 
Bob Woodring, 
Colley Woodring, 
Asa Worrell, 
Hill Workman, 
John Workman, 
James Wynn, 
John Wynn, 
M. W. Yeager, 



Cap Stone, 

Civil War Incidents. — Along toward the beginning of the war. Will 
Jordin was recruiting for the Confederate army, and some six or seven of 
them started south. They were seen by Captain Mounts Nichols and his 
company of militia, who at once started in pursuit. The recruits kept 
ahead until Grand River was reached. The river was frozen over, but 
there was considerable doubt as to whether it would bear them and their 
horses. Jordin, who was small and was riding a small horse, got safely 
across. Mr. John F. Jordin's account of the incident continues: "Next came 
Tom Bradshaw on a mule and the mule skated across in good style. The 
others encouraged by scattering fire from their pursuers who were now 
within shooting distance made an attempt to cross, when a powerful horse 
ridden by Ed McClung broke through the ice and stopped the retreat. Jor- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 119 

din was the only man in tiie crowd that was armed and seeing that it 
would be useless to attempt to rescue his companions turned reluctantly 
away and with Bradshaw continued on their way. The only casualty in 
this engagement was the wounding of Bradshaw's mule, which was shot 
through the ear. Bradshaw soon tired of soldiering and returned home and 
afterwards served in the 'Mackerel Brigade' as the Home Guards were call- 
ed, for a sufficient length of time to entitle him to a pension, which he still 
lives to draw with more pleasure than he did his gun in the days of '61." 

This incident is related by Mr. Jordin in his "Memories": 
"In November, 1863, George and Frank McCue and a comrade named 
Markham left the Confederate army, undertook to make their way north 
in order that Frank, who was suffering with serious wounds, might be 
properly cared for. As the boys reached the old neighborhood, a cold driz- 
zling rain set in, turning into sleet. They went into camp at a place near 
Uncle Isaac's, known as the 'rock house.' They had made the trip thus 
far on horseback but Frank was now thoroughly exhausted by the suffer- 
ing and exposure incident to their long and tiresome journey. The weather 
continued to be inclement and George decided to go to Uncle Isaac and make 
their condition known. He did so and uncle at once directed them to bring 
Frank to the house, which they did at once. George and Markham con- 
tinued their journey, but Frank remained for some days resting and recup- 
erating his strength. Then one night Tom Bradshaw came with a covered 
wagon and took Frank to Iowa where he was cared for at the home of a 
friend until some time during the following year, when he died. 

"Uncle was not ignorant of what the probable consequences of this act 
would be. He knew that in giving food and shelter to Frank McCue he 
was violating the military law, which forbade the giving of aid and com- 
fort to those in rebellion. He knew that to reach out the hand of mercy 
and try to save this battered piece of flosam cast up by the waves from the 
crimson sea of war was an offense so grave that he who committed it en- 
dangered his liberty, perhaps his life. But knowing all this, be it said to 
his credit, he never hesitated for a moment. Let the consequence be what 
they may,' said he, 'it shall never be said that I turned one of my neighbor's 
children from my doors when he was hungry, sick and without shelter.' 
There was a committee in each township, composed of three members, 
whose duty it was to promptly report offenses of this kind. The names of 
the men composing these committees as I write but I have no desire to open 
old wounds. The matter was, however, promptly reported to Lieut. Col. 
S. P. Cox, at Gallatin. But Col. Cox possessed that generous nature that 
always characterizes the truly brave man and friendly warning was given 
and uncle bade farewell to his home, and left, never to return." 



120 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

In account of Jefferson Kelley, a jack-of-all-trades who made a meager 
living by doing odd jobs for the neighbors, Mr. Jordin tells the following 
story : 

"It was the custom during the war to hold prayer meetings at private 
residences, and a man's welcome more often depended upon his political 
faith rather than his religious convictions. Here the gray-haired father 
invoked the divine protection for his boy who was battling at the front, and 
for the ultimate triumph of the cause he believed to be just. While Kelly 
had neither boy nor political convictions he always rose to the spirit of the 
occasion and if prayer could have saved the day and turned the tide of bat- 
tle the Southern Confederacy would have won hands down. At one of 
these meetings, held at Uncle Isaac Jordin's, Kelly was called on to lead 
in prayer. He opened up all right and got through with preliminary mat- 
ters in his usual felicitious manner, but somehow when he came to discuss 
political issues he seemed to lose his grip. Isaac Oxford and I were small 
boys at the time and were devoutly kneeling in a dark corner of the room. 
It occurred to us that Jeff needed encouragement and we began to supple- 
ment his feeble petitions with hearty 'Amens,' 'Do, Lord,' and 'God Grant 
It.' Kelley did not know the source of the endorsement which he was re- 
ceiving, but it revived him at once, and he fairly outdid himself, much to 
the delight of two small boys. But the sequel for one of us at least was not 
so amusing. Mother was present, recognized my voice and gave me one 
of the worst whippings that I ever received. That settled the matter so 
far as I was concerned. I never encouraged Kelley after that. He might 
have got stuck in the middle of a prayer, and stayed there, for all I cared." 

Irresponsible bands of militia frequently went about the county sub- 
jecting the Southern sympathizers to petty annoyances. During a meeting 
at Ketron Chapel a group of these men passed and decided it would be 
great sport to put a flag over the door, so that those coming out of the 
church had to pass under it. The people were indignant, but were wise 
enough not to protest. But when one young woman walked out, she seized 
the flag and tore it in two. She was arrested and taken to Chillicothe, 
where she was forced to take the oath of allegiance. Having taken the 
oath to support the Union, she turned to the authorities and announced, 
"I'll keep that if I want to." 

Jonathan Oxford was an avowed Southern sympathizer, and made no 
effort to conceal his feelings. He was arrested and taken to Breckenridge. 
He was paroled by the military authorities and ordered to report again in 
30 days. A few days later, on April 3, 1863, a group of armed men came 
to the house and told him he must go to Breckenridge to answer his parole. 
Since it then lacked about 15 days until he was supposed to report, he ob- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 121 

jected, but was forced to go. Next morning he was found dead by the 
roadside, his body riddled by bullets and no clue was ever found as to the 
identy of the murderers. 

James Weldon had served in the Confederate army, but had returned 
home, taken the oath and was a member of the Home Guard. A captain 
from Caldwell County, with a group of his men, was passing through the 
country, and knowing that Weldon had once been a Confederate, had him 
taken from his home and murdered. 

No less tragic was the death of William Crews, which occurred in 1866, 
but was the direct outgrowth of Civil War enmities. A debate concerning 
the doctrines of the Universalist church was being held at Clear Creek 
church and a large crowd was in attendance. During the noon hour, Crews 
was standing with his back to a tree talking to a group of girls. A man 
approached and offered him an apple, which he laughingly accepted. Two 
men were waiting for the signal, and now approached with drawn revolvers. 
Miss Ann Weldon, seeing them, gave a warning cry to Crews and struck the 
pistol so that it was discharged in the air and injured no one. The other 
man, said to have been Broomfield, fired and Crews fell dead. The murder- 
ers rode away unmolested and no effort seems to have been made to arrest 
them. The events which lead up to the murder go far back into the Civil 
War. The father of William Crews was a strong Southern sympathizer, 
and was compelled to leave home. Crews, at that time, a youngster of 
about 14, said and did a good many things calculated to arouse the ire of the 
military authorities. He was arrested and taken to Breckenridge, but was 
soon released. Later he was again arrested. His mother became anxious 
about him and induced his brother and Thomas Perry to attempt his rescue. 
The plan was discovered and when the attempt was made, George Crews 
and Perry were killed. The boy saw the killing and vowed to avenge their 
deaths. He made no secret of his intention and it was no doubt because 
of these threats that he was sought and murdered by men who had reason 
to fear him. 

Among the persons arrested after the ironclad oaths provided for in 
the Constitution of 1865 went into effect, was the Rev. B. F. Kenny, a well 
known Baptist minister. He was charged with preaching without having 
taken the oath. Justice Daniels held that he was not guilty because he did 
not take a text — that he did not preach but simply stood at the side of the 
pulpit and talked to the people. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



PIONEER AND MODERN TRANSPORTATION. 



STAGE LINES— FERRIES— NAVIGATION— ROADS— RAILROADS. 

Stage Lines. — Before the building of the railroads, the people depend- 
ed largely upon river transportation. The people of Daviess County and 
adjoining territory when making a journey of any length had to go to 
some point on the Missouri River — Richmond Landing, Brunswick or 
Lexington, usually — to take the boat. Where river transportation was im- 
practicable, the people depended upon stage lines. The Missouri Register 
of 1855, published a time card for Gallatin and St. Joseph Coach Line, 
which left Gallatin on Monday at six A. M. and arrived at St. Joseph on 
Tuesday at 1 P. M. It returned to Gallatin on Wednesday at 6:00 P. M. 
Only one round trip was made a week. 

M. T. Green owned one of the early stage lines. His line operated 
between Gallatin, Hamilton and Richmond. One of his drivers was George 
W. Runnells. After the building of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, 
hacks were run from the nearest points, Chillicothe and Hamilton, to points 
to the north. The line from Chillicothe to Bethany passed through 
Jamesport. In 1865 Captain John Ballinger was running a passenger hack 
between Hamilton and Gallatin every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 
At the same time. Major S. P. Cox was operating a tri-weekly hack from 
Gallatin to Bethany. 

As late as 1976, the Valley House at Elm Flat advertised the "Gentry- 
ville and Albany stage line to and from this house daily". But after the 
extension of the railroad beyond Elm Flat, this line was discontinued. 

Ferries. — The first ferry license recorded is one issued to James 
Hunter. He was granted the privilege of keeping a "public ferry" on the 
west fork of the Grand River at the mouth of Honey creek for six months. 
His license for the six months cost him $2.50. 

Jacob S. Rogers was granted a license in 1837. When the license was 
renewed later in the year, the rates which he might charge were fixed by 
the county court as follows : 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 123 

Eight horse or ox team and wagon $1.00 

Six horse or ox team and wagon 75 

Four or five horse or ox team and wagon 62 

Three horse or ox team and wagon 37 

One horse or ox team and wagon 25 

Man and horse 12 

Footman 06 

Loose cattle, horses and mules 06 

Hogs and sheep 03 

In 1839 Jacob S. Rogers was granted the right to operate a ferry in 
Grand River Township. In the same year James Taylor and John Cravens 
were granted ferry licenses, the first in Grindstone Township, the latter at 
Adam-ondi-Ahmon. After a few years bridges were built and there was 
no longer the same necessity for ferries. As late, however, as 1864, a 
license was granted to Joseph H. Herndon to operate a ferry at Shriver mill 
on Grand river, and one to Francis W. Payne to operate a ferry at Peniston 
Crossing on Grand river. 

Navigation. — It will be noticed that the first town in the county was 
located on Grand river, and was called Millport. Its founders evidently had 
hopes that the new city would become an important port. Before the days 
of railroads the people had to depend much more upon river transportation 
than at present and Grand River was regarded as a decided asset to the new 
county. Accordingly, the residents of the Grand river country obtained 
the passage of an act of the General Assembly declaring "all that portion 
of north Grand river from its mouth to where the township line dividing 
Townships 62 and 63 north crosses the east and west forks of the said river 
shall be and the same is declared to be a public highway to be navigated by 
all perons whatsoever." The act was approved Feb. 13, 1839. 

At the session of the Legislature which met in 1840 and 1841, the 
Board of Internal Improvements reported that a survey of north Grand 
river had been made and stated rather fully what improvements would 
have to be made before navigation on this river would be profitable. The 
board seemed to think the project altogether practicable. 

Two years later this board again reported on the proposition and con- 
cluded with this paragraph (See Appendix, House Journal, 1842, 1843, 
page 624). 

"By improving its navigation in the matter contemplated by the bill 
herewith reported, a large territory would be greatly benefitted, including 
not only the counties through which it runs and on which it borders, but 
also that of Grundy and the extensive back country attached to these coun- 
ties, a space sufficient for the erection of four additional new counties. 



124 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

making in all a territory comprising more than three thousand square 
miles". 

The Grand River Association was incorporated by the 1848-1849 ses- 
sion of the General Assembly. By it the counties of Chariton, Carroll, 
Livingston, Daviess and Grundy "and such other counties as shall invest 
funds in the association hereby established" were incorporated. The object 
of the Asociation was "to enter upon north Grand river in this state and 
to improve the navigation thereof from its mouth to the mouth of Big creek 
on the west fork thereof and to the town of Trenton on the east fork of said 
river for steamboat, vessels, rafts and other crafts". The Association was 
capitalized at $200,000, divided into shares of $20 each. Each county in- 
vesting in the organization was to appoint a director to represent the 
county, such director to hold office for the term of one year. Full power to 
carry out the objects of the Association was granted. 

Nothing came of these plans for the navigation of Grand river. A few 
skiffs made trips up and down the river, but the improvements contemp- 
lated were never made, and larger boats have never been seen. 

In 1847, Robert P. Peniston built a large flatboat, loading it with hoop- 
poles, wheat, bacon and hemp, he started for St. Louis. At Compton's 
Ferry on Grand river, the boat sunk and all the cargo was lost, except a 
portion of the hemp. The cargo was valued at $1500, and no insurance was 
carried. This was probably the only flatboat to attempt the trip to St. 
Louis. 

Roads. — A map of Missouri showing early Indian trails shows that 
one trail extended through Daviess County. Major H. S. Long says that 
it skirted the east side of Grand river and was 60 miles long, and that 
when he followed it in 1819 it was known at "Fields trace". At the upper 
end (in what is now Worth County) it joined another trail running north- 
west. This trail to the headwaters of Grand river was a favorite warpath 
by the Sankees, Foxes and Pottawatomies into the Osage country. 

Soon after the organization of the county, the county court took steps 
toward laying out a system of roads. In 1837 road commissioners were ap- 
pointed for each of the three townships, Adam Black for Grand River, 
Elijah Foley and Philip Covington for Honey Creek, and John Wright for 
Grindstone Township. No record has been found showing the roads laid 
out by these commissioners. 

Mitchell's map of 1844 shows only one road in Daviess County, which 
ran from Gallatin to Far West and on to Macon Court House. This road 
was built by the Mormons and was said to have been an unusually good 
thoroughfare compared with the other roads in the vicinity. 

In 1849—54 road overseers were appointed. It would seem that with 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 125 

SO many, no one person would have his business interests seriously interfer- 
ed with by the duties of the office. 

An examination of Mitchell's "New Travellers Guide Through the 
United States" of 1849 shows the stage roads through Missouri. This 
shows a road from Gallatin to Chillicothe, and from north to Cravensville, 
where it divided, one road going to Sandsville and the other running north 
and a little east until it met another road just this side of the Iowa line. 
Thre was also a road from Gallatin to Plattsburg, Far West and Mount 
Refuge. From Far West and Plattsburg, roads led directly to Richmond. 

In June, 1859, the following road district were formed: Grand River 
road district Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 ; Jackson road districts Nos. 5, 6 and 7 ; 
Salem road district Nos. 8, 9 and 10; Benton road districts Nos. 11, 12 and 
13 ; Jefferson road districts Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 ; Gallatin road dis- 
tricts Nos. 19, 20, 21 and 22; Harrison road districts Nos. 23 and 24. 

The General Assembly of Missouri established a number of state roads 
prior to the Civil War. Among those passing through Daviess County 
were: 

(1) A road from Pattonsburg to St. Joseph, approved Feb. 22, 1845. 
Repealed in 1853. 

(2) A road from Camden to Taylor's Ferry in Daviess County, ap 
proved March 24, 1845. 

(3) A road from Gallatin to St. Joseph, via Maysville, approved Feb. 
23, 1853. 

(4) A road form Bethany to Gallatin, approved Feb. 24, 1853. 

(5) A road from Spring Hill to Bethany, to run "through or near 
Auberry and Pilot Grove in Daviess County", approved Feb. 27, 1857. 

(6) A road from Richmond to Trenton, via Kingston and Gallatin, 
approved March 20, 1860. 

In 1860, the Legislature passed an act for opening and repairing roads 
and highways in the County of Daviess. The County Court was given 
power to make and enforce all orders necessary. All county roads must be 
not less than twenty nor more than 40 feet wide. Section 4 provides that 
"all county roads shall be cleared of trees and limbs of trees which may in- 
commode horsemen or carriages, and no stump shall exceed eight inches in 
height, and wet grounds and small watercourses shall be cauusewayed or 
bridged in such manner as to enable horsemen and carriages to pass with 
safety". 

All able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 45 who had resided in 
the state sixty days and in the district one month were subject to work on 
the roads, and when called by the road overseer were obliged to respond or 
forfeit and pay One Dollar for each day he might fail to attend, or Two 



126 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dollars for each day he should attend and fail to work with due diligence. 

The overseer was required to erect a post at every cross-roads or fork, 
"unless a suitable tree be found at the proper place, to which shall be af- 
fixed a finger board containing a legible inscription directing the way and 
noting the distance to the next remarkable place on the road". 

Overseers were to be paid from the road and canal fund. The law 
provided making out new roads and altering old ones, for the formation of 
road districts, and contained prvisions necessary to carry into effect the 
provisions of the law. 

It was not, however, until after 1900 that much interest was taken in 
the improvement of roads. Interest had previously been centered largely 
upon securing the most convenient route and in the building of bridges 
across the streams. Soon with the introduction of the motor car, the im- 
provement of highways became a necessity. 

The road drag came into use. The Daviess County Good Roads As- 
sociation was organized with James Tuggle as President and C. M. Harri- 
son as Secretary. A county convention was called by them for May 2, 
1903, which resulted in aroused interest in the movement. 

To mention all of the road meetings which have been held and to dis- 
cuss the preliminaries leading to the location of the various trails through 
the county would take much more space than is available. Only a few of 
the events will be mentioned, as indicative of the work done in the county. 

All the townships but one sent representatives to a meeting held in 
Gallatin in March, 1914, to discuss the joint purchase of power road outfits. 
A committee was appointed to further consider the matter. Nothing was 
done in the matter. Union Township, however, later purchasing a crusher 
to supply rock for its roads. 

In August of the same year, Governor Major issued a proclamation 
asking all citizens to work on the roads on two days. Many Daviess Coun- 
tians responded to the call. 

A big road meeting and banquet was given at Pattonsburg in March, 
1914, for the committees on cross-state highways. 

In June, 1914, the Omaha and St. Louis Highway was, after consider- 
able discussion, located through Gallatin, Lock Springs, Jameson and Pat- 
tonsburg, and in December the St. Paul, Des Moines and Kansas City trail 
was fixed from Bethany to Pattonsburg, and through Winston to Cameron. 

A law of the General Assembly passed in 1913 provided for highways 
between every county seat. On July 3rd, the commission met in Gallatin 
and located these thoroughfares — from Gallatin to Maysville, Gallatin to 
Albany, Gallatin to Bethany, Gallatin to Trenton, Gallatin to Chillicothe, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 127 

and Gallatin to Kingston. There was considerable rivalry between various 
neighborhoods to determine the road to be used for this purpose. 

Jamesport has always been active in the movement for better roads. 
The following clipping from a 1915 paper tells something of the work done 
in that section of the county : 

"The Commercial Club and Jamesport Township officials put in some 
good work the past summer. Money to be used on the Jamespoi't-Ash 
Grove road to almost $1500 was subscribed. A little more than a like 
amount was subscribed for the Jamesport-Olive Church road. A requisi- 
tion was made for state aid for both roads and for Jamesport Township. 
When the state funds for permanent road work reached Gallatin, it was 
found that the State Auditor had sent to this county about $2079.69. Of 
this amount Jamesport Township received $240.33, Ash Grove road $379.90 
and the Olive Church road about $383. This makes a total of $1009.23, or 
almost half the amount sent in for the whole county." 

The citizens of Colfax Township made arrangements for an election 
to be held on June 6, 1916, to vote on a $15,000 road bond issue, bonds to 
run for twenty years. A petition signed by at least sixty citizens was pre- 
sented to the county court in May, and the election was authorized. Be- 
fore the date of the election, however the leaders, among whom were H. L. 
Buck and F. E. Warner, decided to call it off. The time was not ripe, in 
their estimation. Some were indifferent, and the proposition was not gen- 
erally understood. 

The latter part of April, 1916, the Pattonburg Commercial Club enter- 
tained over 700 Jefferson Highway boosters at a banquet given at the M. 
E. Church, South. This is probably the largest road meeting ever held in 
the county. Representatives from Bethany, Ridgeway, Coffey, Jameson, 
Maryville, McFall, Hamilton, Altamont, Winston, Gallatin, Santa Rosa, 
Civil Bend and St. Joseph were present. 

After the McColluough-Morgan amendment to the Hawes law went in- 
to effect there was a great rush to get applications for State and Federal 
aid before the State Highway Commission. By Dec. 1, 1920, the commis- 
sion had approved 184 projects. Among these were two in Daviess County, 
one a 24 foot graded earth road 8.87 miles in length, running east and west 
through the Gallatin-Jamesport district. It was estimated that the road 
would cost $139,664.83, of which $69,832.41 would be paid by the Federal 
and $4,440.00 by the state government. 

The second project approved was a 24 foot earth road 7.64 miles in 
length between Jamesport and the Grundy County line, with an estimated 
cost of $41,634.56, with Federal aid amounting to $2,817.28, and state aid 
amounting to $3,820.00. 



128 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

The reports of the State Highway Board show that at the close of the 
biennial period in 1920, a total of $6,770.65 had been paid Daviess County 
for dragging the inter-county seat roads, $1,213.58 in 1917, $2,045.17 in 
1918 and $549.20 in 1919, $2,962.70 in 1920. 

For the four years ending in 1920, the summary of the State High- 
way Board shows that for Daviess County $5,460.00 has been paid to state 
surveys, $16,720.22 had been paid on road work by the State Highway De- 
partment, and that $98,909.69 in State and Federal aid had been allotted 
the county. The figures show that $71,297.11 had been paid and allotted 
in excess of the automoTaile licenses paid into the state road fund during 
the same period. 

Under the new highway law, Daviess County will have 82.6 miles of 
road. The bulletin published in March 1921 by the State Highway Depart- 
ment, "Tentative Designation of State Roads", described these as follows: 

Sec. 8a Road — Beginning at the DeKalb-Daviess County line near the 
southwest corner of Daviess County, thence in a northeasterly direction 
through Winston, Altamont and Gallatin to the Grundy-Daviess County 
line a distance of approximately 42.5 miles. 

Sec. 8b Road — Beginning at Gallatin, thence south to the Daviess- 
Caldwell County line. A distance of approximately 12.1 miles. 

Sec. 10 Road — Beginning at the Daviess-Harrison County line north 
to Pattonburg, thence in a southerly direction through Pattonsburg to 
Altamont. A distance of approximately 21 miles. 

Sec. 10 Road — Beginning at the DeKalb-Daviess County line near 
Weatherby thence south and east to a point on the state road near Winston. 
A distance of approximately 7 miles. 

The state is divided into six districts. The first district is composed 
of, Atchison, Andrew, Clinton, Clay, Caldwell, Carroll, DeKalb Daviess , 
Grundy, Gentry, Holt, Harrison, Jackson, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway ; 
Platte, Ray and Worth Counties. A. C. Lingley, St. Joseph, is the division 
engineer. 

As an incentive to roadbuilding, the Federal Government donated 650 
trucks and tractors to be used for this purpose. The records of the State 
Highway Board, July, 1921, showed that five trucks and one tractor had 
been allotted to Daviess County. 

Railroads. — The settlers were not slow to realize the importance to 
their communities of the location of the railroads. Towns and counties 
untouched by the railroads would clearly suff'er, to the profit of those lo- 
cated along them, and this fact not only created intense rivalry among the 
various towns and counties but also operated to the advantage of the rail- 
roads and their promoters who were in a position to demand concessions 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 129 

and assistance from the localities traversed by them as well as to derive 
profit from speculation in lands along the proposed routes. 

The first railroad project to take definite form contemplated a road 
across northern Missouri, connecting Hannibal and St. Joseph. In Feb., 
1847, the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad was chartered by the Legislature. 
Robert Wilson, of Daviess County, was named as one of the directors. A 
vigorous canvass was immediately opened along the line to secure subscrip- 
tions from the several counties. Meetings were held in every county seat 
and town. A large meeting or convention, was held in Chillicothe, June 2, 
1847, at which delegates from Buchanan, DeKalb, Ray, Grundy, Caldwell, 
Livingston, Linn, Macon, Shelby and Marion Counties were present. Judge 
Austin A. King of Ray County, was elected president, and Dr. John Crav- 
ens, of Daviess County, was one of the Vice-Presidents. The delegates 
from Daviess County were Robert Wilson, John B. Comer, Volney E. Bragg, 
William P. Peniston, James Turley, Thomas T. Frame, Jacob S. Rogers, 
M. T. Green, John Mann, Woody Manson and John Cravens. Upon the rec- 
ommendation of a committee appointed to submit subjects for the action 
of the convention, the following measures were adpted: (1) The appoint- 
ment of three to draft an address to the people of western Missouri setting 
forth the advantages of the proposed roads. Volney E. Bragg, of Daviess 
County, was a member of this committee. (2) The appointment of a com- 
mittee of three to petition the Missouri Legislature for such aid as "can 
be afforded consistently with the rights of other sections of the state." 
(3) The appointment of a committee of three to petition Congress to donate 
alternate sections of laud within six miles on each side of said road when 
located. Dr. John Cravens was a member of this committee. The dele- 
gates agreed to withhold political support from any candidate for a state 
office or for Congress who failed to pledge his aid to the project. 

In Feb., 1850, the Missouri Legislature pledged $1,500,000 in bonds to 
the enterprise. A number of counties subscribed stock in the company. 
In May, 1851, Daviess County voted $30,000 of stock, and James McFerran 
was appointed county agent to represent the county and vote its stock. 
Two routes had been proposed for the road, one of which passed through 
Grundy and Daviess Counties, and the other through the tier of counties 
south of Daviess. Daviess County also offered to donate the right of way 
and to take $20,000 additional stock if the railroad were located by the 
northern route and should pass through or adjacent to Gallatin. The road 
as finally located, did not pass through the county and a settlement was 
made between the county and the railroad by which the county's stock was 
surrendered. 

By appropriate acts of Congress and of the State Legislature, the road 



130 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

was granted every alternate section of land for six miles in width on each 
side of the railroad in aid of the proposed enterprise. Under these acts, a 
considerable body of land in Daviess County came to be owned by the rail- 
road company. 

In the years following the location of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Rail- 
road, the citizens of Daviess County and of other communities not ade- 
quately served by existing railroads were active in the promotion of other 
railroad projects. Among the roads proposed were the Hamilton, Gallatin 
and Bethany Railroad, chartered in 1855, with seven Daviess Countians as 
directors, having as its objective a line from Hamilton passing through 
Gallatin, Bethany and Eagleville, and thence to the Iowa line, and also the 
Parkville and Grand River Railroad, which comtemplated a line from Park- 
ville to the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, thence by Gallatin and Trenton 
to the Missouri state line in the direction of Burlington, Iowa. Neither 
project was carried out. 

During 1866, it was proposed to build a line having Kansas City and 
Des Moines as its terminal points. The route to be taken through Daviess 
County was the subject of a warm contest between Civil Bend and Gallatin. 
The road had been first surveyed through Cameron, Civil Bend, Pattons- 
burg and Bethany, while Gallatin urged that the route be changed so as to 
pass through Gallatin, then to Bethany. 

Finally, plans for railroad building in the county began to take definite 
shape, and in 1868 the county court agreed to subscribe $150,000 for the 
Leavenworth and Des Moines Railroad on the condition that the railroad be 
built through the county and a depot be constructed within one thousand 
yards of the county court house in Gallatin. It is also agreed that $150,- 
000 would be subscribed to the Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad, a depot to be 
built within one-half mile of Gallatin. The county court also agreed to 
and did issue bonds to the Chicago & Southwestern Railway, to whom the 
bonds voted to the Leavenworth & Des Moines Railroad were also issued, 
in the sum of $60,000 for and in behalf of the people of a strip ten miles 
wide along the railway, generally known as the Ten-mile Strip Bonds. 

On April 5, 1871, the first rail was laid within Daviess County on the 
Chillicothe & Omaha line. The track was soon completed to Gallatin, and 
before the end of the year was built as far as Elm Flat, now Pattonsburg, 
where it stopped. Pattonsburg remained the terminal point of the road 
until 1879, at which time it was completed to Omaha and in October of that 
year the road was opened for through traffic. 

The year 1871 also marked the completion of the Chicago & South- 
westen Railroad line. The forces engaged in the building of the road and 
working from opposite ends of the road, met in Colfax Township, a few 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 131 

miles southwest of Winston, where with a cermony befitting the occasion, 
the last spike was driven. On Sept. 26, 1871, the opening of the road was 
celebrated by the running of an excursion train, upon which a number of 
Gallatin citizens were guests. 

The years that followed the building of these roads were marked by 
protracted litigation and bitter feeling between the railroads and the peo- 
ple of the county. The Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad aroused the ire of the 
people of Gallatin by failing to run their road across the river and by at- 
tempting to build up a rival town at the crossing of the Chicago & South- 
western road about two miles east of Gallatin and to remove the postoffice 
to that place. Likewise, the people of Pattonsburg and Benton Township 
became embittered because of the company's failure to complete the road 
through that township. The township had subscribed $20,000 toward the 
railroad upon the condition that it should run through the center of the 
township. As constructed, it ran to Elm Flat, near the southeast corner 
of the township and there stopped. The road was run about two miles 
south of old Pattonsburg, with the deliberate purpose, it was charged by 
the citizens, of destroying that town in order that the promoters might 
profit by speculation in the surrounding lands. Certainly, it had that effect, 
and old Pattonsburg soon disappeared. The action of the company led the 
township to contest the validity of the $20,000 subscription and in the suit 
that followed the township was successful. 

The feeling of opposition to the railroads, created largely by the fail- 
ure to construct their roads where desired, soon led to a demand from the 
people of many sections of the county that the county court contest the val- 
idity of the bonds issued to the two railroads. Indignation ran high, and 
mass-meetings were held throughout the county, at which the purpose was 
declared of refusing to pay taxes to meet the interest on the bonds, and 
calling upon judges and clei'ks who had issued and delivered them to resign. 
Finally, on Oct. 2, 1872, the county court made an order declaring the 
Chicago & Southwestern bond issue and the Ten-mile Strip bonds invalid 
and ordering that the interest should not be paid nor any tax levy of taxes 
made to meet the same. Suit was institued to test the validity of the 
bonds, and litigation continued for several years. The Ten-mile Strip bonds 
were held invalid, and the county secured a very favorable compromise on 
a large portion of the bonds and paid them off in cash. The remainder were 
paid off at their maturity in 1891. 

In the early nineties, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, the 
successor of the old Chicago & Southwestern, built a branch line from Alta- 
mont to St. Joseph. 

In 1897 and 1898, rights of way for another road through the county 



132 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

was secured, and shortly therafter another road, the Omaha, Kansas City 
& Eastern Railroad, was constructed, passing through Coffey, Pattonsburg 
and southwesterly in the direction of Kansas City. The name of the road 
has since been changed to the Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad. 

The Board of Equalization report of 1921 shows the Wabash Railway 
Company having a mileage of 35.81, and a valuation of $1,343,949.30; the 
Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad, 18.56 miles, valuation $229,372.80 ; 
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, 35.33 miles, valuation $1,021,037. 



}\ 



CHAPTER IX. 



CHURCHES. 



nONEER MINISTERS— PIONEER CHinCl IKS— CAMP MEETING — CHrRCH SERVICES- 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH— CATHOI-IC CHURCH— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— EVAN- 
GELICAL CHURCH — BAPTIST CHURCH — METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH — 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOUTH -PRESBYTERIAN CHTRCH— SEV'ENTH DAY AD- 
V^ENTISTS. 

Pioneer Ministers. — Rev. James McMahon was the iirst minister to 
hold religious services in Daviess County. His church was the out-of-doors, 
for he stood under an oak tree near the site where Robert Peniston later 
built the first mill in the county. This was on Aug. 25, 1830. Mr. Mc- 
Mahon was of the Methodist faith. 

Other ministers of the same denomination were Abraham Millice, who 
came in 1834, and who organized a church at Jonathan Liggett's residence 
in Salem Township in 1839; George Waugh, who preached the first sermon 
in Benton Township in 1834; Isaac Burns, J. T. V. Duberry, J. Barker and 
Thomas Ellington. Most of these belonged to the now extinct type known 
as "circuit riders". The following account of the activities of the pioneer 
circuit rider is given by the late John F. Jordin: 

"The circuit rider followed close upon the heels of the early settlers, 
and was always a welcome guest in the log cabins of our fathers. He was 
usually a man of little learning, but unbounded zeal ; a man with an easy 
conscience and a good digestion. He travelled from one settlement to an- 
other on horseback, carrying a pair of huge saddle-bags, which contained 
a few articles of clothing, a Bible, and tracts on various religious subjects, 
thus combining the offices of preacher and colporteur. He was moved by 
an honest desire to be useful and helpful to his fellowmen, and although 
he asked for nothing beyond the means of subsistence, he gave freely of 
all that he possessed. It mattered little whether he was called upon to per- 
form a marriage ceremony, preach a funeral, assist at a log-rolling or take 
up a corner at a house-raising, he waited for no second invitation, but just 
sailed in and did his level best. He knew his people and kept in touch with 



134 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

them. But he never lost caste by assisting in heavy work. Alvi'ays he 
was a preacher and was respected and venerated as a man set apart for 
God's work. If he assisted at a house-raising or any kind of work on which 
a number of men were engaged, he generally made it a condition precedent 
that if he helped them work through the day they were to come at night 
to some cabin in the neighborhood and hear him preach. And thus did the 
circuit-rider "Become all things to all men, that by all means he might 
save some". 

The second preacher in the county was a Baptist, the Rev. William 
Michaels. He held services at the home of a Mr. Atkinson and in several 
other homes. In 1840 he organized the Pilot Grove Baptist Church. Rev. 
Jonathan Smith was another pioneer minister of this denomination. He 
settled in Washington Township in 1840, and for many years was a most 
valued worker. 

Probably the first Presbyterian to preach in the county was the Rev. 
Robert Morgan. His first services were held at the home of Robert Miller. 

Elder George Flint preached for the members of the Christian Church 
some time in the forties. Other early ministers of this faith who held re- 
ligious services in the county were Dr. Jourdan, of Chillicothe, Missouri, 
John H. Ballinger, David T. Wright and Joseph Davis. 

Pioneer Churches. — The first church services were usually held in the 
cabins of the settlers or out of doors, when the weather permitted. Some- 
times a tobacco barn served as a church. Before long, however, there was 
a general desire for special church buildings. Usually these were very 
crude structures, at least when compared with the churches of today. 
Typical of the church of the early days was the old Lick Fork Baptist 
church. 

The Camp Meeting. — To the pioneer the camp meeting was an event 
to be looked forward to throughout the whole year. They were usually 
held in the late summer after the crops were laid by. Rude cabins and 
tents were erected and a small city flourished for the few weeks of the 
meeting. Socially it meant as much to the early settlers as it did religious- 
ly. 

Probably the first camp meeting in the Grand River country were held 
on the Kessler farm in Livingston County. The date of the first one is not 
known but it was prior to 1839. A spring furnished abundant water for 
the campers. Many Daviess countians attended these meetings annually. 

In 1855 the meeting place was changed to the James Callison farm a 
short distance northwest of Jamesport. It was an ideal spot for a camp 
meeting. A beautiful grove of white oak trees furnished abundant shade 
and a large spring nearby assured a supply of water. Because of its near- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 135 

ness to town few cabins were erected there, but some tents were put up. 
The last meeting on this ground was in August and September, 1857, which 
ended in a free-for-all fight. There were no saloons near and the neighbor- 
ing landowners refused to let anything be sold on their land without con- 
sent of the managers of the meeting. Because he was refused a license to 
sell cider and cakes, one man became so incensed that he bought a barrel 
of Bourbon and established what was then called a "Texas" on nearby rail- 
road land. One of the patrons of this establishment was arrested at the 
camp meeting and his comrades came down to rescue him, but found that 
the Methodists were quite vigorous in the use of clubs and fists. 

Church Services — As hymn books were scarce, the hymns were usual- 
ly "lined", that is, the preacher read a couple of lines and these were then 
sung by the congregation. This, of course, took some time, but time was 
no particular item at a church service then. Neither did they sing the first 
second and last stnazas of a hymn — the whole song was sung regardless of 
the number of stanzas. Among the favorites were, "How Tedious and 
Tasteless the Hour," "Rock of Ages," and "Oh, Tell Me, Happy Sailor." 
Musical instruments were unknown in the early days, in fact, were gener- 
ally regarded with disfavor, if not with actual animosity. 

Sermons were also long. Doctrinal sermons were heard much more 
frequently than today. The horrors of the hereafter were dwelt frequent- 
ly upon, and in the words of Billy Sunday, the hereafter pictured in ser- 
mons today is a regular summer resort compared to that depicted in the 
sermons of the early days. Mr. Jordin gives a vivid picture of one of these 
sermons delivered by a Presbyterian divine, William Houston, who, he said, 
impressed him more than any preacher he ever heard. 

"I remember of listening to Houston preach one night from the words: 
'Ephriam is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength and 
he knoweth it not. Yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he 
knoweth it not.' He must have spoken for at least two hours. It was one 
of the most terrific arraignments of the world, the flesh and the devil that 
I ever listened to. Nor was his preaching ineffective. I saw one night 21 
new converts who had come into the fold under his preaching stand up to 
testify as to what the Lord had done for them. It was an indescribable 
scene and one long to be remembered by those who witnessed it." 

Congregational Church. — There is some difference of opinion as to 
the date of the organization of the Gallatin Congregational church. Judge 
J. T. Day gives the date as May 5, 1866. The history of Daviess County, 
published in 1882, places the date at May 6, 1876. The meeting at which 
the organization was perfected was held in the court house. The Rev. 0. 
A. Thomas of Richmond preached in the morning, and Rev. B. Turner of 



136 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Hannibal in the evening. The membership was so small that the congre- 
gation soon disbanded. No church building was erected. 

Catholic Church. — Only one church of the Catholic faith has ever been 
built in Daviess County. This church was situated a short distance from 
old Bancroft. It was dedicated June 28, 1878, by the Right Rev. Bishop 
Hogan, sasisted by Revs. Kennedy and O'Leary. The church had only a 
few members, but it was hoped that a strong church would be built up. 
The congregation is no longer in existence, those who remain in its mem- 
bership attending the church at Oilman. 

For many years the Catholic church owned a lot in Gallatin. As time 
went on and there was not enough people of that faith in the vicinity to 
justify the building of a church, the lot was finally donated to the city of 
Gallatin to become a part of Dockery Park. 

Christian Church. — The Altamont Christian Church was organized 
in 1890. It has a membership of 110 and a Bible School enrollment of 80. 
The value of the church building is $2500. 

Soon after the Civil War a church of this denomination was establish- 
ed at Carlow. It has a membership of 75, and its church property is valued 
at $2,000. 

The Christian church at Civil Bend was organized in February, 1868. 
A church building was errected in 1872. The church has a membership of 
125, and a Sunday School with an enrollment of about 100. The church 
property is valued at $2,500. Elisha Frost, Barney Shriver and George 
Roberts are among its leading members. 

The Coffey Christian church was organized about 1890. On its mem- 
bership books are 125 names, and the Bible School has an enrollment of 
about 70. 

The Christian church of Gallatin was organized in June, 1843, with 41 
charter members. Services were held in the court house until the war, 
when that building was taken over by the militia. The congi-egation then 
worshipped in the Methodist and Cumberland Presbyterian churches. The 
church went down during the war, and was reorganized in 1865, with 23 
members. In 1866 a large frame church costing some $4,000 was erected 
across the street and a little north of the present church. In 1898 the 
church now used was erected, a commodious basement being added in 1921, 
making it of the total value of about $15,000. The total membership of the 
church is 512, with a Bible School enrollment of 450. The pastor is W. 
H. Funderburk, and among its officials are W. C. Gillihan, Joshua W. Alex- 
ander, Howard Poage, A. H. Pettijohn and John Reid. 

March 24, 1872, is given as the date of the organization of the James- 
son Christian church. A church was first erected in 1875 at a cost of some 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 137 

$800. The membership has now reached 100 to 125 members, with a Sun- 
day School enrollment of between 90 and 100. The value of the church 
property is $4,000. 

The Jamesport Church of Christ was organized in 1868 or 1869. For 
a time they held services in the Methodist Episcopal Church South. They 
now have a large frame church valued at about $2,000. The membership 
of the church is 100, with a Bible School enrollment of 90. 

Old Union church was built by several denominations, and is open to 
all. The Christian church has an interest in the church. A union Sunday 
School is maintained. The church property is valued at $1,200. 

One of the earliest Christian churches in the county is the Clear Creek 
church. It was organized before the Civil War. No report is made from 
church in the 1921 yearbook. The church property is valued at $1,200. 

The Lock Springs congregation was organized in 1875, though an or- 
ganization had been effected prior to this time. Among the leaders of the 
earlier organization were G. L. Ballinger, William Eads and Hiram Poe. 
The church now has a membership of 75, with a Sunday School enrolling 
about the same number. The church is valued at $2,500. 

The Madison Square church was organized about 1870, and some years 
later a church building erected, now valued at about $200. It has a mem- 
bership of 75, and a Sunday School enrollment of 60. 

The second largest Christian church in the county is at Patton.sburg. 
It was organized about 1872, though prior to the war there had been a 
prosperous congregation. A frame church was erected, but this was badly 
damaged by the floods of 1909, and a new church built, being dedicated in 
June, 1914. The property is now valued at $20,000. The church enroll- 
ment is 217, and the Sunday School enrollment 230. There is also an or- 
ganization of the C. W. B. M. 

Prairie City Christian church was established in 1897. It has a church 
building valued at about $1,500, and a membership of 125. Its Bible 
School enrollment is about 65. 

Whitefield church, organized in 1880. A church building was started 
the same year. The membership is now between 50 and 75. The church 
has no organization now. 

Splawn Ridge church near Gallatin was organized about 1904, and a 
church built the same year, which is valued at from $1,200 to $1,500. There 
are about 35 members. 

Scotland Church of Christ, formerly known as Pilot Grove, is located 
in Washington Township and was established in 1856. The church now 
has a membership of 200, and a church building valued at $2,500. 

Oak Ridge Christian church was organized in 1876, but did not have a 



138 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

church building until 1871. There were 28 charter members. The build- 
ing is valued at $1,200. The enrollment of the church is 50 and of the 
Sunday School, 40. 

The pastors of this denomination, as listed in the 1921 Yearbook, are 
Charles P. Murphy, Altamont; Earl Stark, Civil Bend and Pattonburg; Z. 
Mitchell, Madison Square and Coffey; W. H. Funderburk, Gallatin; H. H. 
Tinsley, Lock Springs ; and C. E. Hunt, Whitefield. 

Evangelical Church. — As far back as 1868, an Evangelical Church was 
located in School District No. 1, in Colfax Township. In the fall of 1879, 
it was decided to build a church in Winston. A brick church 32x44 feet 
was erectfed. The congregation was largely made up of Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans, among them the Triems. In 1882 the church had a membership 
of 50. As time passed the membership dwindled and in 1918 the few re- 
maining members reluctantly decided to disband. The church has now 
been torn down and a residence occupies the church site. 

Baptist Church. — The Baptist churches of Daviess County, together 
with four Harrison County churches are organized into the Daviess County 
Baptist Association. The officers are, 0. E. Turner, Moderator; S. W. 
Brandom, Secretary ; and A. R. Graham, Treasurer. The 20th annual meet- 
ing was held in Pattonsburg, Sept. 10, 11, 1921. The statistics below are 
from that report. 

The Altamont church, the youngest in the county, was organized in 
1900. It has a membership of 37 and a Sunday School enrollment of 33. 
The church is free from indebtedness and is valued at $1,500. Clerk, Elva 
Cole. Pastor, Dan R. Gott. 

A church was organized at Coffey in 1888. The church property is 
valued at $6,500, but there is a debt upon it of about $400. There are 148 
members of the church, and 45 enrolled in Sunday School. Pastor, W. A. 
Hyde. Clerk, Miss Eileen Lowe. 

The Crab Orchard Baptist church was originally called the South Big 
Creek church, and under this name was organized by Elder Benjamin Smith 
and Deacon Samuel Penn on Dec. 5, 1846. There were eight charter mem- 
bers. On the first Sunday in April, 1860, the congregation unanimously 
decided to change the name to Crab Orchard. B. F. Kenney was the pastor 
at that time. The present church house was erected in 1860, and is valued 
at $1,200. The membership is about 40. Clerk, Mrs. Hattie Adams . 

Three Baptist churches have been organized in Gallatin. Of the first 
nothing can be learned. The next one was organized in 1855 by Elders R. 
C. Hill and Franklin Graves. Meetings were held over a store where the 
postoffice now is. R. C. Hill was the first pastor and was succeeded in 1857 
by B. F. Kenney. Arrangements for building a church were begun but 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 139 

the war made it necessary to disband. Mr. Kenney continued to preach 
there as often as possible and in 1870, Kenney Chapel Baptist church was 
organized. Meetings were held in the Cumberland Presbyterian church 
until the completion of the Baptist church which was located one block 
north of the northwest corner of the public square. In 1905, the congre- 
gation began making plans for a new church, work, however, not beginning 
until 1910. The church was formerly dedicated June 4, 1911. A home for 
the pastor was purchased in 1914. The value of the church property is 
estimated at $17,400. The present membership, 245. Sunday School en- 
rollment, 225. Pastor, R. F. Judson. Clerk, A. R. Maffitt. 

Grand River Baptist church, the oldest of the denomination, and the 
first or second of any denomination, in the county, was organized Dec. 14, 
1833. For years they worshiped in a log school house. The first church 
was erected in 1864. A few years ago a new building was put up, and is 
valued at $3,000. There are now 109 members of the church and the Sun- 
day School enrollment is 50. Pastor, B. Venable. Clerk, Virgil Jenkins. 

Hickory Creek church, located in Washington Township, was erected in 
1869 by a stock company formed of those in the neighborhood interested 
in having a church in the community. The church cost $1,700. A board 
of trustees was elected, and the first board was comprised of Gabriel Feurt, 
J. C. Glaze and William Grant. The first pastors in charge were J. L. 
Netherton for the Baptists, and J. H. Tharp for the Presbyterians. The 
church is now inactive. The Baptists report 25 members. Crit Feurt is 
the clerk. 

The Jameson church was organized in 1892. Although one of the new- 
est churches, it has the second largest membership of any Baptist church 
in the county — 189. The Sunday School enrollment is 117. A Woman's 
Missionary Society and Young Women's Au.xiliary are maintained. Pastor, 
C. W. Kent. Clerk, F. L. Scott. The value of the church property is $5000. 

The church at Jamesport was established in 1867. For some time 
services were held in the Methodist church. About 1882 a church house 
was erected. Many improvements have been made, and the property is 
now valued at $3,500. It has 87 members, and 85 in the Sunday School. 
Mrs. Dan R. Gott is president of the Ladies Aid Society. Pastor, Dan R. 
Gott. Clerk, Miss Jennie Harrah. 

Lick Fork, in Harrison Township, is the largest rural Baptist church in 
the county. It has a membership of 186, and a Sunday School enrollment 
of 23. A women's missionary society is also maintained. It was organized 
in 1867 or 1869, with nine members. A church was built in 1871. The pas- 
tor is Ellwood James, and Clarence Dewey is clerk. 

The Rev. B. F. Kenney and the Rev. Mr. Black assisted in organizing 



140 - HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the church in Sheridan Township in July, 1858. The church building is 
valued at $1,200. The congregation numbers 37 members, and the Sunday 
School enrolls 30. W. M. Bristow is clerk. 

New Salem church is in the southwest corner of Jefferson Township. 
It was organized in 1846 and was formerly known at Victoria church. It 
was then one of the most prominent churches in the county, but its mem- 
bership has now declined to 30. The church is valued at $1,200. Joseph 
Coin is clerk. 

Olive church was organized in 1872. The church property is valued 
at $1,500. There are 65 members and 34 are enrolled in the Sunday School. 
The pastor is Lewis Clark, and the clerk is Otto Critten. 

A church was established at Pattonsburg in 1881. A church building 
was erected in that year at a cost of $1,500. The church now used is val- 
ued at $7,500. The membership is 154, and the Sunday School enrollment, 
159. A Women's Missionary Society and Ladies Aid Society are maintain- 
ed by the members. The pastor is J. W. Trower, and A. J. Coffey, is clerk. 

In 1880, the Rev. Joseph Wood organized a church in Lincoln Town- 
ship, three miles south of old Bancroft. For a time it was called for the 
organizer, but the name has been changed to Pilot Grove church. There 
are now 51 members, and 40 are enrolled in the Sunday School. The church 
is valued at $1,200. Richard Griffith is clerk. 

Pilot Grove Church No. 2, was organized in 1886. It has 83 members, 
the Sunday School enrolling 27. The church building is valued at $3,000. 
W. E. Kaufman is pastor and A. L. Mann is clerk. 

Pleasant Ridge church has a membership of 83 and a Sunday School 
enrollment of 59. The church property is valued at $1,200. Lillie Weldon 
is clerk. 

Union Grove church was organized in 1886. The church has an en- 
enrollment of 59. The church property is valued at $1,200. Lillie Weldon 
is clerk. 

The Winston church has a membership of 128, and the Sunday School 
has an enrollment of 100. Mrs. V. C. Huffman is president of the Ladies 
Aid Society. A. B. Brown is pastor, and Cora McWilliams, clerk. The 
church property is valued at $3,000. 

In addition to Baptist churches, which are members of the Daviess 
County Baptist Association, this denomination holds an interest in Old 
Union church which is owned jointly by the Christian and Baptist churches. 
Services are no longer held there regularly. Hickory Creek church, now 
inactive, was owned by the Baptists and Presbyterians. 

The Old School Baptists established a church in Lincoln Township in 
1859. Rev. James M. Ward was the first pastor. The church is still active. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 141 

Another church of this denomination was organized in 1850 in Colfax 
Township. 

There are two Free Will Baptist churches in the county — the Muddy 
(Philadelphia) Free Will Baptist church and the Center Point Free Will 
Baptist church. Both are in the northern part of the county. 

The Methodist Epi.scopal Church. — There are in the county six Meth- 
odist Episcopal churches forming a part of the Cameron District. 

Altamont Methodist church has a church building valued at $4,000. It 
has 169 full and 12 preparatory members. The pastor is W. T. Cline. The 
church at Mabel is part of the Altamont charge. 

F. A. Tinney is pastor of the churches at Coffey and Oilman. The two 
charges have a membership of 231, and a Sunday School enrollment of 233. 
The two churches are valued at $9,500. 

The church at Civil Bend was organized in 1865 through the efforts of 
Rev David Heath. There were about 15 charter members. A frame church 
was built in 1868, costing about $1,500. A parsonage was also erected. 

The Jamesport church was organized in 1869, with a membership of 
25. The first church building was put up in 1871 and dedicated by Rev. 
Oscar Deshles. It was a frame building, and an addition was added in 1883. 
In 1903 a new lot was purchased a block from the business section of the 
town and on it was erected a brick building valued at about $12,000. An 
addition was added the past summer. The church now has about 286 
members with a Sunday School enrollment of 315 and an average atten- 
dance of 139. The pastor is A. S. Olsen. 

The church was established at Winston in 1874 under the direction of 
Rev. H. S. Barnes. The following year a frame church building was begun 
but was not completed until 1876. The membership is now 320, with a 
Sunday School enrollment of 268. The pastor is Rev. C. H. Ragsdale. The 
church property is valued at $10,000, the parsonage at $2,000. 

The first Methodist church at Pattonsburg was built in 1882. Before 
it was entirely completed it was sold to the Christian church. A congrega- 
tion had been organized some time before this date. Services were held in 
the Baptist church until the building of the Methodist church in 1887. This 
church was a frame structure valued at about $1,200. The pastor lived 
at Jameson until about 1886, when a parsonage was built at Pattonsburg 
The first pastor to occupy this home was Rev. Hunt, and the church was 
begun during his pastorate. Rev. S. B. Tabor was pastor at the time of its 
completion. It was dedicated by Bishop Hendricks, January, 1888. This 
church was used until after the floods of 1909, after which a large and com- 
modious church was built, which is valued at $25,000. The parsonage is 
valued at $4,000. The membership of the church is now 312, of the Sunday 



142 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

School, 225. The Women's Missionary Society, 21. The pastor is K. T. 
Davis. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, South. — The Gallatin church was organ- 
ized in 1832, but the records prior to 1839 have been lost. It was probably 
included in a circuit, and the latter date is usually given as the date of or- 
ganization. There was neither church nor school house in the county be- 
fore 1835. The first preaching of any denomination in the county was 
held at the cabin of Hardin Stone by the Rev. Hardin Ellington about 1833. 
The first regular pastor was Rev. Abraham Millice in 1839 and 1840. In 1859 
a frame church was erected at a cost of about $1,500, and was dedicated 
by Rev. E. K. Miller. This building was replaced in 1886 by another frame 
structure at a cost of $3,500. It was dedicated by Rev. John D. Vincil. The 
last service was held in this church July 28, 1912. The new building, valu- 
ed at $35,000, was dedicated in January, 1913, by Dr. W. F. McMurray. The 
church has a membership of 384. The first Sunday School in the county 
was organized in this church in 1850, with Judge John D. Coulson as super- 
intendent. The enrollment is now 250. A Ladies Aid Society and Wo- 
man's Missionary Society are maintained. A parsonage valued at $4,000 
is owned by the church. The pastor. Rev. S. E. Hoover, also preaches at 
Centenary twice a month. 

Centenary was organized in 1882 by Rev. Atterbury. There were only 
seven members at this time. Uncle Davis Van Dyke and six ladies. They 
collected money and material and built a church, which was dedicated by 
Rev. R. H. Cooper in 1883. This church was in a thriving condition for 
years as at one time they had as many as 250 members. Of late years 
many have moved their membership to Gallatin and towns nearby, so that 
only about 50 members are left. Sunday School is held during the summer 
months, E. G. Knight, being superintendent. 

Wesley Chapel, three miles north of Pattonsburg, was originally a 
North Methodist church. About 25 years ago. Bethel and Ellis Chapel 
united and remodeled Wesley Chapel. It has since been of the Methodist 
church. South. The church is valued at about $3,000. There is a member- 
ship of about 40. 

The Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Jamesport, was built in 
1879, at a cost of $1,500. It was dedicated by the Rev. E. R. Hendricks. 
In 1882 the church had a membership of 26, which has increased to 226 at 
the present time. It has a Sunday School enrollment of about 300. The 
church has been remodelled and an addition built, the structure now being 
valued at $5,000. A parsonage is located about three blocks from the 
church. C. L. Green is the pastor. 

The Lock Springs church was organized in 1865. The names of onlv 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 143 

four of the original members are known — Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Drummond, 
and John and James Brown. A building was soon erected. In 1882 the 
chuixh had a membership of over 200. The church is now on the Lock 
Springs circuit, composed of Lock Springs, Mt. Olive, Spring Hill and Cen- 
tral Chapel, the last three being in Livingston County. The churches of 
the circuit have a total membership of 436. The four churches are valued 
at $8,000. A parsonage, valued at $1,500, is owned by the churches. The 
pastor is F. G. Seyforth. 

In the early eighties a revival meeting was held at the old Honey Creek 
school house, now known as the Shiner school house. As a result of the 
meeting it was decided to build a church in the vicinity. Through the per- 
sonal efforts of Wes. Woods and other prominent citizens, funds were secur 
ed. Most of the work on the building was done by the members. The 
church Monroe Chapel was dedicated in 1889 by Willis E. Dockery. For a 
time the congregation flourished, but now the major portion of the original 
members have died, others have moved away, and the motor cars have 
placed the remaining members in closer touch with the Gallatin church. In 
1921, the church disbanded and the building was sold. 

The first church to be built in Jamesport Township was Ketron Chapel, 
erected in 1858 or 1859 at a cost of $750. It was a frame building 46 by 56 
feet. It was named for William Ketron, a prominent minister. A few 
years later this church was sold and a new church erected some distance 
away. The new church was built in 1879 at a cost of $1,000, and was ded- 
icated by Rev. John D. Vincil. Since that time the church has been thoroly 
remodeled. Prior to the erection of the church building, a Methodist con- 
gregation had existed in this community, which had held sei'vices regularly 
since 1838. In 1842 a class was organized with Isaac Jordin as leader. The 
first minister was Rev. Reuben Aldridge, who preached for this congrega- 
tion in 1838. 

The church known as White Oak was organized in 1866 by Rev. J. F. 
Shores, and for four years services were held in a school house. In 1870, 
a church was built about one-half mile south of Jameson at a cost of $1,500. 
For a number of years Harold L. Yates was superintendent of the Sunday 
School. The church was destroyed by fire in 1874. 

The same year the principal members of White Oak Chapel organized 
the Jameson church, and a building was erected, costing when completed 
about $1,800. The church maintains a Sunday School of over 150 members 
and a Women's Missionary Society. The Jameson, Wesley Chapel and Ket- 
ron churches now form the Jameson circuit, of which Rev. A. Snowden is 
pastor. The three churches have a membership of 125. A parsonage val- 
ued at $2,000 is owned by the churches. 



144 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Presbyterian Church.— There are at present five Presbyterian churches 
in Daviess County, Gallatin, Bethel, Prairie, Grand River and Lock Springs. 
They form a part of the Presbytery of McGee. 

The Gallatin church was formed by the union of the First Presbyterian 
and Cumberland Presbyterian churches in 1905. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized on Dec. 24, 1857, 
under the direction of Rev. W. D. Mahan. The following year a church 
was built at a cost of $1,200. The present church was built in 1892 at a 
cost of $7,000. 

The First Presbyterian church was organized April 29, 1871. A frame 
building was erected on the lot now occupied by the Virgil Wynne residence. 
The church had a devoted, but never a large membership. In May, 1905, 
at a congregational meeting, it was voted to unite with the Cumberland 
Presbyterian church. 

The church now has an enrollment of 118, the Sunday School of 115, 
and the Women's Missionary Society of 35. A manse is owned by the 
church and is located on a lot adjoining the church building. For nine 
years the Rev. J. H. Tharp was pastor of this church, also preaching in a 
number of other churches in the county. The pastor at present is C. W. 
Smith. 

Bethel church dates its origin back to 1860. On April 26 of that year, 
a group of Presbyterians effected an organization at the Goodbar School 
house under the leadership of the Rev. J. W. French. Owing to the Civil 
War the congregation soon became discouraged. After the close of the 
war, there was an attempt to get the congregation together, but it was not 
fully reorganized until 1871. A church building was then begun and com- 
pleted the following year at a cost of $2,126. When the two Presbyterian 
churches united, the Hopewell congregation was added to the Bethel con- 
gregation. The membership of the church now numbers 20. 

Old Harmony church, northeast of Carlow, was built in 1869. In 1887 
Prairie Valley church was built by the members of old Harmony and the old 
church was abandoned. The church now has a membership of 60, and a 
Sunday School enrollment of 50. The pastor is Rev. L. E. Brown. 

In 1913, the Bethel and Prairie Valley churches purchased a tract of 
land at Blake and erected a most attractive manse. 

Grand River church was erected a number of years ago. The congre- 
gation has gradually become scattered and at the last report to the General 
Assembly, it had only two members. In 1921 the McGee Presbytery ap- 
pointed the Rev. C. W. Smith and Elder J. A. Selby a special committee to 
investigate the condition of the church and report what steps should be 
taken regarding it. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 145 

The church at Lock Springs was organized in 1860. The first pastor 
was Rev. John French. This congregation is now the largest of the Pres- 
byterian denomination in the county, having a membership of 186, and a 
Sunday School enrollment of about 100. A manse is owned by the church. 
T. M. Click is the pastor. 

Seventh Day Adventists. — The Seventh Day Adventists have one 
church in the county which is located in Jefferson Township. The leading 
member of the original congregation was Joseph H. Mallory. Desiring a 
church of his own faith near his home, he and with the other members of 
the congregation selected a site on his farm and work was immediately 
begun on a church which was completed in 1885. Seven years later Mr. 
Mallory and his wife conveyed the land upon which the church was situated 
to the Seventh Day Adventists General Conference Association. Some 
years later it was discovered that the land was not correctly described, and 
a suit is now pending to determine the title of the church site. 



CHAPTER X. 



SCHOOLS. 



EARLY DAY SUBSCRIPTION SCHOOLS— PIONEER TEACHERS— FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE- 
LOCATION OF EARLY SCHOOLS— TEACHERS INSTITUTES— HIGH SCHOOLS— CON- 
SOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOLS— APPROVED RURAL. SCHOOLS— GRAND RIVER COL- 
LEGE—GRAND RIVER ACADEMY— GALLATIN ACADEMY. 

Before the organization of the public school system subscription 
schools were established. The 1882 history of the county says, "In 1835 
schools were taught, and from that day there has been no faltering by the 
way." However, no record of a school is found prior to 1837. This school 
was taught by H. W. Enyart, in Benton Township, in the summer of 1837. 
The term lasted for three months and in the following winter he taught 
another term of the same length. The salary was $2.00 per scholar, one 
account says $2.50, and was payable in produce, corn, deerskins, honey, etc. 
Occasionally money was paid but this was the exception rather than the 
rule. 

A. S. Youtsey taught the first school in Union Township in a small 
cabin adjoining his farm. His terms were $3.50 per student for a session 
of three months. The first school house in the county was erected on his 
farm. The lumber was furnished by the settlers. The carpenter work 
cost $25 and William Bixby was the contractor. 

The following account of the first schools in Jamesport Township is 
given in the 1882 history. "The first school taught was in a log cabin on 
Auberry's farm and taught by Lewis McCoy. This was in 1838. He got 
$6.00 per month, for six pupils and boarded around. On the John Hill place 
was the first school house and school was kept by James H. B. McFerran ; 
who afterwards was a lawyer and banker at Gallatin, and now lives in Colo- 
rado. He had some seven or eight pupils and taught for $2.00 per scholar, 
a session of three months. It is evident that it was not the superabundance 
of wealth realized from teaching that caused him to take his departure." 

The first school house in Benton Town.ship was built in the summer of 
1842. It was made of round lots, 16x18 feet, in size and had a dirt floor. 
It had a clapboard roof held with mud. The equipment consisted of smooth 
purcheon seats and desks. The building was put up by the neighbors. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 147 

among them being Isaac and David Groomer, John D. WilHams, John Gith- 
ens and Joseph McCrasky. This building was in the north half of the sec- 
tion 28. John Githens taught the first school here and had about 20 pupils 
and received $3.50 per scholar for a three months term. 

In 1846 the first school house was built in Colfax Township, and was 
on the Caster farm in section 15. Miss Elizabeth Morton was the first to 
teach in the building and she received, regardless of the number of pupils, 
$10.00 per month for her services. Not more than a year later a school 
was taught in the west side of the township by M. C. Weddle and he charged 
$1.00 tuition per pupil. 

James Jeffries taught the fii'st school in Lincoln Township in 1844. The 
school house was erected on Section 30, between ten and 15 pupils attended 
the first term. Mr. Jeffries was paid $15.00 per month. 

The first school house in Marion Township was built of small lots or 
poles, Jonathan Trotter was the first teacher. A Mr. Peiffer taught the 
first school in Jackson Township on Penniston's Ridge. Here the first school 
building was erected at a cost of from $15.00 to $20.00. The first school in 
Liberty Township was taught by Joseph Starling. 

Two school houses were built in Sheridan Township in 1842. C. Need- 
ier was the first teacher, receiveing $1.50 per pupil unless the higher 
branches were taught. 

Just who taught the first school in Monroe Township is not known. 
R. Owens taught in the township in 1837. James Hemly is supposed to have 
taught prior to that time but the exact date cannot be determined. The 
first school house was built, at a cost of about $40.00, in the Hickory Grove 
neighborhood. This was in 1840. The trustees of this school were Hardin 
Stone, Elijah Whitt, and George Hemry. 

William P. Dunnington was one of the first to teach in Harrison Town- 
ship. He had about 15 pupils in 1838 and 1839. The first school was taught 
in 1836 but was poorly attended and the name of the teacher is not remem- 
bered. 

A Maine Yankee, Dr. Watts, was not only the first physician in Salem 
Township, but the first school teacher. 

In 1840 some of the settlers in Washington Township erected a school 
house on the banks of Honey Creek. John D. Inlow, (or Enlow,) taught 
here, having as many as 20 pupils. A large number for those days. In the 
late winter of 1841-42 this building was washed away. 

Teachers Institutes. — After the public schools were fairly well organ- 
ized it was customary to hold county institutes. These were held just be- 
fore examinations for county certificates were given and the courses offer- 
ed were largely preparatory for these examinations. 



148 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

In 1869 W. M. Bostaph reported to the state superintendent of schools, 
"The county teachers institute in this county is in a flourishing condition, 
with about 50 members, most of whom are regular attendants, and a lively 
interest is being maifested by some of them." 

The report of 1883-84 shows that an institute was held in Daviess 
County under the management of B. F. Brown with H. H. King as instruc- 
tor. The session lasted 30 days and 47 teachers were in attendance. 

During the summer of 1885, the institute was managed by W. T. Paugh 
with B. F. Duncan and J. J. Bryant. The term lasted ten days and was at- 
tended by 71 tecahers . 

The instructors during the summer of 1887 were Laura Hyden, C. H. 
Dutcher and F. A. Swanger, and W. T. Pugh was again manager. Again 
the attendance showed an increase, 93 being enrolled. Each teacher paid 
a tuition of $3.10 for the 19 day session. 

H. Hamilton was in charge of the institute in 1889 and B. F. Heaton 
and others were the instructors. An institute lasting from July 9 to July 
27, in 1895 and was under the management of C. A. Savage. F. W. Williams 
and W. H. Buch and A. R. Alexander were the teachers. The enrollment 
reached 122. At the end of the session 16 first grade, 32 second gi'ade and 
49 third grade certificates were granted. 

The teachers in the 1900 session which met from July 17, to August 
4, were A. D. Edmison, J. L. Gallatin and F. W. Williams. 78 were enrolled. 

The character of these teachers' meetings has been greatly changed. 
The state university and the teacher's colleges have supplanted the county 
institute for courses of insruction. Even the county meetings which usual- 
ly lasted a couple of days in August and in November are being superceded 
by the state and district associations. 

At the time of the organization of the county statuary provisions were 
in force for the organization of public schools to be supported out of the 
school funds of each county and local taxation. In 1842, the first apportion- 
ment of state money was made, but Daviess County had no schools entitled 
to this fund. At the next apportionment in February, 1843, one school re- 
ceived state aid. District No. 1, in Township 59, Range 26. 42 children 
were taught in the school out of a possible enrollment of 59. The account 
of state money received was $35.40 when the fifth apportionment in Jan- 
uary, 1846, was made, four schools were entitled to aid and the sum received 
was $146.74. 

The report of the state superintendent of schools for the year 1854 
contains much detailed information regarding the schools. 

At that time the effort from Daviess County showed that out of the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 149 

2,345 children between the ages of five and 20, 1,084 were enrolled in the 
schools. The average attendance was, however, much lower than this. 30 
teachers were employed, 23 of whom were men. The average salary per 
month for the men was $19.12, while the women had to content themselves 
with an average of $10.60. The average length of the school year was four 
months, seven days. The sum of $442.00 was reported raised for building 
and repairing school houses. 

The school system continued to grow until the Civil War. During that 
period many of the schools were suspended. By 1886 the system had been 
somewhat reorganized and the report for that year showed that there were 
in the county 61 primary schools and three private or select schools, with 
an average school term of four and one third months and an average atten- 
dance of 29. 

For the school year ending in June, 1821, the reports show that the 
enumeration for that year was 4,105. The decreases in enumeration are 
to be accounted for in decrease in the whole population of the county. The 
average daily attendance was 3,538. Two schools have less than a six 
months term. 16 have between six and eight months. 60 have eight 
months, and seven have a nine months term. 297 pupils were graduated 
from the common school course in 1921. 

There were 153 teachers employed in the schools, 25 men and 128 
women, while in 1854, only seven of the 30 teachers employed were women. 
There still remains, however, considerable differnce in the average salary 
paid men and women. In 1921 the average salary per month for the for- 
mer was $110, for women $80. Of the 153, 18 held state, 41 held normal 
and 94 held county certificates. The estimated value of school property in 
the county is $250,000, while equipment is valued at $35,000. 

Right Schools. — High Schools were eai'ly established in the county. 
The report of the state superintendent in 1910 showed that Gallatin main- 
tained a first class, Plattonburg a third class and Jamesport an unclassified 
high school. 

In the last 11 years great progress has been made. By 1915 there were 
three first class high schools. Gallatin, Jamesport and Pattonsburg; two 
third class high schools, Coffey and Jameson. The schools at Altamont 
Lock Springs and Winston were on the unclassified list. Which schools of 
Coffey, Jameson and Lock Springs, had been added to the list of fii-st class 
high schools in 1921. There were third class schools at Altamont, Winston, 
Blake and Carlow. 

Two high schools provide training for teachers — Gallatin and Pattons- 
burg. At Gallatin the class is taught by Mrs. Clara Wills, at Pattonsburg 
by R. F. Wood. 



150 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Vocational agriculture is taught at Jameson and Gallatin. 

The Winston opera house is being remodeled for use as a high school. 
The building is so located that the city park can be used as a play ground. 

The Jamesport high school building was erected in 1914. The Galla- 
tin building was completed in 1910. 

The first consolidated high school in the county was built at Jameson. 
The district being formed by the union of Jameson, Laswell, Brown, Brushy 
Creek and the Grant schools. The first week in February, 1914, a petition 
signed by 36 taxpayers, asking for consolidation was presented to I. J. 
Vogelgesang, county superintendent. The election was held later in the 
month and was carried by a vote of 142 to 69. The question of providing 
transportation for school children which was presented as a separate pro- 
position carried by a vote of 154 to 15. Two weeks later the new district 
voted a bond issue of $20,000 for the erection of a school building. Early 
in March the district acquired four acres for a campus, and the contract let 
for the building. Seven new school wagons each accommodating 25 pupils 
were also contracted for. 

Suit was then made to disorganize the district ; was made a test case 
before the Supreme Court. The auditor declining to register the bonds. 
The court decided that the consolidation was legal and the new directors 
proceeded with the work. 

Two elections were brought to disorganize the district but both failed. 

School opened Oct. 4, 1915, with B. F. Brown as principal. 

In 1916 the county court ordered school districts known as Prairie Val- 
ley 63 and Mann 64, to be hereafter designated as Blake school district No. 
63-64. An attractive building was erected. In addition to the elementary 
school work, two years of hight school work was ofl'ered. 

Approved Rural Schools. — In 1909 the state superintendent formulated 
a plan for the approval of rural schools. In 1910, Daviess County had ten 
approved schools — Barnett, Johnson, Haw Branch, Madison and Swisher 
with Bert E. Morgan, F. W. Williams, Edna Offield, Blanche Ayres and 
Orpha Leabo as teachers. 

By Jan. 1, 1916 the number had a little more than doubled, 11 schools: 
Everly, Virginia Ridge, Barnett, Prairie Hall, Splawn's Ridge, Prairie Hill, 
Castor and Madison being on the approved list. 

The schools placed on the standard list in 1921 and their teachers are. 
Liberty, James I. Ray; Netherton, Mrs. Irvin Schapaugh; Goodbar, Mary 
Croy; Fairview, Orla Olsen ; Prairie Hall, Gertrude Parmley; Pleasant 
Grove, Bernice Miller; Blake, Mi-s. Alvin Nebelsick ; Island No. 10, Ferm 
Meloy; Wooderson, Ora Quitmyer; Allen, Mary Temple. 

Grand River College. — Grand River College, then located at Edinburg, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 151 

in Grundy County, was oi-ganized and opened to the public in 1850. It was 
a co-educational institution, and is said to have been the first college in the 
state to admit women on equal terms with men. It was first called Grand 
River College Association. It had its inception in the enterprising spirit 
of the Baptists of Grundy and adjoining counties. Several years later the 
name of the organization was changed and the institution incorporated as 
Grand River College. For 40 years this unpretentious college maintained 
a record of faithful and efficient work. Its faculty included some of the 
ablest educators in the state. 

Edinburg was an inland town, and in 1892, the trustees decided that in 
order to make the college more accessible, enlarge its facilities and increase 
its usefulness, its removal to another location was desirable. Gallatin was 
selected. The citizens of Gallatin agreed to furnish the college site and to 
erect a building, to cost when completed, including furnishings, not less 
than $15,000, and when completed, to convey the site and buildings to the 
six Baptist Associations, Mt. Moriah, West Fork, North Grand River, Gen- 
try, Livingston and Linn County. The gift was made with the understand- 
ing that a college in all its appointments to the educational demands of the 
age should be maintained. Any surplus remaining from the sale of town 
lots in the College Addition to Gallatin, after appropriating the $15,000 for 
the building, was to be added to the permanent endowment fund. The cit- 
izens further agreed to raise within two years after the opening of the col- 
lege an amount which when added to this surplus would be $5,000. 

The college started out under very favorable conditions. Dr. W. Pope 
Yeaman, a prominent Missouri educator, who had formerly been chancellor 
of William Jewell College and president of the Board of Curators of the Uni- 
versity of Missouri, was secured as president. 

The college had seven departments, philosophy, languages, mathe- 
matics and astronomy, natural science, literature and history, art, and 
preparatory. It conferred the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of 
Arts, and Master of Arts, and certificates of graduation were given in any 
department upon the completion of the studies in that department. 

The college opened its first session at Gallatin, Oct. 3, 1893. During the 
first year, 106 students were enrolled, 60 others being enrolled in the pre- 
paratory department, taught in the old college building at Edinburgh. 

On Jan. 16, 1893, the charter of the college was approved by the county 
court, the Board of Trustees being C. P. Brandon, W. L. Merritt, I. H. Bo- 
hannon, Joseph Koger, J. N. Brassfield, I. S. Lowry, E. A. Excun, F. P. 
Bain, Jasper Shoemaker, S. R. Dillion, E. D. Isbell, George Tuggle and Gab- 
riel Feurt. 

The second year a law department was added, the work being conducted 



152 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

by J. W. Alexander and President Yeaman. The total enrollment that year 
reached 137. 

Dr. Yeaman resigned in 1897, and the school was taken over by the 
Hatton brothers, J. H. Hatton being president, M. W. Hatton, vice-president 
and R. E. Hatton, secretary. 

In 1902, J. H. Hatton resigned and H. E. Osborn of Warrensburg was 
chosen as his successor. In November of the same year. President Osborn 
resigned. A successor was not secured until August, 1913, when the Rev. 
James Rice, of Bolivar, Mo., was chosen. Under the agreement with him, 
the college was to be endowed and put upon a permanent basis. The trus- 
tees, were, however, unable to endow the college, and after a i-ather long 
struggle, the work was abandoned temporarily. 

Grand River Academy. — Some time after the closing of Grand River 
College, an offer was made by William Jewell College, of Liberty, to take 
over the property and use it as a preparatory school. In February, 1905, 
the trustees of the college met in Gallatin, and voted to accept the offer, 
upon the condition that William Jewell College would provide for the mort- 
gage indebtedness of Grand River College, amounting to about $1200. The 
proposition made by William Jewell College was to take over the property, 
changing the name to Grand River Baptist Academy of William Jewell 
College, and to provide an endowment for the institution. 

In May, 1906, the Board of Trustees of Grand River College decided to 
accept the offer, with some slight modifications, and arrangements were 
then made to open the Academy under the principalship of Rev. 0. L. Wood, 
on Sept. 19, 1906. 

At the first commencement, three were graduated in music, Blanche 
Deem, Charity Macy and Helen Weiser. Bessie Fannin, Lennis Downing, 
Etta Fox, Claude Fannin, Jessie Wilson, Irene Stout and Frances completed 
the business course. 

The enrollment increased during the second year, reaching 100 in Jan- 
uary, 1908.. 

In the summer of 1908, plans were set on foot to erect a new dormitory, 
since the main building did not furnish accomodations for all the students. 
To meet the growing demands of the school, several cottages near the 
Academy were rented. 

During the summer of 1909, plans were completed for the erection of 
a $6,000 dormitory. The site selected was just west of the main building. 
Work was begun in August and was practically completed, when the 
Academy closed in 1910. 

After again remaining vacant for several years, another attempt was 
made to revive Grand River College. In February, 1914, Dr. E. W. Dow 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 153 

begun negotiations with William Jewell College for the purchase of the 
building. The Commercial Club invited Dr. Dow to visit Gallatin to inves- 
tigate the proposition. He came in April. He proposed to open a school 
for girls and asked the citizens of Gallatin to subscribe $500 annually for 
five years, payable at the end of each school year. 

Arrangements were made for the opening of the school in September. 
At first it was called the Dow College for Girls, but it was later decided to 
retain the name of the original institution. The faculty was composed of 
Dr. and Mrs. Dow, Miss Helen Dow, Miss Mary Dow, in the Academic De- 
partment, Prof. Dunwoody, Music Miss Ruth Early, Art, and Miss Eliza- 
beth Reneau, Commercial Department. The enrollment during the first 
year was near 50. The next year the standard of the college was raised, 
and a full four years' course offered. In 1916 the A. B. degree was confer- 
red upon Miss Ethel Ramsbottom. 

The third year there were three graduates from the preparatory de- 
partment, Mary Moore, Lucille Netherton and Ruth Ramsbottom, and 
Georgia O'Hare from the collegiate department. 

In 1918, the graduates were Cecil Burns, Fay Croy, Esther Foley, Mary 
Croy and Edna Merritt. 

During the fall of 1918, an attempt was made to make Grand River 
College an accredited military school for the Students Army Training 
Corps. Negotiations were well under way and promised to be successful, 
but before the petition was acted upon by the government, the college burn- 
ed. The dormitory, built in 1909, but which was never used, is all that is 
left to show for this institution of higher learning. 

Gallatin Academy. — The State Legislature of 1849 passed an act in- 
corporated the Daviess County Female Academy, pursuant to the provi- 
sions of which, the county court, in July, 1849, appointed as the first board 
of trustees Jonathan E. Mann, Volney E. Bragg, Francis M. Estes, Joseph 
L. Nelson, John D. Williams, Benedict Weldon and John D. Coulson. 

Six years later the legislature passed an act incorporateing the Daviess 
County Academy and Masonic Hall, naming as the first directors : John 
Cravens, Samuel Bryan, John D. Coulson, Thomas T. Frame, Nathan Gil- 
lilan, James McFerran, and Edgar C. Kelso. 

Just when the Academy opened is not known. The first principal was 
a Mr. Tuttle, and Miss Addie Cauthorn, later Mrs. W. M. Givens, was its 
first teacher of Latin and Greek. 

Others who taught at the Academy were J. S. Huffacre, R. M. Messick, 
Arthur C. Weston, John C. Vertrees, Miss Carrie Smith, Mrs. Ann Givens 
Cauthorn, and Miss Hattie Atchison, (Mrs. A. M. Irving). 



CHAPTER XI. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



THREE CIRCUIT JUDGES FROM DAVIESS COI'NTY— FIRST TERM OF CIRCITIT COURT 
HELD IN 1837— FIRST BUSINESS TRANSACTED— CHANGES IN JUTDICIAL CIRCUIT- 
CIRCUIT JUDGES— LAWYERS IN 1860— LAWYERS WHO CAME AFTER THE CIVIL 
WAR— ATTORNEYS IN 1SS2— PRESENT DAY ATTORNEYS— THE TRIAL OF FRANK 
JAMES. 

In the little more than 85 years of its existence, Daviess County has 
furnished three Circuit Judges, James McFerran, Samuel A. Richardson 
and Joshua W. Alexander. 

The first term of the circuit court was held at the home of Elisha B. 
Creekmore on the first Thursday after the fourth Monday in July, 1837. 
Judge Austin A. King presided. Thomas C. Burch acted Prosecuting At- 
torney, James B. Turner as Clerk, and William Bowman, Sheriff. The 
county was then a part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. The court lasted one 
day, disposed of two petitions in debt and continued a third. The grand 
jury returned one indictment, for manslaughter. The thii'd session of the 
court, in March, 1838, was more exciting. It had been discovered that bet- 
ting on and playing at cards were indictable offenses, and the grand jury 
proceeded to do its duty. It returned 43 indictments for these offenses, 
trespass, peddling without a license, and similar offenses which the free- 
dom loving pioneer had regarded as among his inalienable rights to life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The session lasted several days. The 
40 persons idicted for betting at cards were each fined $5.00. All paid but 
William Cates, who insisted upon a trial by jury of his peers. This being 
granted, he was fined One Cent by said peers. It might be remarked in- 
cidently that this was the first term of court which paid expenses. 

Judge King held court in the county until 1839, when he was succeeded 
by Thomas C. Burch. The same year Daviess County became a part of the 
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, composed of Chariton, Ray, Daviess, Livings- 
ton, Macon, Linn, and Graundy counties with James A. Clark of Chariton 
County, as Judge, B. F. Stringfellow, of Chariton, Circuit Attorney. The 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 155 

following lawyers were members of the bar : Philip L. Edwards and Amos 
Reese, of Richmond; Benjamin F. Tarr and William Y. Slack, Chillicothe; 
Anderson S. Harris, of Brunswick, Wesley Halliburton, of Bloomington; 
and Ebenezer H. Wood, of Trenton. From 1841 until 1848, Austin A. 
King was again Circuit Judge, with George W. Dunn as Circuit Attorney. 
The first resident attorneys were admitted to the bar in March, 1845; The- 
odore Peniston, George W. Poage, and Gabriel M. Keene, Volney E. Bragg 
and James H. B. McFerran located in Gallatin in 1848. Other attorneys 
who practiced in the early courts of the county were: Mordecai Oliver, 
Christian Garner, John C. Griffin, John H. Shanklin and Joseph T. Tindall, 
all non-residents. 

George W. Dunn became judge in 1848, and served for the following 
ten years. Mordecai Oliver was Circuit Attorney. He was succeeded in 
1852 by Christian Garner. In 1855, James H. B. McFerran became the first 
county attorney. 

Daviess County now became a part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, 
and in 1859 James H. B. McFerran was elected judge, serving until 1864. 
James Clark, of Livingston County, became Judge in 1864. 

A change Was again made in the circuits in 1872, Daviess County being 
made a part of the 28th circuit, composed of Gentry, Worth and Harrison 
counties. Samuel A. Richardson was made judge, serving until 1880. 

The next circuit judge was John C. Howell, of Bethany. 

A Missouri State Gazeteer and Business Directory, published in the 
year 1860 lists the following lawyers in Daviess County : B. M. Butler and 
S. B. Gutherie, of Cravensville ; J. K. Cravens, R. L. Dodge, R. E. Douglas, 
J. H. Kinkead, John A. Leopard and Samuel A. Richardson, of Gallatin. 
This list is probably quite incomplete. 

During and following the close of the Civil War, a number of lawyers 
came to the county. Among these were William A. Hargis, John Conover, 
Wm. A. McDowell, Madison A. Ballinger, Frank Ewing, Henry C. Mc- 
Dougal, D. L. Kost, W. T. Sullivan and others. 

Of those who were practicing in the county in 1882, the history pub- 
lished in that year makes the comments found below : 

"Marcus A. Low, now in Trenton, one of the best corporation lawyers 
in the State". 

"Judge Samuel A. Richardson, oldest and most successful pract- 
itioner here." 

"William M. Rush Jr., a fluent speaker, logical and convincing." 

"Joshua F. Hicklin, a close student, with unblemished character and 
a reputation for honesty and fairness that is universally admired by both 
the bar and the people of the county. 



156 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

"H. C. McDougal, a successful young lawyer and genial gentlemen." 
"William C. Gillihan, by untiring energy he has succeeded in his pro- 
fession." 

"Samuel T. Brosius, a young lawyer of great industry, is making a 
success." 

"Loren G. Rowell, a lawyer of tact and talent." 
"D. L. Kost, has been an editor and much of a politician." 
"William N. Richardson, a member of the bar, but finds more money 
in stock-raising." 

"R. A. Vance, practices in this court, but gives his attention chiefly 
to speculation." 

"Adams Ballinger, is a young and promising lawyer, just commencing 
to practice." 

"John A. Keck has been admitted, but is now merchandising." 
"Boyd Dudley, youngest member of the bar, now in Socorro, New 
Mexico." 

"William M. Bostaph, a strict and careful business man." 
"William D. Hamilton, endowed with sense, energy and pluck." 
"Thomas R. Shaw, the present judge of probate, practiced success- 
fully before going into oi!ice five years ago." 

"Oscar Saylor, now singly and surely succeeding." 
"J. A. Holliday, making commercial law a specialty." 
"Joshua W. Alexander, is young and his future is full of bright pros- 
pect for honor in his profession." 

"Milt Ewing, a young man of ability and learning." 
"Edward E. Yates, a promising young man, a good talker, good 
student, splendid business qualifications." 

"G. A. Chapman, E. A. Huson and W. W. Snider are young and prom- 
ising attorneys at Winston." 

"Thomas A. Gaines, at Jameson, has long been in the practice, and re- 
ceives his share of the legal business." 

"Wm. G. GaUison, at Jamesport, practices successfully, but gives more 
time and attention to cattle-raising." 

Forty years has wrought many changes in the personal of the bar. 
Of those above mentioned, only two are new practicing actively — J. W. 
Alexander and Boyd Dudley. W. C. Gillihan, while still living, has been 
compelled because of ill health to retire almost completely from the prac- 
tice. Some have left Gallatin and attained eminence in the practice else- 
where, among whom are Ed. E. Yates, who has for many years maintained 
a foremose place among the lawyers of Kansas City ; H. C. McDougal, who 
also removed to Kansas City, where he died a few years ago; and M. A. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 157 

Low, whose remarkable career as a corporation lawyer was brought to close 
with his death at Topeka. Kansas, only a few months ago. With the pass- 
ing of the years, the youth of the bar of 1882 has become the veteran of 
the present, and Boyd Dudley, then referred to as the youngest member 
is now probably the oldest in point of continuous active practice within the 
county. The period of practice of J. W. Alexander has been divided by a 
term of highly honorable public service, in which he served successively 
as Circuit Judge, Congressman and Secretary of Commerce. Thomas R. 
Shaw still resides at Gallatin, but does not practice. S. T. Brosius resides 
at Alton, Missouri, and D. L. Kost at Gentry, Arkansas. 

In the later eighties John C. Leopard and J. A. Selby were admitted to 
practice, and have resided and practiced in Gallatin continuously since that 
time. Others admitted since that time and who complete the ranks of 
the present bar are Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Lewis B. Gilliam, 0. C. Mettle, 
Dean H. Leopard, Charles D. Brandom, and S. W. Brandom, of Gallatin ; 
George B. Padget and M. E. Pangburn, of Pattonsburg. 

While it is not the purpose of this history to recite in detail all trials 
for murder and robbery that have taken place in the county, it might be 
of interest to give some space to what was probably the most noted case 
ever tried in Daviess County — the trial of Frank James. 

On Dec. 7, 1869, between twelve and one o'clock, two men entered the 
office of the Daviess County Savings Association. One of them asked the 
cashier, Captain John W. Sheets, to change a hundred dollar bill. Cashier 
Sheets went into the back room to get the money, when he was shot. Hear- 
ing the shot, Mr. McDowell, the only other person in the bank, turned 
quickly and was immediately covered. He managed however to get out of 
the door and gave the alarm, although pursued by one of the bandits who 
shot at him several times. Hastily gathering up what funds they could get 
quickly, they mounted their horses and rode away, closely pursued by citi- 
zens who had heard the alarm. They managed to escape. One of the horses 
escaped and it was afterwards proved that it had at one time been the prop- 
erty of Jesse James. In a letter to Governor McClurg, dated June, 1870, 
Jesse James stoutly denied that he had anything to do with the robbery 
and murder, and said that while the horse captured had belonged to him, 
he had sold it prior to this time. A number of people testified that they 
had seen him at other places during the time of the robbery . 

On the night of July 15, 1881, the Rock Island train was robbed by 
seven men, who boarded the train at Winston, and began work as soon as 
they were out of town. When the order of "Everybody down" was not 
obeyed by Conductor Westfall, he was promptly shot down. Other shots 



158 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

were fired, Frank McMillan also being killed. Two of the men took charge 
of the engine, while others entered the baggage car and forced the mes- 
senger to open the safe. The amount secured was estimated from $3,000 to 
$15,000. Again the James gang was suspected of the robbery and murder, 
but again nothing could be proved. 

In 1882, Frank James gave himself up upon the promise of the Gover- 
nor that he would be given a fair trial. He was brought to Gallatin in 
December, and was confined in the stone jail which was on the northwest 
corner of the public square. The trial was begun Aug. 20, 1883, Judge 
Goodman, of Albany, presiding. Dr. A. F. McFarland was Circuit Clerk, 
and his deputy was William Sheets. George T. Crozier was sheriff and his 
deputy was Gabe W. Cox. Major S. P. Cox, A. P. Shour, John Bowen and 
William Hamilton were also deputies and jury attendants. 

The attorneys for the State were William H. Wallace, of Kansas City, 
John H. Shanklin, of Trenton, William D. Hamilton, Prosecuting Attorney 
of Daviess County, and J. F. Hicklin, Gallatin. Frank James had as his 
attorneys, Charles P. Johnson, John M. Glover, of St. Louis, John M. Slover, 
of Independence, Mo., J. W. Alexander and Wm. Rush, Jr., of Gallatin, and 
Judge John F. Phillips, of Kansas City. 

The jurors were J. B. Smith, age 26; Charles R. Nance, 45; Jason Win- 
burn, 39; Richard E. Hale, 24; James Snider, 37; Benjamin Feurt, 37; 
Lorenzo Gilbreath, 46 ; W. F. Richardson, 53 ; William Merritt, 33 ; Oscar 
Chamberlain, 31 ; A. B. Shellman, 37 ; James Boggs, 57. 

The selection of this jury required four days. Over 200 witnesses were 
subpoenaed. Among them were Mrs. Sarah Hite, Dick Liddell, General 
Joe Shelby, Mrs. Zerelda Samuels, John D. Samuels and Mrs. Allen Palmer. 

The crowds which a trial of this sort would atti-act can be imagined. 
All the leading newspapers in the country sent special representatives. 

The jury stood 11 to 1 in favor of acquittal on the first ballot. Lorenzo 
Gilbreath being the only one favoring conviction. He soon gave in and 
James was acquitted. 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



WM. P. THOMPSON THE FIRST DOCTOR IN THE GRAND RIVER COUNTRY— OTHER 
EARLY DAY DOCTORS— THE LIFE AND PRACTICE OF PIONEER DOCTORS— THE 
DAVIESS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY— THE GRAND RIVER MEDICAL ASSOCIA- 
TION. 

The first doctor to practice in this part of the Grand River country 
was William P. Thompson. He was a native of South Carolina. Coming 
west he settled first in Ray County. In 1833 he made his home in what 
afterwards became Madison Township in Grundy County. His services as 
a physician were soon in demand and for years he had a most extensive 
practice. 

Dr. Smith, Dr. Robert Ellis, Dr. Hoover and Samuel Venable, were 
the pioneer physicians in Union Township. Dr. Ellis went to California in 
the early days. The first resident physician in Jamesport Township was 
Dr. Kehr. After practicing for some ten years, he moved to Memphis, 
Tennessee. 

Dr. William Henderson came from Kentucky in 1835 and was the first 
doctor to reside in Benton Township. Soon afterwards Dr. Yater settled 
in the same township. Both enjoyed a splendid practice. 

Dr. D. B. Hill was the first physician to make his home in Lincoln 
Township. He came from Adams County, Illinois, and settled near 
Bancroft. 

Drs. J. W. Hightree and Whitley Miller were the first to practice in 
Marion Township. Dr. R. B. Ellis, a native of Vermont, was the first physi- 
cian to settle in Jackson Township. Dr. William Livcy, a native of Virginia, 
came to Liberty Township in 1838. He remained only two years and then 
moved away. 

Dr. John Cravens came to the county in 1837, settling first at Adam- 
ondi-Ahmon, or Cravensville, as the town was later called. Some years 
aftei-wards he moved to Gallatin and lived on the corner now occupied by 
the Farmers Exchange Bank. He was a native of Rockingham County, 
Virginia. 



160 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dr. William Allen, who came from Carroll County, was the first prac- 
ticing physician of Harrison Township. After a few years he removed to 
Orgeon. 

A Dr. Watts, from Maine, practiced for a few yeai's in Salem Town- 
ship, being the first resident physician there. 

In 1860, the following physicians were practicing in the county: E. M. 
Breeden, G. D. Pyles, R. M. Robertson, K. Scott, all of Cravensville. 

G. W. Brosius, John Cravens, F, M, Estes, W. M. Givens, and C. C. 
Hogan, all of Gallatin. 

J. T. Allen, Jesse Bright, of Jamesport. 

J. W. Pyle, Thomas Simms, Pattonburg. 

This list is taken from a state gazeteer published in that year and the 
data is probably incomplete. 

The life of a physician was in those days no easy task. Long rides in 
all kinds of weather, poor roads to travel over or none at all. Little train- 
ing was necessary — only a comparative few medicines were used, calomel, 
quinine, rhubarb and a few others being the standbys. But most of the 
physicians were, according to the standards of the day, well-educated, and 
when we consider how little was known of the causes and treatment of 
diseases, the wonder is that they were so successful. Even rather difficult 
operations were sometimes performed. 

Daviess County Medical Society. — The Daviess County Medical So- 
ciety was organized Dec. 19,1877, as a means of discussing problems of gen- 
eral interest to the profession. Some sixteen were present at the time of 
organization. Duly qualified physicians alone were admitted to member- 
ship. The first officers were: Dr. W. M. Givens, President; Dr. F. C. East- 
man, First Vice-President ; Dr. R. H. Robertson, Second Vice-President ; 
Dr. D. F. Long, Treasurer; Dr. D. F. Hanna, Secretary. Other members of 
the society were : James T. Allen, Alexander M. Dockery, G. W. Hutchison, 
W. E. Black, A. H. Campbell, James H. Berry, D. M. Glagett, M. McClung, 
W. H. Folmsbee, David Macy and J. H. Harmon. 

After about a year and a half, this society was merged into a larger 
organization known as the Grand River Medical Association. The physi- 
cians of five counties united in forming this society. Meeting were held 
semi-annually. One meeting was held in Chillicothe each year, on the first 
Tuesday in June. The other meeting was held on the first Tuesday in 
December at alternate places. Dr. W. M. Givens served as president for 
one year. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE PRESS. 



FIRST PAPER PUBLISHED IN THE GRAND RIVER COUNTRY IN 1S43— FIRST NEWS- 
PAPER PUBLISHED IN DAVIESS COUNTY IN 1853— EARLY DAY NEWSPAPERS 
AND PUBLISHERS— ED. HOWE ENGAGED IN NEWSPAPER WORK HERE— LATER 
PI'BLICATIONS— NEWSPAPERS AT GALLATIN. WINSTON, COFFEY, LOCK- 
SPRINGS. JAMESON, ALTAMONT, JAMESPORT, PATTONSBURG AND OTHER 
PLACES. 

No newspaper was published in the Grand River country until 1843. 
At that time James H. Darlington established the Grand River Chronicle 
at Chillicothe. Under his management, the paper became one of the most 
influential in North Missouri. His son, E. S. Darlington, took charge of 
the paper in 1855, and published it until 1860. Because of its advocacy 
of the doctrine of secession, the paper was suppressed by the Federal 
authorities. This paper no doubt had some subscribers in Daviess County. 

It was not until 1853 that a newspaper was published within the 
county. At that time the Missouri Sun was established by Stearns and 
McKean. It was Democratic in politics. 

In 1917 a copy of this paper was found by J. C. McDonald, which was 
dated Feb. 1, 1855. A description of the paper was given by the Jameson 
Gem: 

"The paper shows a splendid advertising patronage from business 
firms in Gallatin, Brunswick, St. Joseph, Pattonsburg. Chillicothe, Kings- 
ton and other places. One Gallatin merchant ran a want ad to buy up 1000 
yards of brown jeans, 1000 yards of white linsey, 500 dozen pair of socks 
and other home-made products. One peculiar advertisement was that of 
S. Bryan, who offered to pay the highest prices in trade for deerskins." 

Two years later Frame & McKean became the proprietors, and the 
name of the paper was changed to the Gallatin Sun, and for the next three 
years, it upheld the politics of the "Know Nothing" party. The failure of 
the party meant the death of the paper. 

After the failure of the Sun in 1858, Edward S. Darlington, former 



162 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

editor of the Grand River Chronicle, bought the materials and began the 
publication of a Democratic sheet, known as the Western Register. He 
continued the paper for four years, when it was sold. Mr. Darlington at 
various times edited papers at Chillicothe, Trenton, Kirksville, Lawson, 
Holt, Rayville, Columbia, Fulton and other places. He died near Richmond 
in 1912. According to D. H. Davis, while Darlington was in Gallatin, he 
fell heir to an estate in Virginia, most of which he spent in buying a negro 
servant. The servant soon skipped to Kansas and sent back word that he 
was free as his former master. 

James Graham, who purchased the Westei'n Register from E. S. Darl- 
ington in 1862, changed the name of the paper to the Peoples Press. Al- 
though Mr. Graham was a Democrat, he made it a local rather than a 
party organ. In spite of its conservativeness, the editor incurred the wrath 
of the militia, and in 1864 the paper was suspended. 

The establishment of the North Missourian is told by Mr. Kost, one 
of its first editors, in the Dec. 29, 1905, issue of that paper. He tells of 
coming to Gallatin in Aug., 1864, and of meeting B. J. Waters, a young 
lawyer, who suggested that they buy out Mr. Graham. 

The first issue came out Aug. 28, 1864. Six months later B. J. Waters 
sold his interest to Mr. Kost and removed to Ray County and at the next 
election was elected to the Legislature from that county. In 1865, J. T. 
Day became associated with Mr. Kost. At this time there was no news- 
paper in DeKalb County, and the Missourian managed to get most of the 
printing from that county. In 1871 Mr. Kost disposed of his interest to 
W. T. Foster. Mr. Kost later represented Daviess County in both branches 
of the State Legislature. 

In March, 1873, Mr. Foster retired, and Josiah Powell purchased his in- 
terest. Mr. Powell sold out to William T. Sullivan in Aug., 1875, and re- 
moved to Chillicothe, where for twenty years he served as surveyor and 
deputy. 

Mr. Sullivan was a leader of the Radical party. In 1881 he was ap- 
pointed to a government position in the Pension Department, continuing 
in that work nearly six years. For 25 years he was a post-oflSce inspector. 
He died in 1910. 

Mr. Day disposed of his interest in the Missourian, and for a time Mr. 
Sullivan was sole editor. 

Harley Brundidge then became one of the editors. He retired after 
two years. Mr. Brundidge has since attained considerable fame as an edi- 
tor, becoming chief director of the Los Angelos Express and Tribune. He 
was a member of the board that framed the charter for Los Angeles. At 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 163 

present he is President of the Raih'oad Commission of the state of Cali- 
fornia. 

In 1893 or 1894, R. M. Harrah purchased the Missourian. He was suc- 
ceeded by D. H. Gilchrist, who soon disposed of it to C. M. Harrison. Mr. 
Harrison continued to edit the paper until 1909, when the paper was pur- 
chased by S. G. McDowell, a former editor of Bethany. In 1913, Mr. Har- 
rison and his son, Fred M. Harrison, again acquired the paper and it has 
continued under their management up to the present time. Fred M. Har- 
rison having the active management. 

Ed. Howe, later editor of the Atchison Globe, was once an employee of 
the North Missourian. An interesting account of his life in Gallatin, is 
written by Judge McDougal. 

"Twenty-six years ago, when I, a stranger in a strange land, was 
wrestling with the mysteries of Blackstone here at Gallatin, a rosy-faced, 
good-natured printer boy struck town and went to setting type in the 
North Missourian office, then owned and edited by Kost & Day. We took 
our meals at Mrs. Emmons boarding house * * * * The printer boy 
heard everything, said little, was full of quiet, quaint humor, and had sense, 
and I became very fond of him. So after he drifted away from here, I kept 
track of him but did not appreciate his well-earned fame until I read his 
'Story of a Country Town' only a few years ago. That settled it. for the 
'Twin Mounds' of that book is Bethany, the county seat next north of us, 
and Howe's old home. And no old citizen of Gallatin can read the book 
without recognizing at once John Williams as the 'nervous little druggist,' 
old man Jacobs as the 'big fat blacksmith' and Harfield Davis' drug store 
as 'the place where all questions, political, religious and social were dis- 
cussed and settled,' although Howe does not directly name either." 

Although not mentioned in any history of the county, the Columbia 
Statesman makes mention of a Democratic paper published in Gallatin 
from January, 1854, through 1858. The paper was published by G. W. 
Gardner and L. R. Stephens, and was known as the Gallatin Spectator. 

The Democratic paper which had been published prior to and during 
the war had in the latter part of the war incurred the enmity of the militia 
and had been suppressed. The party now demanded an organ of expression, 
and the Torchlight was established in the summer of 1866, by James M. 
Gallimore and William H. Schrader. In October of the same year, Mr. 
Schrader sold his interest to his partner and went to Maryville, where in 
1869 he acquired an interest in the Maryville Register, later the DeKalb 
County Herald. On Jan. 30, 1869. Mr. Gallimore sold the paper to Thomas 
and George Frame, and the paper was edited by Thomas Frame. In July, 
1869, D. Harfield Davis took charge of the paper and from that time on the 



164 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

succcess of the paper was assured. The name was soon changed to Dem- 
ocrat. 

Mr. Davi.s remained an editor until June 30, 1870, when he retired for 
a few months in favor of Frank P. Warner. In the fall of 1871 Mr. Davis 
again became editor. During this time the paper was gaining in popularity, 
and was organizing the Democratic party into fighting form. In 1872, 
Mr. Davis again retired temporarily and during the campaign of 1872 the 
Democrat was edited by S. M. C. Reynolds. For the first time since the 
war, the Democratic party won out in the county election. In December, 
1872, Mr. Davis again assumed the management of the paper, which he 
retained until Feb. 26, 1874, when he sold the office and good will to Dr. 
W. E. Black, Milt Ewing and Dr. N. M. Smith. Dr. Smith withdrew in 
November of the same year. On Jan. 1, 1875, S. L. Harvey, then of Tren- 
ton, purchased the paper and became proprietor, but remained only a few 
months. He then sold out to Lewis Lamkin. Mr. Harvey later edited 
papers in Trenton, Centerville, Iowa, and Neosho. 

Mr. Lamkin remained editor of the Democrat for several years. He 
was one of the best known editors in Missouri. He died at Lee's Summitt 
in 1907. He assisted in establishing the first paper in Kansas City, moving 
the press from Independence. 

Wesley L. Robertson purchased the Democrat in 1889, and continued as 
editor until 1894, when J. F. Jordin took charge. Mr. Jordin owned the 
paper only three years, at the end of which time it became the property of 
Gus Leftwich. After a few months, in March, 1898, he again became editor 
with Robert J. Ball as his partner. They continued to publish the paper 
until the death of Mr. Robertson in December, 1919. A few months later, 
Mr. Ball purchased his partner's interest, and is assisted in the publication 
of the paper by R. L. Etter, Jr. 

The Daviess County Republican, a short-lived paper, was published in 
Gallatin. The last issue was in February, 1902. In the Gallatin Democrat 
of the following week, C. M. C. Showalter, the editor, made the following 
statement: "Not having been notified that last week's Daviess County 
Republican would be my last issue before the paper was out, I did not make 
my bow to the patrons of the paper as I should have, which I very much 
regret. I have no apologies to make ; I have done my best under the unfav- 
orable circumstances that I have contended with." H. L. Eads, W. T. 
Paugh and others owned the plant. 

The New Era was started in December, 1880, by E. A. Martin, now of 
the Pattonsburg Call. After nine months, the paper was suspended. 

The next newspaper met with somewhat better success. The Winston 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 165 

Independent was founded in 1883 by Harvey L. Cross and was continued 
until about 1887. Mr. Cross is now editor of the Bentonville (Ark.) Sun. 

The Winston Star, edited by H. J. Mollis, was established May 3, 1888, 
and published by him until July 1, 1901, when the plant was sold to James 
H. Wise. 

Mr. Wise then changed the name to the Winston Sentinel, with H. L. 
Johnson as its editor. On July 21, 1902, Dudley A. Reid became editor and 
proprietor and continued its publication until May 16, 1903. At that time 
the plant was purchased by T. H. Black. On April 8, 1909, the paper be- 
came the property of Williams & Black until Sept. 7, of the same year. It 
was then taken over by Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Black. Virgil H. Black became 
the owner on July 21, 1910, and continued as editor until Sept. 7, 1916. 
The plant was purchased by Benton B. Smith, and published by him until 
the editor was inducted into military service. Until his return from the 
army in June, 1919, the paper was edited by the present editor, Howard J. 
Hollis. Immediately after his return, Mr. Smith sold the paper to C. A. 
Smith. Mr. Hollis continued as editor and business manager. Mr. C. A. 
Smith died on Dec. 7, 1918, and on Nov. 1, 1919, Mr. Hollis purchased the 
entire equipment and goodwill of the Sentinal, and is still its owner and 
editor. 

About 1891, the Winston Mirror was founded by W. W. Arnold. With- 
in the next two years the paper became the property of Edward A. Truitt. 
It suspended about 1894. 

The Coffeyburg Life was established in 1897 by I. J. Vogelgesang. It 
was published for only a short time. The next paper was the Sun, owned 
and edited by Allen F. Wade, present editor of the Jameson Gem. It was 
established in 1899 and published until about 1901. A paper was also es- 
tablished by Rupe & Son, known as the Headlight, which was short-lived. 

In April, 1904, Ben Sailor, who had been editing the Altamont Index, 
moved the Index plant to Coffey, and the first issue of the Enterprise ap- 
peared in May of that year. Mr. Sailor was succeeded a few years later 
by W. F. Rice. A short time later Thomas Cunningham became editor. 
W. T. Pugh became the owner in 1910 or 1911. 

The first editor of the Lock Springs Herald was T. E. Piatt, who start- 
ed the paper about 1900. It was independenet in politics. He sold his in- 
terest to J. B. Ferguson in 1907 or 1908, who continued to edit the paper 
until his death in May, 1917. Charles R. Clark then took charge of the 
paper, but in May, 1918, he sold it to Charles E. Cook. In July, 1918, the 
writer of the Lock Spi'ings items in the Gallatin Democrat complains that 
the "Lock Springs Herald closed its doors some two months ago and quit 
business. We suppose the owner went to seek greener fields." 



166 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Lock Springs was then without a newspaper until a few months ago, 
when the Era was established. 

The Jameson Reporter was established in 1884. On Jan. 1, 1885, M. 
F. Stripes took charge, but nine months later gave it up, having purchased 
the Jamesport Gazette which he published for so many years. 

In 1891, E. A. Martin, editor of the Pattonsburg Call, began the pub- 
lication of the Larconic, which was printed in the Call office. This paper 
continued quite successfully until 1897, when the Call office burned. There 
was no insurance on the plant. The Larconic was then discontinued. 

For a short time Jameson was without a newspaper. In 1899 or 1900 
the Journal was established by C. C. Bartruff. This paper was continued 
until 1903. It was independent in politics. 

Allen F. Wade became the next Jameson editor. The Gem was estab- 
lished about 1913. It was an independent weekly. 

The first newspaper was established in Altamont in 1894 or 1895, under 
the name of the Index. Joe H. Hess was its editor in 1899-1900, and he 
was succeeded by George W. Crenshaw. In 1902 Ben F. Sailor bought the 
paper. Two years later, in April, 1904, it suspended publication and Mr. 
Sailor moved the plant to Coffey. About a month later the Index reap- 
peared, edited by Al Snow. Its next editor was D. M. Fisher. The paper 
was discontinued. 

The Live Wire was a short-lived publication. It was established about 
the same time as the Index. 

The Altamont Times was started by Leo Sharp in 1908. Some two 
years later Barrett & Clark became its editors. They were succeeded by 
George G. Tedrick, the present owner. The paper had always been listed 
as independent in politics until the last few years when it has carried the 
Republican label. 

Jamesport has had a number of newspapers, but its first one, the 
Gazette, has outlived all of them, and is today the only paper in the town. 
The first number of the Gazette was issued March 8, 1877. Its editors 
were M. 0. Cloudas and Joe Wright, son of Elder D. T. Wright, editor of 
the Christian Pioneer. This number announced that the paper would be 
issued "every Thursday from the corner of Main and East Streets, James- 
port, Missouri. Our politics and religion — got none. Our rates are the 
same to everybody, $1.50 per year in advance." On Sept. 1, 1886, M. F. 
Stipes became the editor of the paper. For some time it was published 
semi-weekly. The paper was alternately Democratic and independent in 
its politics, being listed in the 1889-1890 and 1891-1892 state manuals as an 
independent paper, while from 1893 to 1904 it was classed as Democratic, 
and after that it was again ranked as independent. Mr. Stipes was a his- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 167 

torian of considerable ability, being the author of "Gleanings in Missouri 
History," and various historical articles. Mr. Stipes disposed of the news- 
paper about 1913, and died in Jamesport, Oct. 14, 1916. 

Upon the retirement of Mr. Stipes, Thomas R. Shaw, Jr., became the 
editor. He continued it as an independent sheet and changed it to a weekly 
paper. In January, 1918, the paper was sold to a Mr. Ryal. Albert F. Hulen 
is the present owner and editor. Since about 1900 the Gazette has had no 
rival in the town. 

The Gallatin Democrat of March 17, 1883, contains the following item: 
"The Jamesport Observer has suspended. Our young friend, Sam Buzzard, 
has too good a financial head to waste money on so precarious an enter- 
prise." Just when this paper was started has not been ascertained, but it 
evidently was short lived. 

The Jamesport Herald was established about 1889. Robert M. Harrah 
was editor of the paper until 1893 or 1894, when he became editor of the 
Gallatin North Missourian. The paper was not affiliated with an political 
party, but since its editor later became the editor of the Republican North 
Missourian, it is probable that he had strong tendencies toward that party. 

In 1899 or 1900, Ed A. Sproul started an independent paper known as 
the Jamesport Natural Gas. It was published only a short time. The 
editor went west and has since been connected with various papers. 

The first paper published in Pattonsburg was the Call, the first issue of 
which appeared in September, 1881. Since its establishment, the paper 
has been edited by Eugene A. Martin. Mr. Martin is a native of Iowa, 
but the family removed to Hamilton, Mo., while he was still a small boy. 
Here he learned the printer's trade and worked at Brookfield, Laclede. 
Kingston, and Linneus, and assisted in establishing the Hamiltonian. In 
December, 1880, he came to Daviess County and founded the Winston New 
Era. The paper was published only nine months. He then established 
the Call. During 1889 and 1890 the paper was semi-weekly and again in 
1911 it was published twice a week. It is independent in its political policy. 
Mr. Martin also published for a time the Jameson Larconic. No other 
editor has seen so many years of service in the county. 

Missouri Veteran was established at Pattonsburg in 1884 by Col. W. 
B. Watts, a veteran printer. After about a year he disposed of the paper 
to Charles E. Hill, a real estate man. A short time afterwards the paper 
was suspended. 

Dr. William Neil established the Star in the early nineties. About 
1895, Charles P. Warner took over the paper and changed its name to the 
Star-Press. He soon gave it up, and W. S. Daniels became its editor. About 
1898, Mr. Daniels disposed of thfe paper to E. A. McCollom. It was sus- 



168 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

pended about 1900. Under Mr. Daniels the paper was listed as Republican 
in politics, but under Mr. McCollum as Democratic. 

During the summer and fall of 1894, a paper was edited by Anthony 
Dahl. 

At one time Pattonsburg had three newspapers, the Call (independent) 
the Star-Press (Democratic,) and the Life (Republican.) This latter paper 
was edited a short time by W. T. Paugh, who about 1898, moved the plant 
of the Coffey Life to Pattonsburg. The paper was published for a year or 
two and the plant was again moved to Coffey. In 1901, it was purchased by 
John Adams, a school teacher, who again brought it to Pattonsburg, where 
he established the Courier. Joe Wi'ight was also connected with the paper. 
It lasted only a short time, not long enough to be listed in the state man- 
uals. The plant finally landed in Gallatin where it became the Daviess 
County Republican, which had a brief and troubled existence. 

Still later a man from Camden Point started a paper which lasted only 
a few months. This was the Call's last competitor, and from the length of 
time it was published, it did not cause much competition. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



A CHAPTER OF "FIRSTS." 



Jacob Stollings kept the first boarding house in Gallatin. 

Daviess County first inhabited by the white man in 1830. 

First cabin built in the county by John Splawn and his son, Mayberry 
Splawn, in January, 1830. 

First house built on the site of Millport by Robert P. Peniston and his 
son, Wm. P. Peniston, in 1831. 

First crop planted on the prairie land of the county by William Prewett 
in 1834. 

First county court held near present site of Gallatin at the home of 
Philip Covington, in Feb. 17, 1837. 

First election called for April 29, 1837, to elect two justices of the 
peace and one constable for each township. None held in Honey Creek 
and Grand River Townships, and another called for May 29, 1837. 

First grocer's license granted to John A. Williams, April 2, 1837. 

Ferry license across Grand River granted Jacob S. Rogers in Nov. 
1837. 

First term of court held at Gallatin, Sept. 3, 1838. 

First court of appeal for Daviess County, called at Gallatin, Aug. 4, 
1839. 

First census taken by Wm. P. Peniston and allowed $60 for same in 
1840. 

William H. Harrison, first free person of color found asking for a li- 
cense to reside in the state. Granted license "so long as he is of good be- 
havior." 1845. 

First record of the action of a coroner. Jacob Stollings presented a 
bill to county court for holding an inquest, February, 1847. 

One hundred dollars allowed to pay surveyors in Daviess County for 
the survey of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. First railway business 
transacted by the court in the county, 1851. 

First telegraph line over the Chicago & Southwestern Railway route 
reached Gallatin at 12 m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 1871. A message was sent 
to Chicago and an answer received that afternoon. 



170 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

First rail laid within the county on the St. Louis, Chillicothe & Omaha 
line, April 5, 1871. 

First excursion to celebrate the opening of the Chicago & Southwest- 
ern arrival, Sept. 26, 1871. 

First term of circuit court held in the county, Austin A. King, judge, 
July 18, 1837, at the home of Elisha B. Creekmore. 

First power of attorney recorded, Oct. 3, 1838. 

First bridge built in the county by Adam Black across Muddy Creek 
on road from Diamon to Chillicothe, 1841. 

First iron bridge contracted for, 1877. 

First postofRce in Daviess County located at Millsport, 1835, moved to 
Gallatin in 1837. 

First daily mails received at Gallatin, from Hamilton to Gallatin, April 
1, 1870. 

First daily mail train on Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad com- 
menced Feb. 1, 1873. 

First appraisement on record, 1837. 

James Miller commissioned first justice of the peace, Jan. 5, 1839. 

The fii'st deaths in the county were the two children of Stephen Rob- 
erts. Both died on the same day, in March, 1830. 

Elizabeth Tarwater, daughter of John and Ruth Tarwater, was the 
first child born in Daviess County. The date of her birth was Jan. 8, 1832. 

The first sermon was preached by James McMahon, a Methodist min- 
ister, under a tree near the place where Millport was later located, on April 
25, 1830. The second preacher in the county was William Michaels of the 
Baptist church. 

Dr. William P. Thompson was the first physician. He settled just 
over the line in Grundy County in 1833. 

The first mill was owned by Robert P. Peniston. The work of putting 
it up was done by Milford Donaho and "Jake," a slave owned by Mr. Pen- 
iston. 

The first cattle brand on record was filed May 8, 1837, by Robert P. 
Peniston, and his mark was "crop and hole in the right ear, swallow fork in 
the left ear." Among those who registered marks in 1838 were Evan and 
William Morgan, Vincent Smith, Thomas Edwards, Sarah Williams, Adam 
Black, John W. Freeman, Benedict Weldon, Elijah Foley, Silas Best, Will- 
iam Nation, Andrew McHaney and Nathan Price. 

The first slave in the county was "Jake," owned by Robert P. Peniston. 

Mrs. Nancy Peniston wove the first cloth. 

The first recorded literary attempt by a Daviess County women was a 
poem by Minnie Hammer. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 171 

The first court house was completed in 1843. 

The first buggy ever used in the county was built by Thomas Clingan 
in 1838. 

The first cooking stove in the county was owned by a hotel in Pattons- 
burg. Elijah Hubbard was the first to own one for family use. Mrs. 
Lydia Smith Youtsey, in a letter to the Gallatin Democrat, on her 59th 
wedding anniversary, said, "My father sent my brother to St. Joseph to 
get a cooking stove. It was the first one brought into the neighborhood 
and most all our neighbors came to see us cook on it. Now we have more 
stoves than vituals." 

The following is a portion of a letter written by Nathan Shriver in 
1915 : "I was a member of the first brass band that Gallatin had. It was 
organized in 1857 or 1858. We played at county fairs and on other noted 
occasions up to 1861. Then the war burst it all up to pieces. Some of the 
members went north, some south and some stayed at home. Some of your 
now honorable townsmen were members of that band, D. Harfield Davis, 
William Sheets. Others were Dr. Charles Hogan, William Osborn, Robert 
Owens, Capt. John Sheets and Elwood Lewis." 

First mercantile licenses issued in the county in 1837 were as follows: 
April 7, John A. Williams, grocer, $5; April 8, John Wright, merchandise, 
$15; May 8, Thos. W. Jacobs, merchandise, $15; May 8, Jesse Adamson, 
grocer, $5; June 25, Worthington & McKinney, merchandise, $15; James 
Hunter, ferry on Grand River, $2.50. 

First case in the circuit court was John Ragland vs. Jacob B. and Will- 
iam Oxford, appeal. An entry of nonsuit was made. 

First houses on the present site of Jamesport were two Mormon cabins, 
one of which was just south of the old M. E. church, the other was near the 
I. 0. 0. F. cemetery. 

The first store in Jamesport was opened about 1855 by John and Isaac 
Faulkner, just north of the George B. Callison home. 

January 13, 1838, is the date of the first deed on record. It was given 
by Francis C. Case and Mary, his wife, to Elisha Groves, and vonveyed land 
in Section 13, Township 58, Range 28. 

Theodore Penniston, George W. Poag and G. W. Keene were the first 
attorneys admitted to the bar in the county. They were admitted in March 
1855. 

The first application for a dramshop to be refused was on Nov. 1, 1860. 

The first newspaper printed in the county was the "Missouri Sun," 
established at Gallatin in 1853, published by Stearns and McKean. 

So far as can be learned the first school in the county was in Benton 
Township in the spring of 1837, with H. W. Enyhart as teacher. The term 



172 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

was three months and tuition was $2.00 a pupil, which might be paid in 
produce. 

Early marriages: Enoch Riggs-Ann Littlefield, May, 1838, by Elisha 
H. Groves; Jonatha Hall-Matilda Roberts, February 13, 1838, by H. W. 
Enyhart, J. P.; Benjamin Crandle-Rebecca Simmons, April 29, 1838, by 
Lyman Wight ; Josiah Summer-Betsey Ireland, June 13, 1838, by Nathan 
West; John McCrary-Lucinda Splawn, March 26, 1838, by James McMahon; 
Robert Jobe-Margaret Splawn, March 26, 1838, by James McMahon ; Robert 
Jobe-Margaret Adkins, Feb. 11, 1838, by Christopher Nations; Andrew I. 
Williams-Rachel Heckman, Feb. 22, 1838, by James Miller, J. P. ; Samuel H. 
0. Urvin-Specy L. G. Dunk, June 7, 1838, by Harvey Green; Benjamin I. 
Grubb-Eliza Ann Liggett, March 15, 1838, by James McMahon. 

Elisha Trosper-Margaret Trosper, Nov. 17, 1837, by Elijah Foley, J. P. 



II 



CHAPTER XV. 



OFFICIALS. 



UNITED STATES OFFICIALS— STATE OFFICIALS— DAVIESS COUNTY REPRSBNTA- 
TIVES— COUNTY TREASURERS— PROBATE JUDGES— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS- 
RECORDERS — SHERIFFS — PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS — CIRCUIT CLERKS- 
COUNTY CLERKS— COUNTY JUDGES. 

United States Officials. — While Daviess County has not furnished Mis- 
souri with a Senator, two United States Senators from other states have 
been prior to their election, residents of the county — James Thompson Far- 
ley, Senator from California, 1879-1885, and Chester I. Long, from Kansas, 
1903 to 1909. Two Daviess Countians have been members of the House 
of Representatives, Alexander M. Dockery and Joshua W. Alexander, both 
of Gallatin. Mr. Dockery was elected in 1882, and served for 16 years. Mr. 
Alexander was elected in 1906 and served until his resignation in December, 
1919. 

The same two men mentioned above have held other high positions in 
the Federal government. A. M. Dockery served as Assistant Postmaster 
General during the Wilson administration. On Dec. 3, 1919, Mr. Alexander 
was appointed Secretary of Commerce by President Wilson, and served un- 
til the close of Mr. Wilson's term of office. During the McKinley adminis- 
tration Webster Davis, former Gallatin resident, and at one time mayor of 
Kansas City, was Assistant Secretary of the Interior. 

State Officials. — One governor of the state has come from Daviess 
County, Alexander M. Dockery being elected in 1900, for a term of four 
years. The county had delegates in the 1861-1865 conventions. In the 
1846 convention, delegates from other counties in the district were chosen. 

Judge James McFerran of Gallatin, was one of the delegates to the 
convention elected in 1861, which was elected to determine the relations 
between Missouri and the Union. He was a Union man and later a Colonel 
of the First M. S. Cavalry. Judge McFerran had sei'ved as representative 
and State Senator and as Circuit Judge. He organized the first bank in 
the county. He later moved to Chillicothe and in 1873 to Colorado Springs, 



174 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

where he was engaged in the banking business, and was among the capital- 
ists who developed the Cripple Creek gold mines. 

Dr. William H. Folmsbee was a delegate to the constitutional conven- 
tion of 1865. He located in Gallatin in 1859. He served during a part of 
the Civil War as captain of Company D, First Cavalry Regiment, M. S. M., 
resigning in 1862, when he was elected to the legislature. For many years 
he was a leader in the Republican party in the county and in the state. 

None of the delegates to the 1875 convention were from Daviess 
County, although one of them, J. A. Holliday, subsequently lived in Gallatin 
for a short time. 

In the election of delegates to the constitutional convention now in 
session, J. W. Alexander, one of the delegates-at-large, received a larger 
number of votes than any other candidate. The vote for Judge Alexander 
was 77,177, or more than 2,000 more than the next highest candidate, 
Stephen B. Hunter, of Cape Girardeau, who received 74,720 votes. 

Major Joseph H. McGee was Register of Lands during the administra- 
tion of Joseph McClurg, being elected in 1868. Major McGee was also 
United States Marshal for the western district, besides holding various 
county offices. He was a staunch Union man. 

Joseph A. Wickham, of Gallatin, was an Adjutant General of Missouri 
longer than any other holder of that office. He had served in Company C, 
68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. He was mayor of 
Gallatin for two terms, and city treasurer for five years. In 1889, Gover- 
nor Francis appointed his Adjutant General and Governor Stone reappoint- 
ed him. He resigned in 1897, and soon afterwards removed to Kennett, 
Mo., where he died in 1911. 

Ed E. Yates of Kansas City, but a native of Daviess County, was ap- 
pointed superintendent of insurance by Governor Dockery in June, 1902. 
He resigned in the latter part of the year, and his brother, Robert G. Yates, 
was appointed as his successor. This office the latter held until October 
1905. 

There have been only three state senators from Daviess County. James 
McFerran was elected in 1858, but resigned the following year. David L. 
Kost was senator for two years, being elected to fill a vacancy caused by 
the death of Joseph Truex. He served in the 33rd General Assembly. Mr. 
Kost was one of the founders of the North Missourian, and Superintendent 
of Registration and member of the Missouri House of Representatives in 
1871. Henry L. Eads, a lawyer of Pattonsburg, was elected to the senate 
in 1906. He had served as postmaster at Pattonsburg. 

James McFerran became circuit judge in 1859 and held the office until 
1864. Upon the formation of the 28th judicial circuit in 1872, Samuel A.' 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



175 



Rihardson was elected judge. He made the race as a non-partisan. He was 
re-elected to the same position in 1874 and served until 1881. J. W. Alex- 
ander was appointed judge by Governor Stephens in January, 1901, and 
served until his election to Congress in the fall of 1906. 

Following is a list of Daviess County representatives in the state legis- 
lature : 



35th G. A., 
36th G. A., 
37th G. A., 
38th G. A., 
39th G. A., 



10th G. A., 1838— John D. Williams. 

11th G. A., 1840— Benedict Weldon. 

12th G. A., 1842— John A. Williams. 

13th G. A., 1844 — Benjamin Salmon. 

14th G. A., 1846— Wiley Pool. 

15th G. A., 1848— George W. Poage. 

16th G. A., 1850— John D. Williams. 

17th G. A., 1852— John J. Ford. 

18th G. A., 1854— John D. Williams. 

19th G. A., 1856— James McFerran. 

20th G. A., 1858— Thomas McGauh. 

21st G. A., 1860— Robert C. Williams.42nd G. A., 1903 

22nd G. A., 1862— W. H. Folmsbee. 43rd G. A., 1905- 

23rd G. A., 1864— Thomas Sims. 

24th G. A., 1867— J. A. Brown. 

25th G. A., 1869— James L. Powell. 

26th G. A., 1871— David L. Kost. 

27th G. A., 1873— Ebenezer West. 

28th G. A., 1875 

29th G. A., 1877 



31st G. A., 1881— Andrew L. Buzzard. 
32nd G. A., 1883— J. W. Alexander. 
33rd G. A., 1885— J. W. Alexander. 
34th G. A., 1887— J. W. Alexander. 

1889— William Hickman . 

1891— William Hickman. 

1893— William E. Black. 

1895— P. R. DeFord. 

1897— Joseph Wood. 
40th G. A,. 1899— Wm. D. Hamilton. 
41st G. A., 1901— Wm. D. Hamilton. 
•J. L. Davisson. 
W. E. Land. 
44th G. A., 1907— S. W. Brandon. 
45th G. A., 1909— Horace L. Johnson. 
46th G. A., 1911— Floyd S. Tuggle. 
47th G. A., 1913— Floyd S. Tuggle. 



48th G. A., 1915— Floyd S. Tuggle. 
William B. Smith. 49th G. A., 1917— Floyd S. Tuggle. 
E. Wiley Payne. 50th G. A., 1919— Fred L. Dunlap. 



30th G. A., 1879— Elijah Hubbard. 


51st G. A., 1921— Fred L. Di 




County 


Treasurers. 


1837- 


-John A. Williams. 


1880— Lewis P. DeHart. 


1838- 


-Elisha B. Creekmore. 


1882— W. M. Givens. 


1839- 


-Adam Clendenen. 


1884— W. M. Givens. 


1856- 


-Robert F. Owings. 


1886— N. B. Brown. 


1860- 


-John Ballinger. 


1888— N. B. Brown. 


1862- 


-David H. Davis. 


1890— Gabriel Feurt. 


1864- 


-Owen H. McGee. 


1892— George W. Henderson, 


1868- 


-Thomas J. Flint. 


— A. M. Irving. 


1870- 


-Hadley Brown. 


1894— M. G. Netherton. 


1872- 


-Hadley Brown. 


1896— Howard Poage. 


1874- 


-A. F. Barnett. 


1898— Howard Poage. 


1876- 


-A. F. Barnett. 


1900— Maro Thomas. 


1878- 


-Lewis P. DeHart. 


1902— Maro Thomas. 



176 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



1904— C. H. Weldon. 
1906— C. H. Weldon. 
1908— W. D. McDonald. 



1912— W. D. McDonald. 
1916 — Moses Mann. 
1920— Lee R. Pierce. 

Probate Judges. 

1892 — Frank Ewing. 
1894— J. T. Day. 
* * 1896— J. T. Day. 

1898— Thomas R. Shaw. 
1900— Thomas R. Shaw. 
1902— Thomas R. Shaw. 
1904— Thomas R. Shaw. 
1906— P. P. Doak. 
1910— P. P. Doak. 
1914— J. M. McClaskey. 
1918— Oliver 0. Mettle. 



1855— Robert Wilson. 

1856 — Gabriel M. Keene. 

****** 

1872 — Henry C. McDougal. 
1876 — Thomas E. Shaw 
j'3^,.i_Thoma? P. Shaw. 
1880— Thomas R. Shaw. 
188-.:: — Frank Ewing. 
1884— Frank Ewing. 
1886 — Frank Ewing. 
1888— Frank Ewing. 
1890— Frank Ewing. 

Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1866— Joseph H. McGee. 1868— R. L. Dodge. 



1838— Robert Wilson. 
1844— Wm. P. Peniston. 
1850— Thomas T. Frame. 
1856— John W. Sheets. 
1862— S. P. Cox. 
1865— R. H. Grantham. 
1870— J. H. Frost. 
1874— Wm. S. Abell. 
1878— Wm. S. Abell. 
1882— S. D. Stephens. 

1837 — William Bowman. 
1838— Willam Morgan. 
1840— William P. Peniston. 
1839— John Pinkerton. 
1844 — Meriwether T. Green. 
1848— John W. Sheets. 
1852— Thomas S. McGaugh. 
1856 — Charles A. Cravens. 
1858 — James J. Minor. 



Recorders. 

1886- 
1890- 
1894- 
1898- 
1902- 
1906- 
1910- 

1914- 
1918- 



-S. D. Stephens. 
-H. A. Pilcher. 
-0. B. Price. 
-F. E. Clingan. 
-A. R. Maffitt. 
-W. E. Wampler. 
-D. M. Cashman. 
-T. L. Cashman. 
-D. O. Richardson. 
-R. E. Stapleton. 



Sheriffs. 

1862 — Andrew Shriver. 
1866 — John Ballinger. 
1868— William F. Flint. 
1870— Thomas J. Flint. 
1872 — James T. Dunn. 
1874— James T. Dunn. 
1876— A. L. Martin. 
1878— A. L. Martin. 
1880— George T. Crozier. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



177 



1882— George T. Crozier. 
1884— James H. Witt. 
1888— Gabe W. Cox. 
1890— 0. P. Walters. 
1892— E. S. Lankford. 
1896— William A. Johnson. 
1898— William A. Johnson. 
1900— R. D. McCray. 



1902— R. D. McCray. 
1904— William T. Hutchinson. 
1906— William T. Hutchinson. 
1908— J. A. Blair. 
1912— Sam R. Surface. 
1916— J. A. Blair. 
1920— J. Frank Gildow. 



Prosecuting Attorneys. 



1855— James H. McFerran. 
1859 — Samuel A. Richardson. 
1866 — John Conover. 
1868— William C. Gillihan. 
1872— William C. Gillihan. 
1874— William M. Rush. 
1876— William M. Rush. 
1878— J. F. Hicklin. 
1880— J. F. Hicklin. 
1882— William D. Hamilton. 
1884— William D. Hamilton. 
1886— Gus A. Chapman. 
1888— Gus A. Chapman. 
1890— J. A. Selby. 
1892— William C. Gillihan. 

1837— James B. Turner. 
1838— Robert Wilson. 
1844— Thomas T. Frame. 
1856— Joseph H. McGee. 
1856— John W. Sheets. 
1862— Samuel P. Cox. 
1864— Robert H. Grantham. 
1870— A. M. Sweaney. 
1874— A. F. McFarland. 
1878— A. F. McFarland. 
1882— A. F. McFarland. 



1894— R. J. Britton. 
1896 — John C. Leopard. 
1898— John C. Leopard. 
1900— Harry K. Allen. 
1902— John C. Leopard. 
1904— Thomas H. Hicklin. 
1906— Thomas H. Hicklin. 
1908— Fred Fair. 
1910— George B. Padget. 
1912— George B. Padget. 
1914— Thomas H. Hicklin. 
1916— Lewis B. Gillihan. 
1918— Lewis B. Gillihan. 
1920— M. E. Pangburn. 



Circuit Clerks. 

1886— W. H. McClung. 
1890— W. H. McClung. 
1894 — James N. Netherton. 
1898—1. J. Vogelgesang. 
1902—1. J. Vogelgesang. 
1906— A. B. Evans. 
1910— A. B. Evans. 
1914— W. C. Tague. 
1918— H. C. Scott; resigned 1921. 
1921— William Scott; appointed for 
unexpired term of H. C. Scott. 



County Clerks. 

1837— James B. Turner, March 15. 1856— Joseph H. McGee, Aug. 4. 
1838— Robert Wilson, Aug. 2nd. 1868— William M. Bostaph. 

1844— Thomas T. Frame. 1874— John P. Smith. 



178 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

1876— John P. Smith. 1898— R. G. Yates. 

1878— Pines R. Dunn. 1902— N. R. Barnett. 

1880— Pines R. Dunn. 1906— H. F. Lawrence. 

1882— J. W. Miller. 1910— S. L. McClure. 

1886— Silas C. Rowland. 1914 — Bert H. Tarwater. 

1890— E. H. Tillery. 1918— Harley J. Harrah. 
1894—0. P. Walter. 

County Judges. 

1837 — John W. Freeman, presiding justice ; Vincent T. Smith, William Mor- 
gan, (succeeded by Josiah Morin.) 

1838 — Meriwether T. Green, presiding justice; James H. Wilson; Adam 
Black. 

1842 — John Cravens, presiding justice; Wiley Pool; Wm. M. Livcy. 

1844 — John Cravens, presiding justice, Thomas Greenwood, Nathaniel Mar- 
tin. 

1846 — John A. Tuggle, presiding justice; Robert Wilson; Tobias Miller, 
(succeeded by M. T. Green.) 

1850 — John Cravens, presiding justice, (succeeded by John A. Williams;) 
Hadley Brown, John P. Lotz. 

1852 — Hadley Brown, presiding justice; John Gillilan ; John P. Lotz. 

1854 — John D. Coulson, presiding justice, David Henderson; John Hill. 

1858 — David Henderson, presiding justice; Bailey H. Coffey; Peter Bear. 

1860 — David Henderson, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Bailey H. 
Coffey. 

1862 — David Henderson, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Bailey H. 
Coffey. 

1864 — Bailey H. Coffey, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Peter Bear. 

1866 — Bailey H. Coffey, presiding justice; Peter Bear, Wm. Bristow. 

1868 — Peter Bear, presiding justice; William Bristow, G. M. Keene. 

1870 — M. Morris, presiding justice, G. M. Keen, Gabriel Feurt. 

1872 — Gabriel Feurt, chairman ; Nathan E. Reed, Nathan Nichols, William 
Earl, John Haver, Benjamin G. Kimball, Robert C. Williams, William 
Smith, John D. Coulson, William Prewitt, Wesley Lee, S. R. Gurney, 
George E. Barkdoll, John A. Tuggle, Thomas W. Reed. 

1873 — B. H. Coffey, chairman ; William Adams, Nathan Nichols, Henry 
Ramey, J. E. Grantham, B. G. Kimball, R. C. Williams, William 
Smith, B. F. Stout, William Prewitt, Wesley Lee. S. R. Gurney, 
George E. Barkdoll, John A. Tuggle, Thomas B. Tuggle, Gabriel 
Feurt, Moses Brown, Sr., four years, B. B. Perry, two years. 

1874 — George W. Henderson. 

1875— A. E. Woodruff. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 179 

1876 — Gabriel Feurt, presiding justice; Moses Brown, Sr., Joh A. Tuggle, 
Aaron E. Woodruff, George W. Henderson. 

lB77 — Gabriel Feurt, presiding justice; John A. Tuggle, A. M. Ii'ving, 
Moses Brown, Sr., Aaron E. Woodruff. 

1879 — John A. Tuggle, presiding justice; John S. Graham, Gabriel L. Ball- 
inger. 

1880 — John A. Tuggle, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Henry F. Wynn. 

1882 — R. C. Williams, presiding judge; Jacob M. Poage; William P. Heyser. 

1884 — R. C. Williams, presiding judge; Jacob M. Poage, William P. Heyser. 

1886 — R. C. Williams, presiding judge; J. E. Grantham, William P. Heyesr. 

1888— R. C. Williams, presiding judge; John H. Heath; Gerofie W. 
Cauthorn. 

1890 — John A. Dunn, presiding judge; William R. Cole; Jason Winburn. 

1892 — John A. Dunn, presiding judge; William R. Cole; Jason Winburn. 

1894— J. H. Carter, presiding judge; J. H. Heath ; T. B. Crowder. 

1896 — J. H. Carter, presiding judge; Philip Shaw; T. B. Crowder. 

1898— T. B. Crowder, presiding judge; G. N. Gromer, W. E. Blackburn. 

1900 — T. B. Crowder, presiding judge; L. M. Best; Henry J. Lynch. 

1902 — N. B. Brown, presiding judge; L. M. Best; Daniel Blackburn. 

1904 — R. McGahey, presiding judge; W. J. Gromer, Daniel Blackburn. 

1906 — G. A. McWilliams, presiding judge; W. J. Gromer; James P. Tar- 
water. 

1908 — G. A. McWilliams, presiding judge; W. J. Gromer, Wm. E. Naylor. 

1910 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; A. I. Pratt, E. S. Lankford. 

1912 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; Frank P. Keplar, E. S. Lank- 
ford. 

1914 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; Frank P. Keplar, E. S. Lank- 
ford. 

1916 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; R. A. Daniels, M. N. Knight. 

1920 — Daniel Blackburn, presiding judge; (resigned, and R. 0. Strong 
appointed to fill vacancy ;) R. A. Daniels, N. R. Barnett. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



THE WORLD WAR. 



EARL.EY ENTRANTS FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— FIRST REGISTRATION— DRAWING 
UNDER THE SELECTIVE DRAFT— EXEMPTION BOARD— FIRST GROUP OF MEN 
CHOSEN— LEAVING FOR CAMP— KILLED IN ACTION— DIED OF DISEASE— 
WOUNDED— DAVIESS COUNTY SOLDIERS— RETURN OF SOLDIERS— AUXILIARY 
WAR WORK— LIBERTY LOANS— UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN— THRIFT STAMP 
CAMPAIGN— COUNCIL OF DEFENSE. 

One Daviess Countian, Paul, Gillihan, was a member of the first con- 
tingent sent overseas in the World War. He had been in the Regular 
Army for several years. Others from the county in the Regular Army fol- 
lowed shortly thereafter. 

R. L. Etter, Jr., L. T. Killam, Fred McFarland and Charles A. Shaw, 
attended the first officers training camp. As soon as war was declared 
a number of young men enlisted. 

June 5th, was the day set aside for the registration of all men between 
the age of 21 and 30, made necessary by the National Universal Service 
Act. Complete registration returns showed 1288 men of military age in 
the county. Of this number 451 did not claim exemption, while 837 gave 
some reason for being excused. 14 colored men and two aliens registered. 

The following account is given by the Gallatin Democrat of the draw- 
ing of the first ten Daviess County men : 

"The first number was drawn by Secretary of War Baker at 9:30 
o'clock a. m., and proved to be 258. This is the number of Leonard E. Pat- 
terson, who lives on Route 5, east of Gallatin, and to him is the honor of 
being the first Daviess County young man to be called to the service of his 
country. The second number, 458, also calls another Gallatin man, W. H. 
McGee, the popular Wabash agent. The third, 854, is held by a Jameson 
young man, Otto McCartney, and the fourth, 1095, is the number of George 
Reed Netherton, of Coffey. Another Jameson boy, Henry D. French, is 
the fifth, with 783, and Pattonsburg scored sixth with No. 1117, held by 
William P. Tunnell. Jameson also got seventh, with No. 837, held by Ira 
C. Robinson, and Gallatin scored again with number 337, held by James 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 181 

Henry Ramsbottom. Jamesport's first numbers were 676, held by Earl 
Goodbar, and 275, held by Sherman Wright Blakely. 

On August 8th, the exemption board, consisting of Dr. L. R. Doolin, 
County Clerk, Bert H. Tarwater, and Sheriff, J. A. Blair, began the work 
of passing on the eligibility of those subject to the draft. 

The first group of men chosen and called into the service from Daviess 
County were: Leonard Patterson, Ira C. Robinson, William P. Tunnell, 
James H. Ramsbottom, Ashford Bowman, Marshall L. Lowery, and Daniel 
Lewis Collier. This contingent left Gallatin for the training camp, Sept. 6, 
1917. Before their departure, a luncheon was given for them at the Y. M. 
C. A. At 2:30 the school children carrying flags assembled and sang pa- 
triotic songs. Headed by the local band and accompanied by several Con- 
federate and Union soldiers, the school children and a large crowd of citi- 
zens, the boys marched to the Rock Island depot where they entrained for 
Ft. Riley. 

On Sept. 19, 55 Daviess Countians left for camp, and on Oct. 3rd, a 
group of 14. From that time on to the close of the war, groups of men in 
varying numbers were called and sent to camps throughout the country for 
training. As each group left the county for camp some sort of recognition 
was given of the fact that they were entering the country's service and that 
the citizens appreciated the sacrifices they were making. 

A large group of the younger registrants attended various Students 
Army Training Camps, located at the state university and certain colleges 
in the state. 

Following is a list of those in the service whose home was in the 
county, or whose parents or guardians resided here. The list was compiled 
by the Daviess County Chapter, American Red Cross, and published in the 
Gallatin papers, May, 1919: 

Killed in Action. 

Francis V. Frazier Robert Adkinson 

William Seller Ray Noll 

Wallace McAfee Charles Shaw 

C. H. Roy . Stanley Benard 

John Tracy John Whetstone 

Died of Disease. 

Daniel Collier William Robinson 

Alexander Dowell Joseph Linville 

Francis McCray Emmitt Downs 

Virgil Utz Lloyd Biddle 

Wilford Smith Robert C. Holmes 



182 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Bert Ayres 
Othal Lukehart 
Earl Weist 

Charles McLaughlin 
Frank Stapleton 
Roy Stephenson 
Charles Graham 
Evan Edwards 
Homer Venable 
Henry Ramsbottom 
Lloyd Welson 
Leroy Spidle 
Sam Graham 
Charles Plymell 
Ora Butcher 
Frank Brown 
Eddie Earl Smith 
Lee Goodbar 
Hobart Brown 



DAVIESS 



Aid, Harry 
Aid, Kenneth 
Ayres, Allen 
Akes, Elva 
Alexander, L. 
Andrews, Floyd 
Alexander, Walter 
Alexander, Preston 
Ayres, Bert 
Adkinson, Robert 
Barnett, Corbin 
Ballard, Myrl 
Becker, Arthur 
Becker, John A. 
Blackburn, Forest 
Blair, Forest 
Blair, Russell 
Bruce, William B. 



Elmer Oak 
George Hudson 

Wounded. 

Clyde Robinson 
Ronald Ginder 
Alex Stephenson 
John Swafford 
Homer Lunnon 
Clarence Morris 
Kenneth Aid 
Freeman M. Buchanan 
Robert P. Hoover 
Arthur King 
Joe H. McCormick 
Ernest Mott 
William P. Tunnell 
James Turner 
Edward Vanover 
Roger W. Vipond 

COUNTY SOLDIERS. 
Gallatin. 

Beck, H. Boyd 
Brosius, W. L. 
Butler, Ivale 
Butler, Charles 
Butler, Alva 
Booth, Raymond 
Berg, Willie, 
Brady, Orville 
Black, Estie 
Black, Virgil 
Biddle, Lloyd 
Clark, Kenneth 
Cole, Elgin 
Chamberlain, Cyrus 
Croy, Earl 
Cornell, Cravens 
Culver, Ernie 
Culver, Luther 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



183 



Cravens, Chas. Ed. 
Cruzen, Richard 
Chadwick, George A. 
Cooper, Egner 
Dunnington, Claud 
Day, Frank 
Day, Virgil 
Dewey, Clarence 
Dumm, John H. 
Dumm, William 
Douglas, Lloyd 
Dow, John 
Drummond, Ray 
Doak, Edgar 
Dudley, Boyd, Jr. 
Earnshaw, George 
Earnshaw, Steel 
Earnshaw, Bert 
Etter, Robert 
Evans, Roy 
Edwards, Evan 
Davis, Harfield 
Farrar, Joe 
Ferguson, Julius 
Fitterer, Clinghan 
Ford, Edrick 
Frazier, Francis V. 
Foley, Oscar 
Gaines, Charles 
Gillihan, Paul 
Gillihan, Ben 
Gillispie, James 
Gosnelll, Dan W. 
Griffith, Howard 
Griffith, Harry 
Graham, Charles W. 
Graham, Samuel 
Graham, Leonard 
Graham, Homer 
Graham, Lawrence 
Gilbert, James 



Hockensmith, R. 
Harlow, Roy 
Hamilton, Ezra 
Handy, Glen 
Harmon, Lloyd 
Hesler, Carl 
Hesler, Harry 
Hershberger, F. 
Harris, Charles 
Harris, John 
Hamilton, Lewis 
Hager, Everett 
Harrison, Fred 
Hawkins, Harvey 
Hughes, Claud 
Houghton, Hugh 
Jackson, Alva 
Irving, Robert 
Ingersoll, Hulett 
James, Ray 
James, Oda 
Ketchum, George 
Kemp, Jasen 
Lukehart, Earl 
Lewis, Ben 
Knight, Jesse 
Koger, Cleo 
Lukehart, Othal 
Lynch, Artie 
Leopard, Dean 
Lunnon, Homer 
Long, Homer 
Lowrie, Joseph 
Meade, Dudley 
Meade, Feurt 
Meade, Homer 
Morris, Harley 
Morris, Clarence 
McGlaughlin, Charles 
Murray, Ozier 
Mann, Marion 



184 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Mann, Harry 
McClure, J. C. 
McAfee, Wallace 
McSparrin, Wallace 
McGill, Earl 
Mettle, Omer 
Merritt, Paul 
Moss, Patton 
Nichols, Otis 
Nichols, Roy 
Nichols, James 
New, Vernon 
Nida, James 
Netherton, Earl 
O'Toole, Tom 
Osborn, Edwin 
Page, William C. 
Page, Marion 
Page, Elvin 
Payne, Elias 
Poage, Grady 
Place, Roscoe 
Place, Otis 
Pendelton, Dewey 
Penniston, J. B. 
Patterson, Leonard 
Pilcher, Harry 
Pilcher, Roy 
Pierce, Lloyd 
Russel, Elbert 
Ramsbottom, H. 
Richards, Frank 
Richard, William 
Rogers, Clarence 
Rulon, Woody 
Roach, Lewis 
Runnels, Cleo 
Ramsbottom, J. 
Robinson, William 
Smith, M. A. 
Seiler, William 



Stephenson, Roy 
Stewart, Carl 
Stewart, Henry 
Stapleton, Frank 
Stapleton, Charles 
Smith, Byron 
Smith, Earl 
Sullivan, John 
Shipley, Leo 
Smith, Eben 
Selby, John 
Selby, Seth 
Swafford, Homer 
Swafford, John 
Swafford, R. E. 
Sharrah, James 
Thompson, Victor 
Tolan, Ross 
Thomas, James 
Tarwater, Thurman 
Teel, Claud 
Trotter, Roy 
Trotter, Mack 
Venable, Homer 
Vanable, Frank 
Vanover, Edward 
Vanover, Sam 
Vipond, William J. 
Vipond, Roger 
Welden, Lloyd 
Welch, Dean 
Whitt, Woody 
Whitt, Lando 
Wood, Ray 
Wynne, Justin 
Wynne, Carry 
Wulliams, Earl 
Wynne, Kenneth 
Weist, Earl 
Whitt, Charles 
Whitt, Jonah 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



185 



Whitt, Howard 
White, E. H. 
Wilson, Wm. Boyd 
Walton, Harvey 
Williams, Milton 

Athy, James Roy 
Aimes, Floyd, H. 
Brown, Neal 
Baker, James A. 
Barnett, Fallis 
Baker, Albert B. 
Brown, Grover 
Brown, Colbert 
Bond R. E. 
Buzard, R. L. 
Caldwell, George A. 
Caraway, Levi E. 
Caraway, Sidney 
Coberly, Oscar L. 
Coberly, Orville S. 
Dowell, Ray 
Dowell, Alexander 
Drummond, Kerry 
Drummond, Glesner 
DeVorss, Wm. Earl 
Doty, J. E. 
Evans, George H. 
Evans, Wm. Charles 
English, John M. 
Fletcher Ernie 
Goodbar, Earl 
Goodbar, Charles L. 
Goodbar, Rolling 
Gildow, O. L. 
Gildow, John F. 
Gott, Loyd 
Griffith, Bert 
Gillilan, Frank 
Foster, Charles 
Harding, Orville 



Williams, Vernon 
Walker, Robert 
Yates, Ralph 
Yates, Paul 
Youtsey, Frank 



Jamesport. 



Hampton, Homer N. 
Hill, Wilbuer 
Hill, Leon 
Haley, James L. 
Havet, Cecil E. 
Hill, Joseph Carl 
Hill, Thurman, L. 
Harrah, Mark 
Houston, LeRoy 
Harris, Paul W. 
Hallem, A. J. 
Justus, Harry 
Jenkins, A. Lee 
Johnson, Walter B. 
Kelly, Edward C. 
Kingdon, Howard 
Kelley, Albert 
Lunnon, Homer 
Layson, Manly G. 
Lawrence, Webster 
Langford, Lowell 
Langford, Ross 
Lockridge, Frank 
Lent, Fred 
Lumpkin, Harold 
Lankford, Thomas 
Lankford, Leslie 
Lankford, Wilbur 
Mann, Gordon 
McGahey, Glenn 
Markham, Claud H. 
McMahan, Fern H. 
McClung, R. Earl 
McCrary, Robert F. 
McAllister, Harry 



186 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



McAllister, Arthur 
Martin, James R. 
Martin, Adger 
Miller, Claud 
Miller, Harry 
Marks, Arthur E. 
McCue, Robert 
McCollum, N. 
McVey, Clarence 
Nighswonger, John 
Nolle, Ray 
Nolle, Earl 
Nickell, Gay 
Nighswonger, Jesse 
Owens, Ray E. 
Osborn, Claud N. 
Pliley, Wm. L. 
King, Albert 
Prior, Paul Dewill 
Pogue, Grady 
Poe, Forest 
Ray, James Ivan 
Riley, John F. 
Richmond, Forest 
Roy, C. H. 
Robinson, Clyde 
Robinson, Harvey 
Richardson, Nathan 
Reed, Harvey 
Reed, Perry 
Reed, Rolla 
Ruble, Franklin J. 
Somerville, George 
Sharrah, James B. 

Brookshire, R. 0. 
Brookshire, H. L. 
Boucher, Earl 
Blakely, S. W. 
Bennett, Enid A. 
Burton, Vernie 



Stephens, Eddi B. 
Shaffer, Gordon L. 
Scott, James A. 
Scott, James, J. 
Smith, Eddie Earl 
Songer, Herbert L. 
Smith, Lee H. 
Stoller, Clifton H. 
Shaw, Boyd Scott 
Scott, Roy 
Shaffer, Gordon 
Truitt, James 
Thomas, Howard 
Thompson, Arthur 
Thompson, Earl V. 
Ward, John D. 
Ward, Vess J. 
Whittaker, H. R. 
Wynne, Allen F. 
Whitley, A. E. 
Wilks, Presley H. 
Witten, Ralph 
Witten, Herbert 
Wiles, Ralph J. 
Wiles, William A. 
Wells, Clarence 
Woods, Otis 
Wheeler, Harry C. 
Winbar, Ivan C. 
Ware, Orville R. 
Wills, Clarence L. 
Ware, Noble O.. 
Williams, Harry 

Lock Springs. 

Coberly, Oscar Lee 
Coberly, Orville S. 
Cox, Lewis L. 
Drummond, W. L. 
Egbert, Archie Lee 
Hise, Earnest L. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



187 



Herbert, Charles E. 
Harvey, Karl 
Huffman, Roy 
Jordin, Charles 
McCollum, Joe 
Minnick, James P. 
Minnick, Ben F. 
Minnick, Earl R. 
Mason, Ray 
McCrary, Chester 

Bell, Henry 
Bell, Orlando 
Bell, George 
Boyer, Clyde 
Brown, Earl 
Estes, James 
Fleming, Claud 
Frazier, Elra 
Frazier, Wm. F. 

Bristow, Frank 
Doll, Earl 
Fuller, Earl 
Gilbert, James W. 
Hosman, Floyd 
Johnson, Clarence 
Kirchofer, Reo 
Kirchofer, George 
Lee, Jesse 
Linval, Joseph 
Morrow, Earl 

Barnes, Arthur 
Bernard, Donald 
Brewer, Emmitt 
Boyd, Erskine 
Bowman, Millard 
Bray, Porr 
Bray, Carl 
Blankenship, F. 



Sloan, O. W. 
Smith, Thesler J. 
Ranes, Virgil A. 
Ragan, Virgil D.. 
Tague, Vernie 
Wilson, Drury 
Wilson, Harry 
Wade, Clarence C. 
Wade, Raymond V. 
Wade, A. B. 
Civil Bend. 

Ginder, Ronald 
Ginder, Roger 
Huff, Jonathan 
Hibbs, Ward 
Lee, Victor 
Shaw, Charles 
Palmer, Macey 
Snyder, David L. 
Snyder, Charles 
Mt. Nebo. 

McBrayer, Carl 
Newby, James 
Newby, Ray 
Neel, Charles 
Peters, George 
Short, Stephen H. 
Short, Tinsley 
Snow, Carl 
Snow, Walter 
Williams, Earl 

Pattonsburg. 

Best, Guy 
Becket, Paul 
Becket, Maurice 
Brannan, Robert 
Burns, J. L 
Buck, Roscoe 
Bernard, Stanley 
Burk, Alva 



188 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Butcher, Oma 
Butcher, Ora 
Creekmore, Lloyd 
Clevenger, Jerry 
Campbell, J. C. 
Carter, E. S. 
Cruits, Fred D. 
Carter, David 
Caster, Glen 
Dix, Robert 
Devers, Claud 
Elam, Leslie 
Elam, Merlin 
Ferguson, J. L. 
Ferguson, Joe 
Fisher, Delbert 
Fitts, Isaac McCord 
Francisco, Walter 
Graham, Darius G. 
Graham, C. B. 
Groomer, Louis D. 
Groomer, Logan, Jr. 
Gambill, Esquire 
Gardner, Ezra 
Gotchel, Owen 
Croetecke, James 
Guilkey, Floyd 
Hart, Arthur 
Heath, William 
Heath, John 
Hedges, Frank 
Huriey, A. R. 
Hooper, W. H. 
Helms, Frank 
Horton, Joseph 
Harris, Elmer 
Huff, Jonathan 
James, Robert 
Johnson, Robert 
Lowrie, Marshall 
Lipps, Orval 



Lear, Albert 
Lambert, J. C. 
Maupin, Curtman 
Murphy, Wayne 
Morris, Carl 
Morris, Floyd 
Morris, Robert 
Morris, Herman 
Morris, Meredith 
Mott, Ernest 
Meyer, Ashley C. 
Markham, Roy 
Martin, Clark 
Nolle, David 
Newman, Harry 
Newman, Clyde 
Newton, Hue 
Persinger, Roscoe 
Phillips, Bartley 
Phillips, Houston 
Price, Lloyd 
Price, George 
Price, Rupert 
Rogers, Elmer 
Roberts, M. Henry 
Reed, Crafton 
Reed, Frank 
Rice, Harley 
Royston, Cecil 
Royston, Jerry 
Royston, Albert 
Royston, Emil 
Royston, Homer 
Savage, Edward 
Shepherd, James 
Smith, Herman 
Sadler, Emil 
Salmon, George 
Sweany, Lee 
Stalbert, Frank 
Smart, Thomas L. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



189 



Taylor, Harve 
Thompson, Kenneth 
Tunnel, Harve 
Tunnel, William 
Tunnel, Charles 
Trotter, Clarence 
Thompson, Marvin 
Utz, Virgil 
Vanness, Fred 
Williams, Sam 
Williams, Charles 

Bartlett, Carl 
Bell, Harvey E. 
Bowman, Ashford 
Brown, Curtis 
Brown, Earl H. 
Black, Virgil 
Burgert, Alfred 
Baldwin, Harry 
Crowder, Cleo 
Carey, William 
Campbell, Dennis 
Caster, Cleo 
CroU, Frank 
Clapper, Ernest 
Clapper, Roswell 
Dean, Lawrence 
Downs, Emmitt E. 
Downs, Benjamin 
Edwards, Victor F. 
Dunlap, John Carl 
Dunlap, Rudin 
Gould Clem 
Gibson, Crval 
Hangley, Jay 
Hangley, H. S. G. 
Haley, James L. 
Huffman, Marshall 
Hudson, Lester 
Hudson, George 



Winston. 



Weldon, Moss E. 
Walker, Ray 

Wade, 

Webb, C. E. 
Wyrick, Lucian 
Wyrick, Stephen C. 
Warford, John V. 
Warford, Lester 
Warford, Charles 
Webb, Lester 
Yost, Earnie 

Kelso, Thomas 
Loop, John 
Loomis, Neil 
Lehr, Ashel 
Loomis, Wilber 
Miles, Bernley 
Osborn, Charles T. 
Potter, McKinley 
Potter, Theron 
Potter, Lewis 
Parmley, Thomas 
Manring, Carl 
Manring, Glen 
Manring, Earl 
Morrison, Harvey 
Norton, Elmer 
Oaks, Elmer 
Steel, Herbert 
Steel, Ralph D. 
Peters, George R. 
Reid, Lloyd 
Reid, Clyde 
Reid, Con ley 
Schuele, Phillip 
Schuele, Henry 
Smith, James B. 
Smith, William W. 
Shaw, Floyd 
Strong, Morris 



190 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Stewart, Howard 
Trotter, Lewis 
Thomas, Scy Milton 
Uthe, Jurd 
Willis, Walter 

Andrews, Harold 
Barlow, George 
Briner, George 
Brown, Frank 
Cox, Elbert 
Contrail, W. J. 
Carter, Marion 
Day, Roy 
Estes, James 
Feurt, Cleo 
Feurt, Charles 
Feurt, Vernon 
Feurt, James 
Gains, Roy C. 
Gisebert, Walter 
Gisebert, Charles 
Harrington, John R. 
Hankins, John E. 
Hoyle, Grover 
Irwin, Howard 

Abbott, Walter 
Bartlett, Garland 
Bolar, Albert 
Chambers, Poe 
Chambers, Ray 
Cunningham, Jas. 
Davisson, David 
Elkins, Vile 
Gear, Walter 
Glaze, Perry E. 
Hathaway, Earl 
Harrington, Chas. 
Harrington, Roscoe 
Holcomb, Harley 



Woody, James P. 
Wise, Chester 
Worrel, Adeson H. 
Wooden, Maurice 



Jeuneson. 



Coffey. 



Jenkins, Virgil 
Jobe, Charles 
Landes, Carl 
Knecht, William 
Knott, Wood 
McKenney, Jett L. 
McDonald, Allen 
McGee, Paul 
Mikes, John 
O'Brian, Chas. R. P. 
Pugh, Samuel 
Reed, Lan 
Pugh, Allen 
Robertson, Ira 
Sabens, Earl 
Scott, Henry 
Schaffer, Homer 
Shemwell, Bishop 
Smith, Wilford 
Walls, Cecil 

Hoover, Henry H. 
Hoover, Jacob A. 
Hoover, Robert P. 
Hampton, Earl 
Iddings, Eddie 
Kinkade, Kinnish 
Martin, Charles H. 
Patton, John 
Parrett, Charles 
Plymell, Charles D. 
Plymell, Emil 
Prindle, Ralph 
Pugh, Hasset 
Roland, Harry 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



191 



Scott, John T. 
Smith, Floyd 
Snyder, Everett 
Snyder, Roy 
Stitt, Herman 

Banks, Roy 
BarkdoU, Victor 
Boyd, Grover 
Brassfield, Leonard 
Campion, Fred 
Cornelius, Vern 
Cook, John W. 
Cook, Willis 
Deany, Wilford 
Drake, Marion 
Duffey, Earl 
Faw, Harvey 
Faw, Aaron 
Foltz, Filmore 
Foster, Carney 
Grove, Paul 
Hendricks, Roy 

Alexander, Earl 
Cox, Ralph 
Davis, Toney 
Miller, Carl 
Puckett, James 
Spidle, Forest L. 
Spidle, Samuel 
Townsand, Charles 
Townsand, Willard 

Lambert, J. C. 
Nigh, J. W. 
Wade, H. L. 
Whetstone, John 
Smith, George 
Yost, Harvey 
Hart, Clarence 



Stretch, Omar G. 
Thompson, Toney 
Tracy, John 
Witten, John F. 



Altamont 



Kemp, Henry 
Kuebler, Leon 
Kuebler, Roland 
Lindsey, Fred 
Patton, Herbert 
Pierce, Robert 
Roper, Lester 
Snyder, Loren 
Stephenson, E. F. 
Stephens, John J. 
Stephens, Leonard 
Stephens, John 
Stephenson, Ellis 
Tedrick, Orson 
Wathen, Clarence 
Youtsey, Charles 

Lick Fork. 

Townsand, Frank 
Taylor, Peter 
Townsand, Glen 
Rogers, Sherman 
Reed, George 
Trosper, Roy 
Trosper, Nicholas 
Toggle, Leslie 

Pattonsburg 

Bland, Earl 
Davis, Ray 
Chappell, Paul 
Morris, Clyde 
Kerns, Charles 
Gromer, S. A. 
Blankenship, Arch 



192 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Williams, Walter Shackelford, E. U. 

Carter, Lawrence Armstead, Harry 

James, Floyd Williams, Joseph 

Jameson. 

Findley, Ben Turner, James 

McClary, Leslie Murry, Ozar D. 

Lewis, Clarence Gustalson, Carl 

Scott, Roy Beck, Boyd 

Palmer, Macy Hansher, Roy 

Trotter, Lyle Gould, Robin P. 

Foster, Charles Francisco, Walter 

Dunn, Chas. W. 

The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to three Daviess 
County boys: Ora Lee Butcher, John W. McAfee, and Charles A. Shaw. 

Return of Soldiers. 

Soon after the signing of the armistice, the men in camps were sent 
home. On January 1, the first of a series of "Welcome Home" recep- 
tions was given in Gallatin. The reception was in charge of the Can- 
teen Service of the Red Cross. By the middle of the summer a large 
number of those overseas had also returned. It was then decided by the 
Red Cross to give a "Welcome Home" celebration on July 4th to the 725 
Daviess Countians who had been in the service. An address of welcome 
was given by ex-Governor A. M. Dockery, followed by responses by 
Henry Ramsbottom and Frank Gildow and an address by Col. Ruby D. 
Garrett of Kansas City. Gold pins were presented as souvenirs on be- 
half of the Red Cross to each soldier. Mrs. James Manring was awarded 
a prize for having more sons in the service than any mother present. 
Prizes were awarded the prettiest babies whose fathers were in the 
service, the prizes being awarded to Gretchen Etter, daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. R. L. Etter, Jr., and Walter William Colbert, son of Mr. and 
Mrs. Walter Colbert. Various communities also gave recognition of the 
return of the soldiers and sailors. 

Auxiliary War Work, 

The following figures show the contributions made by Daviess 
County to Liberty Loan Campaigns, War Charities and Welfare organi- 
zations : 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 193 

Liberty Loans. 

Date Chairman Quota Sold 

First June 24, 1917 R.V.Thompson $221,088 

Second Oct. 24, 1917 E. G Urban 233,000 $194,150 

Third April 6, 1918 G. G Murray 239,000 399,250 

Fourth Sept. 28, 1918 555,000 591,550 

Victory April, 1918 R.V.Thompson 427,000 417,400 

Y. M. C. A. Drive, 1917. 

Quota, $6,000.00; raised, $9,827.76; C. L. Knauer, County Chair- 
man. 

United War Work Campaign, 1918. 

Funds to be divided between Y. M. C. A. , Y. W. C. A., Salvation 
Army and four other welfare organizations.) 

Quota, $18,800.00 (later raised to $28,000.00) ; raised, $24,878.65; 
C. L. Knauer, County Chairman. 

Armenian, Grecian and Servian Relief, January, 1919. 

Quota, $4,000.00; raised, $3,282.66; Floyd S. Tuggle, County Chair- 
man. 

Thrift Stamp Campaign, 1918. 

The entire quota of $352,000.00 was subscribed. The exact figures 
are not at hand. The county chairman was Homer Feurt. 

Daviess County Council of Defense. 

Chairman, Hon. Floyd S. Tuggle, Gallatin. Secretary, Dean E. 
Handy, Gallatin. Simon Arnold, Jamesport; Dr. G. M. Wooden, Win- 
ston; Dr. S. L. Hardinger, Pattonsburg; R. E. Maupin, Pattonsburg; L 
L. Wade, Lock Springs; Mrs. Chas. Arnold, Jamesport. 

Township Councils of Defense. 

Benton— R. C. Maupin, O. P. Meadows, W. A. Warford, Geo. N. 
Groomer, Raleigh A. Utz, M. E. Pangburn, Geo. N. Frazier, E. A. Mar- 
tin, Mrs. Ben A. Yates. 

Colfax — C. H. Bryant, L. Hudson, C. W. Shreckengaust, V. E. Fox- 
worthy, A. C. Triem, E. W. Manring, Dr. D. M. Claggett. 

Grand River — R. A. Daniels, George Goodbar, John F. Wilder, G. 
W. Case, James Barnett, Virgil Gaines, S. C. Shaffer, Forest Everly. 

Jamesport — S. E. Arnold, Jo-seph Foster, D. H. Robinson, Sam Gant, 
S. B. Currin, W. L. McClure, C. L. Hampshirt. 

Liberty — Dan Fisher, W. P. Griffin, H. E. Posten, Amos Steigers, 
M. T. Lankford, E. G. Urban, T. L. Sturgeon, W. E. Hathway. 



194 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Monroe — F. E. Mueller, W. D. Statler, Jas. O'Toole, E. T. Lank- 
ford, E. J. Harlow, S. J. Dunlap, E. W. Foley. 

Daviess — Frank Kissinger, W. M. Bristow, W. S. Sailor, Lewis Doll, 
Grant McCleary, S. A. Gaines, J. W. Morrow, W. W. Edwards. 

Union — W. R. Handy, W. C. Pogue, Penn Love, R. B. Moss, Roy 
Whitt, Charles Hemry, R. J. Ball, Glenn Smith. 

Harrison — J. G. Lawson, W. B. Trosper, B. W. Patrick, Gates Wool- 
sey, Lynn Newman, Jacob Treon, John Boyd, J. W. Goins. 

Jackson — L L. Wade, M. R. Weed, A. C. Buckingham, E. H. Green- 
wood, S. L. McClure, Ezra Hamilton, R. W. Burge, Rev. Orr, Iva Drum- 
mond. 

Lincoln — J. R. Baker, R. D. McCray, E. R. Leigh, R. C. Grii^ith, B. 
F. Bedford, Albert Springs, Elmer Wickizer, M. F. Ward. 

Marion — J. H. Haver, Harve Zentz, Mrs. J. H. Henderson, John J. 
Johnson, Chas. Snider, Orvy Schriver, Mrs. John Shaw. 

Salem — W. Guy Welden, Robt. D. Kincade, J. E. Gotschall, Harper 
Butler, J. F. Holmes, W. T. Siple, J. A. Burtch, J. A. Chambers. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



AMERICAN RED CROSS. 



FIRST APPEAL— DAVIESS COl'NTY CHAPTER ORGANIZED— BRANCH CHAPTERS- 
GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP— SCHOOL AL^XILIARY— RED CROSS WEEK— FIRST AID 
CLASS— MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES— WELCOME HOME ENTERTAIN- 
MENT—AWARDS FOR SERVICE— PEACE PROGR.\M. 

On May 3, 1917, a letter appeared in the local county papers signed 
"Monroe Township Patriot," making an appeal for funds for the Red 
Cross for the benefit of the sick and wounded soldiers in France. At the 
same time expressions came from other sections of the county favoring 
the local organization of the Red Cross and kindred societies. The first 
start toward a Red Cross fund was made about the same time when Mrs. 
James P. Tarwater sent a check to the editor of the Gallatin Democrat, 
together with an earnest appeal to the women of the county to organize 
this great work. 

The general desire thus expressed to do and give soon began to take 
definite form, manifesting itself in the organization of local welfare 
bodies, some of which later affiliated with the Red Cross. The Daugh- 
ters of the American Revolution first made arrangements for opening 
rooms for the making of articles necessary for the comfort of the sol- 
diers, and a class was organized May 26th to receive instructions in the 
making of surgical dressings. The National League for Women was or- 
ganized in Gallatin June 1, 1917, with the following officers: President, 
Mrs. Boyd Dudley; Vice-President, Mrs. Arch Thompson; Secretary, 
Golden Etter; Treasurer, Mrs. Floyd Tuggle. Interest in the League 
grew rapidly. About the same time a group of girls at Winston organ- 
ized a club to do knitting. A branch of the National League for Women's 
Service was organized at Jamesport in June of the same year, the fol- 
lowing officers being elected: President, Mrs. I. C. Hill ; Vice-President, 
Mrs. L. N. Callison ; Secretary, Mrs. Lewis Marlow; Treasurer, Mrs. 
Frankie Carr. 

The organization of the Daviess County Chapter of the American 



196 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Red Cross dates from June 23, 1917. The movement was headed by 
Mayer Penn Love of Gallatin and met with the hearty co-operation of the 
community. A canvass for memberships in Gallatin and other towns in 
the county met with a liberal response. A permanent organization was 
effected at a meeting held at the courthouse on July 23rd, and the fol- 
lowing were elected: Simon Arnold, Jamesport, Chairman; Penn Love, 
Gallatin, Vice-Chairman; George B. Koch, Jamesport, Secretary; Dr. R. 
V. Thompson, Gallatin, Treasurer. 

The work of organizing branch chapters and women's auxiliaries 
was soon begun. Gallatin branch organized Sept. 24 with an initial 
membership of almost 200. Branch organizations were also perfected at 
Altamont, Winston, Jameson and Pattonsburg, before the end of the 
month. Organizations such as the National League for Women's Service 
came into the Red Cross. The branch organizations, with the first chair- 
men, are as follows: Gallatin, Charles Brandon; Altamont, Mrs. John 
Vanover; Coffey, J. A. Chambers; Jameson, Mrs. C. A. Feurt; James- 
port, E. F. Ashbrook; Lock Springs, F. M. Achauer; Lick Fork, Mrs. 
Lena Ramsbottom ; Mt. Nebo, Henry McCord; Pattonsburg, Rev. Pow- 
ell A. Smith; Winston, Miss Emma Triem; Blake, J. O. Stanley; Civil 
Bend, Mrs^. S. L. Hardinger; Wesley Chapel, Walter Edwards. 

Mrs. Victoria Tuggle was chosen Executive Secretary of the Home 
Service Committee of the County Chapter. Before taking up the work in 
December, she went to St. Louis where she took a course of training 
givn at the Divisional Headquarters of the A. R. C. 

Membership in the organization grew rapidly, reaching 1748 on 
Dec. 19, 1917, and in the nation-wide Christmas, 1917, membership 
drive, under the leadership of W. Glen Smith, the county's quota of 3,- 
000 was greatly exceeded, a total of 5,136 new members being added by 
January 1, 1918. This increase in membership was distributed among 
the various branches as follows: Gallatin, 1,100; Pattonsburg, 1,088; 
Jamesport, 908; Winston, 499; Coffey, 401; Jameson, 319; Civil Bend, 
242; Lick Fork, 200; Altamont, 194; Lock Springs, 150; Mt. Nebo, 134; 
non- resident, 1. 

In February, 1918, came the call of President Wilson asking that 
between Feb. 12 and 22 a school auxiliary of the American Red Cross 
be organized in every school in the nation; Mrs. Eunice E. Hosman was 
made chairman and George B. Koch treasurer of the committee in 
charge of this work inthe county. Other members of the committee were 
Boyd Dudley, G. N. Gromer, E. H. Greenwood, J. F. Holmes, Sam Clark, 
O. T. Brown, Dell Alleman and Ben Wood. 

During Red Cross Week, beginning May 20, 1918, a drive, under 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 197 

the chairmanship of J. M. Bauer, was begun which by Aug. 13 had pro- 
duced a fund of $64,000, winning for Daviess County the distinction of 
being the banner county in the southwestern division composed of Mis- 
souri, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. 

A First Aid class was conducted in Gallatin, beginning the first 
week in November, 1918, Dr. Norman being in charge. 

On Nov. 26, 1918, the county executive committee met in Gallatin 
and elected the following committee: Rev. Powell A. Smith and Mrs. 
S. L. Hardinger, Pattonsburg; Miss Emma Triem and Mrs. Virgil Black, 
Winston ; Mrs. Lena Ramsbottom, Charles Brandom and W. C. Pogue, 
Gallatin; George H. Pogue, Jamesport; Mrs. C. A. Feurt, Jameson; Mrs. 
John Vanover, Altamont; Mrs. Henry Duffey, Pattonsburg; J. G. Law- 
son, Breckinridge; S. L. McClure, Lock Springs. Several attempts were 
made to elect officers, the first group selected by the committee declined 
to serve. For a time after the armistice interest in the organization was 
at ebb. 

W. R. Handy was in charge of the membership drive for 1918. 

After the signing of the armistice the Red Cross sponsored a series 
of Welcome Home entertainments for the soldiers. On July 4, 1919, a 
home-coming celebration was given at Gallatin, at which badges were 
presented to each of the soldiers. 

The foregoing account is entirely inadequate in expressing the part 
that the American Red Cross played during the war. Red Cross work 
and other war activities superseded all social activities. Practically all 
other organizations were temporarily disbanded. Nor can any account 
ever adequately tell of the hours of patient service, the endless making 
of pads, hospital garments, bandages, and the continual click of the 
knitting needles turning out sweaters, helmets, scarfs, socks and wrist- 
lets. The lists published below show in part the work done by the 
county chapter. A committee on awards was formed to ascertain the 
service given in the various departments. Awards were necessarily 
based on the number of hours of Red Cross work done from April 6, 
1917, to Dec. 24, 1918. A badge with a blue ribbon having two white 
stripes represented three units of six months with 2,400 hours' service. 
This was awarded to the following: Penn Love, Mrs. V. A. Tuggle, Mrs. 
Belle Dudley and Mrs. R. V. Thompson. 

For 1,600 hours or 12 months continuous service, the badge had a 
blue ribbon with one white stripe. This emblem was awarded to Mrs. 
C. A. Feurt, Mrs. J. W. Jenkins, Jameson; Mrs. L C. Hill; Mrs. Morgan 
Hill, Jr., Mrs. Anna Carter and Mrs. Mollie McClure, Jamesport; Mrs. 



198 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Minnie McElfresh, Mrs. Trave Campbell, and Mrs. Glasson, Pattons- 
burg; Mrs. W. S. Whitt, Mrs. L. M. Hosman, Miss Ona Fletcher, Mrs. 
Edna Cruzen, Mrs. H. A. Pilcher, Gallatin; Miss Emma Triem, Mrs. Earl 
Manring, and Mrs. D. M. Clagett, Winston. 

The badge with a plain blue ribbon attached represented six months 
of continuous service with a minimum of 800 hours service and was 
awarded to the following: Mrs. E. F. West, Winston; Mrs. Maggie, 
Tague, Mrs. Belle Sperry, W. J. Gromer, Mrs. Emma Hardinger, Mrs. 
Lucy Maupin, Mrs. Lucy Yercion, Rev. Powell Smith, Pattonsburg; Mrs. 
Allen Selby, Miss Kate Young, Mrs. Martha Williams, Moses Mann, 
Mrs. Emma Schmidt. Mrs. H. T. Leeper, Mrs. John Kemp, Mrs. J. C. 
Leopard, Mrs. Cora Barlow, Mrs. Susan Osborn, Mrs. Sallie Burbank, 
Mrs. Wood Hamilton, Gallatin; Mrs. John Vanover, Altamont; Mrs. 
Letha Mann, Mrs. Dora Hays, Mrs. C. P. Mann, Mrs. G. W. Edwards, 
Mrs. Emma Merrill, Claries Arnold, Mrs. George Mundell, Mrs. Emma 
Stipes, Jamesport; Mrs. Geo. Mc Williams, Winston. 

Sixty others were awarded the badge with the plain khaki colored 
ribbon, representing 400 hours of work. These names are omitted for 
lack of space. 

When one adds to this 82,400 hours, the dozens of others who gave 
freely of their time, but who were not included in the awards and when 
it is also taken into consideration that the majority of the people work- 
ing had a good day's work to do every day without including this work, 
the result seems all the more remarkable. 

Peace Program of the American Red Cross — In the latter part of 
1919 Mrs. Vessey, a Red Cross nurse was brought to the county. She 
conducted classes in Home Nursing in six centers. Certificates were 
awarded to 179 who finished the course ; many others were present for 
part of the lectures. First aid courses have been given in three schools, 
by Dr. J. Z. Parker at Pattonsburg, Dr. T. E. Cooper at Gallatin, and Dr. 
Glen Johnson at Winston. 

The work done during the year 1921 is clearly set forth in a small 
pamphlet published by the chapter. The chapter officers are: Mrs. V. 
A. Tuggle, chairman; Mrs. Frank Davis, vice-chairman; Mrs. H. A. 
Pilcher, secretary; Dr. R. V. Thompson, treasurer. 

The health work of the Executive Secretary, Mrs. H. A. Pilcher, is 
reported as follows: Two classes, first aid, 110 pupils; 3 high schools 
co-operate with Red Cross in nutrition work; 100 correct class work 
charts; 100 graph charts; 100 daily food records furnished them; two 
schools, hot lunch; 32 sanitary dx'inking fountains; 6 Fairbanks scales in 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 199 

town schools for weighing and measuring; 65 health posters made; 35 
babies weighed and measured monthly and records kept; 100 health 
pamphlets distributed; 8 practical nurses secured for families; 5 prac- 
tical nurses furnished families; 1 tonsil operation by home doctors; 9 
hospital cases ; 2 children for specialist examination ; 4 families fur- 
nished serum for diphtheria. 

This list shows only' a part of the work done. Among other things 
the secretary reported that 595 home visits had been made, 23 schools 
enrolled as Junior Red Cross auxiliaries, with 2,000 pupils enrolled ; 300 
ex-service men given information and aid, 100 filed for vocational train- 
ing and 24 were given training; 100 filed for compensation and 33 of 
the applications were granted, 24 given dental work, 36 received hos- 
pitalization, 158 given medical examination, 40 civilian families helped. 

The total expenses of the chapter for the year were $2,590.77, total 
branch and chapter expense, $2,900. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



SOCIETIES AND LODGES. 



GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC— SONS OF VETERANS— PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY- 
YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION— I'NITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS— 
P. E. O. SISTERHOOD— JAMESPORT FORTNIGHTLY CLUB— DAVIESS COUNTY 
IMMIGRATION SOCIETY— DAI'GHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— THE W. 
C. T. I'.— MASONIC— EASTERN STAR— KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS— I. O. O. F.— RE- 
BEK.\HS— AMERICAN LEGION. 

Grand Army of the Republic. — The first post of the G. A. R. in the 

county was organized at Winston, then called Emporia, and was called 
Kilpatrick Post No. 66. The date of the organization was the latter part 
of 1882, or early in 1883, as it is first listed in the 1883 report of the G. 
A. R., Department of Missouri. The first commander was Wesley Lee. 

Gallatin had the next organization — Lewis Post No. 104, the name 
of which was later changed to Nichols Post. Benton Miller was the first 
commander and at the state meeting in 1884, the post was represented 
by Benton Miller, A. M. Irving and H. C. McDougal. 

Salem Post No. 128 was organized shortly afterwards and R. M. 
Askins was its commander. 

Victoria had an organization known as the James N. Whitehead 
Post No. 171. V. P. Dillingham was the first commander of the Post. 

Jamesport Post No. 220 was organized in 1884, with Jacob Kene- 
strick as the first commander. 

S. L. Turley Post No. 222 was organized about the same time at 
Bancroft, with C. D. Knight commander. 

Jameson was not long in following the example of the other towns, 
and organized the John Kennett Post No. 226. 

Pattonsburg Post No. 242 was the next Post in the county. 

In 1887 the Bob Ford Post No. 303 at Coffeyburg appears for the 
first time in a state i-eport. Cornelius Yost was the first commander. 

In 1890 the camps had the following commanders. Where the post 
was inspected during the year, the number of members in good stand- 
ing is also given : 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 201 

By 1895 the number of members in the organization had begun to 
decrease. A report of members in the various camps for 1894 shows 
that of the Daviess County Posts, the Post at Bancroft led with a mem- 
bership of 44, Winston coming next with 37, Jamesport with 33, Galla- 
tin 23, Pattonsburg 18, Coffeyburg 11. 

After 1895 few of the Posts made reports or sent delegates to the 
state meetings, and an account of their proceedings are difficult to ob- 
tain. In 1905 one of the local papers made the statement that there was 
only one active camp in the county, the Bob Ford Post. The following 
week the Jamesport correspondent replied that the organization there 
was still in fine working order. The members of the G. A. R. of the 
various towns hold meetings occasionally, but their numbers are now so 
few that the organization is no longer the force that it was in the eighties 
and nineties. 

Sons of Veterans. — In June, 1914, through the work of Rev. A. O. 
Hunsaker, a post of the Sons of Veterans was organized at Altamont, 
and was known as Altamont Camp No. 26. 

Patrons of Husbandry. — The first grange of the Patrons of Hus- 
bandry was established in 1873, but reached its greatest strength in the 
late summer of 1874. 

The Daviess County Council of the Patrons of Husbandry, organ- 
ized Oct. 15, 1873, was composed of the subordinate granges or local 
organizations which had complied with the order of the association. 
Annual meetings were held on the first Tuesday in September, and 
other regular meetings in December, March and June. 

The first officers of the county organization were William D. Mc- 
Donald, president; James L. Powell, secretary; Gabriel Feurt, treas- 
urer; J. P. Drummond, Samuel Kindig and R. M. Jackson, trustees; B. 
G. Kimball, business agent. 

During 1873 and 1874, twenty granges were affiliated with the 
county organization, about half of them being organized at the time of 
the formation of the county association. 

The organization of the county reached its climax in 1874, but as 
late as 1877 there were still grange stores in operation. In the early 
fall of 1877 a Grange picnic was given in Woodruff's grove, near Galla- 
tin, and was attended by a large crowd. Judge Peter Bear presided, and 
speeches were made by D. L. Kost, Rev. J. L. Netherton and others. 

Could the organization have been kept free from politics it would 
probably have been much more effective. As it was, the order was 
practically dead by 1880. 

Young Men's Christian Association. — During the winter of 1886 



202 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and 1887, a revival meeting was held in Gallatin by the Rev. Z. M. Wil- 
liams, now president of Central College for Women at Lexington, Mo., 
who was then pastor of the Methodist Church. Shortly after the close 
of the services, some of the young men decided to organize a Y. M. C. A. 
Accordingly a meeting was held in the Methodist Church Sunday after- 
noon, Jan. 16, 1887, with Dr. Williams presiding, and W. T. Osborn as 
temporary secretary. 

The first officers were Ed. E. Yates, president; Charles L. Knauer, 
first vice-president; Wesley L. Robertson, second vice-president; and 
Clint A. Stout, secretary. 

Mr. Yates served as president for four years. He was succeeded by 
C. L. Knauer, who held the office for two years. In 1893, S. T. Brosius 
was elected president, and the following year Joshua W. Alexander 
headed the organization. Since that time C. L. Knauer has been pres- 
ident. Mr. Knauer has also taken a prominent part in State Y. M. C. A. 
work. 

The need of a large building was soon evident, and the first thought 
was to buy a lot and erect a building, but it was later, in 1889, decided 
to purchase the building now occupied by office of the superintendent of 
the city electric light plant. The price paid was $1600. The upper 
floor was converted into a reading room and auditorium. For many 
years the first floor was occupied by the post office. 

The need of a gymnasium was felt for some time before the present 
building was erected. In January, 1903, a meeting was called to dis- 
cuss the advisability of fitting up a gymnasium. It was not until Jan- 
uary, 1908, however, that the work was undertaken. A membership 
drive was then begun, 200 members being the goal. Subscriptions were 
also taken for the improvement fund. A fund of about $2,000 was 
raised. 

In the meantime Mr. Knauer had interested the state committee 
in the work and that organization decided to attempt the institution of 
a county Y. M. C. A., using Gallatin as a sort of experiment station. To 
help in the movement, Mr. Knauer offered the Gallatin Y. M. C. A. a 
lot one block from the public square, and $600 if the association would 
raise the funds for a modern building. The offer was accepted, the old 
building disposed of at $1,000, and the remainder raised by public sub- 
scription. The whole amounted to about $7,000. 

The new building was completed in January, 1909. It contains a 
gymnasium, which can also be used as an auditorium. A kitchen adjoin- 
ing also makes it convenient to use the gymnasium as a dining room. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 203 

The main room is used as a social meeting place, the second floor for a 
library. 

In the space back of the building is a tennis court. About two 
years ago, the lot adjoining the building on the west was purchased, a 
large portion of the price being donated by Governor Dockery, and the 
remainder raised by public subscription. 

The first full-time secretary employed was Fred Vollmer, who came 
in 1908, and continued in the position until 1915, when he was succeeded 
by Frank K. Zoll, and he in turn by Rush Tuttle. The present secretary 
is Alfred N. Sanson. 

United Confederate Veterans. — So far as can be learned, only one 
camp of the United Confederate Veterans has ever been organized in 
Daviess County. The exact date of the organization is not known, but 
it was probably in the early part of 1897. In the first annual report of 
the United Confederate Veterans of Missouri, the Surgeon John Cravens 
Camp No. 912 is reported with Independence Mann as Commander, 
J. W. Miller, Adjutant. For a number of years, N. A. Baker served as 
adjutant. The camp has not been active for several years. The last 
commander was George W. Williams. 

In 1906 and 1907, reunions were held to which the "Boys in Blue" 
were given cordial invitations to attend. 

Below are given the names of those who belonged to the organiza- 
tion, together with the record of their service. The list was made up 
from the records of the camp, obtained through the kindness of Adju- 
tant N. A. Baker. 

Allen, Dr. J. T. Co. A, Col. Reeves' Regt., Mo. Cavalry. 
Baker, N. A., Sergeant, Co. K, Twenty-second Va. Infantry. 
Bowen, James A., Stanwerty's Staff. 
Burge, John W., Co. B, Elliot's Battalion. 
Ball, A. C, Private, Capt. Austin's Independent Company. 
Beard, W. S., Co. B. First Arkansas Infantry. 
Best, L. M., Co. G, First Mo. Cavalry. 
Broughton, Nathan. Private Co. K, Tenth Mo. Cavalry. 
Burge, J. W., Private, Co. H. Eleventh Missouri Infantry. 
Cruzen, Nathaniel G., Private, Co. E, Ninth Missouri, Infantry. 
Cloudas, Pitt, Private, Co. K, Sixth Missouri, Infantry. 
Dehring, James R., Private, Co. G. First Missouri Cavalry. 
Ellis, L. A., Private, Co. G. First Missouri, Cavalry. 
Ellis, L. A., Private, Co. G, First Missouri Cavalry. 
Ewing, George D., Private, Co. A, Fourth Ky. Cavalry. 
Enyart, Logan, Captain, Missouri, State Guards. 



204 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Estes, J. W., Private, Co. I, Fifty-fourth Ky. 

Ford, T. R., Private, Co. I, Twelfth Tenn., Cavalry. 

Green, J. T. Private, Co. G, Col. Reeves' Regt., Missouri Cavalry. 

Houghton, J., Private, Co. B, Sixth Va. Cavalry. 

Hunter, James M., Private, Co. A, Wither's Artilery. 

Hopkins, George, Private, Co. D, Third & Fifth Missouri Infantry. 

Harper, A. N., Captain, Co. F. Ninth Tenn. Cavalry. 

Jackson, T. B. Paymaster, Third Division Missouri, State Guards. 

Lynn, Gus A., Private, Co. G., First Missouri Cavalry. 

Mallory, M. T. Private, Co., E, Thirtieth Va. Battalion Infantry. 

McClane, R. J. 

McCue, R. M., Private, Co. B, Elliott's Battalion. 

McCue, James, Lieutenant, Co. B, Elliott's Battalion. 

McCue, George, Company B, Elliott's Battalion. 

McNeil, John, McNeil's Co., Reeves' Regiment, Missouri Cavalry. 

May, Gabriel, Private, Co. E, Fourth Ky. Cavalry. 

Mann, Independence, Co. E, Third Missouri, Infantry. 

McCartney, William, Co. F, Sixtieth Va. Infantry. 

McCartney, George, Co. F, Sixtieth Va. Infantry. 

McCullough, S. W., Co. H, Tenth Missouri, Infantry. 

McMillion, James, Sergeant, Co. G. First Missouri Cavalry. 

Neal, J. W., Private, Co. F. Fourth Va. Infantry. 

Nickell, William N., Co. D, Twenty-seventh Vo. Infantry. 

O'Farrall, G. I., Lieutenant, Co. C. Shelby's Brigade. 

Scott, J. A., Capt. Co. E, Twenty-sixth Va. Battalion Infantry. 

Stovall, W. T. Fourth Tenn. Cavalry. 

Thomas, Dr. Maro, Forty-ninth Tenn. Infantry, Detach Service. 

Tomlinson, John E, Private, Co. D, Shelby's Brigade. 

Vallandingham, R., Private, Col. Reeves' Regt. 

Wilson, Samuel, Private, Second Texas Battery. 

Williams, Roger, Private, Col. Reeves' Regt. 

Williams, George, Private, Col. Reeves' Regt. 

Winburn, Jason, Lieutenant, Co. D, Second Ky. Cavalry. 

Worrell, Asas, Lieutenant, Co. K. Col. Bolt's Brigade. 

Woods, John H. Captain, Co. I, Sixteenth Va Cavalry. 

Yeager, M. W., Co. I, Second Texas Cavalry. 

Smith, I. v., Co. E, Cockrel's Brigade. 

Shultz, Peter. 

Stafford, E. W., McCamma's Battalion, Wise's Brigade. 

P. E. O. Sisterhood. — B. C. Chapter of the P. E. O. Sisterhood was 
organized at Pattonsburg, May 12, 1909. The charter members were 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 205 

Miss Matie Kelly, Mrs. Minnie McElfresh, Mrs. Anna B. Yates, Mrs. 
Anna Haas, Mrs. Blanche Gorsuch, Mrs. Rhea McCue, Mrs. Mucy Mau- 
pin, Mrs. Ellen Groomer, Miss Elsie Fisher, and Miss Edith Bray. There 
are now fifteen resident and nine non-resident members. The president 
of the organization for the year 1922-1923 is Mrs. Lowell Bi-ay. The 
following have served as president of the organization: Mrs. Minnie 
McElfresh, Miss Matie Kelly, Mrs. Anna Yates, Mrs. Lucy Maupin, Mrs. 
Blanche Gorsuch, Mrs. Sallie Cook, Mrs. Elsie Harris, Mrs. Sallie Fraz- 
ier, Mrs. Cena Wright, Mrs. Dorothy Maupin and Miss Hattie McDaniel. 
The pastor's study in each of the three Pattonsburg churches have been 
furnished by the order, and a large number of books added to the public 
library. 

B. Q. Chapter of the P. E. O. Sisterhood was organized at Gallatin, 
Sept. 17, 1912. The charter members were Mrs. Maude Clingan Fit- 
terer, Mrs. Rebecca C. Townsend, Mrs. Josephine B. Davis, Mrs. Vennie 
Love, Mrs. Lillian M. Clingan, Mrs. Minnie B. Mann, Mrs. Kate C. Os- 
born. Miss Lida May Clinghan, and Miss India Irving Richardson. The 
organization has now seventeen resident and four non-resident members. 
The president for the year 1921-22 is Mrs. Kate C. Osborn. Mrs. Mollie 
Dahl, Mrs. Gertrude C. Gillihan, Mrs. Maude C. Fitterer and Mrs. Bess 
C. Murray have sen'ed as presidents of the organization. 

Jamesport Fortnightly Club. — The Jamesport Fortnightly Club has 
been since 1911 a member of the Missouri Federation of Women's Clubs. 
It is also a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. The 
club has twenty members. The officers for 1921-1922 are: Miss Leda 
R. Malone, President; Mrs. Floyd Ames, secretary. During the past 
year a study has been made of the history of Missouri. 

Daviess County Immigration Society. — Thinking that the county 
needed new settlers, and that if the advantages of the country were 
known, this increase in population would necessarily follow, the Daviess 
County Immigration Society was formed in 1875. The board of di- 
rectors consisted of H. C. McDougal, James L. Davis, T. B. Yates, John 
Ballinger, S. P. Cox, James T. Dunn, and Milt Ewing. The following 
township committeemen were chosen: S. A. Richardson, George Tuggle 
and James Stigers, of Gallatin; H. P. Hubbard, of Hamilton; T. J. Jef- 
feries, Winstonville ; W. B. Smith, and Michael Murray, Jamesport; 
Thomas B. Crowder, Alta Vista; Elijah Hubbard, Jameson; James L. 
Powell, Civil Bend; R. S. Hall, Breckenridge; John F. McDougal and 
Bernard Markey, Bancroft; B. H. Coffey, Coffeyburg; T. J. Mattingly, 
Pattonsburg. 



206 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

A committee was appointed to write a brief descriptive history of 
the county, giving such facts as would interest prospective settlers. Five 
thousand copies of this pamphlet were printed for free distribution in 
1876. The organization lasted only a short time. 

The Gallatin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 
was organized Oct. 8, 1913, with the State Regent Mrs. George McFar- 
lane present. There were seventeen charter members. The first of- 
ficers of the organization were: Regent, Mrs. Mollie P. Brosius; Vice 
Regent, Mrs. Maude Fitterer; Registrar, Miss Amy Smith; Secretary, 
Mrs. Margaret Thompson; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Minnie 
Achuff ; Treasurer, Miss Eloise Wynne ; Historian, Mrs. Vennie Love. 
The chapter now has fifteen resident and seven non-resident members. 
Mrs. C. R. Brandon is the Regent. A flag pole and flag were given the 
public school soon after the outbreak of the World War. A flag pole 
was erected in the court house yard by the citizens of Gallatin, the flag 
being donated to the county court by the D. A. R. society. The first 
definite step to organize the women for war work was taken by this 
organization. 

The W. C. T. U. — Since the Woman's Christian Temperance Union 
is the only temperance organization which has remained active for any 
length of time, a sketch of the organization is included here, the data 
being furnished by Mrs. John W. McClaskey. 

Gallatin had a branch organization of the Women's Christian Tem- 
perance Union since 1885, the leaders in the early years of its organiza- 
tion being Mrs. Thomas Crane. Mrs. A. T. Ray, who is still very active in 
the work, Mrs. Tom Brown, Mrs. Dr. Pipkin, and Mrs. Dan Critten. In 
later years Mrs. Fred Fair. Mrs. H. A. Kerr, Mrs. A. H. Pettijohn, Mrs. 
Harry Pilcher and Mrs. J. W. McClaskey have been among the leaders 
of the work. 

Unions are also active at Pattonsburg, Coffey and Jamesport. 
Among the leaders at Pattonsburg are Mrs. N. G. Ellis, Mrs. W. P. Brod- 
beck, Mrs. E. O. Turner and Mrs. R. F. Wood, who among them have 
held the presidency of the organization for the past twelve years. The 
leader of the work at Coffey is Mrs. Ollie Siple, who was president of 
the county organization for a number of years and has always been a 
willing and capable worker in the organization. The Jamesport organ- 
ization has existed since 1891, and among the leaders have been Mrs. 
Harry Jones, Mrs. Longfellow, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Pease and others. 

In the year 1910 the state was divided into counties, for the purpose 
of organization, instead of into districts, as before. Daviess County 
was organized in 1911, Mrs. John W. McClaskey being chosen Presi- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 207 

dent, and Mrs. Harry Jones, of Jamesport, Vice-president. In June, 
1912, the first county convention was held in Gallatin. Mrs. Ollie Siple, 
of Coffey, vi'as chosen President to succeed Mrs. McClaskey, whose ill 
health compelled her retirement. Mrs. Siple continued in the presidency 
of the organization for three years, when Mrs. McClaskey was again 
chosen. Mrs. N. G. Ellis, of Pattonsburg, has also served as President 
of the county organization. Mrs. John W. McClaskey now holds the 
office. 

All of the unions have been active in all lines of the organization's 
work. Effective work has been done in the way of Medal contests, in- 
struction in citizenship, scientific temperance instruction, child welfare, 
law enforcement. Sabbath observance and a number of other activities. 

Masonic Lodge. — Pattonsburg Lodge No. 65, was established at Pat- 
tonsburg, in 1854. It was removed to the new town in 1877. The chapter 
has a membership of 81. Charles Gorsuch is W. M., and J. B. Sentz, 
Secretary. 

Earl Lodge No. 285, at Coffey, has 68 members. The present officers 
are H. A. Cunningham, W. M., and C. W. Githens, Secretary. 

Western Star Lodge No. 15, at Winston, was originally located at 
Victoria. It was removed to Winston in 1879. The chapter has a mem- 
bership of 82. Dell Alleman is W. M., and A. E. DeFord, Secretary. 

41tamont Lodge No. 108, was organized about 1918, and has a mem- 
bership of 52. The officers are J. Lester Johnson, W. M., and Ben F. Kuhns, 
Secretary. 

Lock Springs Lodge No. 488, was organized in 1874, with 7 charter 
members, all of whom are dead. The officers are W. F. Brookshier, W. M., 
J. W. Bills, S. W.; J. E. Smith, J. W. ; A. D. Manned, Secy.; I. L. Wade, 
Treasurer. 

Jamesport Lodge No. 201, was organized April 5, 1866, with James T. 
Allen, W. M. This chapter continued in existence until 1892, when the 
charter was arrested. In the winter of 1897, the present lodge, No. 564, 
was organized with the following officers: John Brookshier, W. M. ; Jerd 
Graves, S. W. ; Wm. Drummond, J. W. ; R. L. Isherwood, Secy. ; William 
McNeil, Treas. There were at that time about 25 members. 

The date of the charter is Oct. 19, 1898. There are now about 125 
members, with the following officers : George B. Koch, W. M. ; W'. E. Bray, 
S. W. ; H. S. Hook, J. W. ; C. A. Lewis, Secy. ; W. T. McClure, Treas. 

Gallatin Lodge No. 106, was instituted Oct. 16, 1879, a chapter organ- 
ized many years before having been disbanded. The first officers were A. 
F. McFarland, W. M. ; John H. Ball, S. W. ; George Tuggle, J. W. ; Henry E. 



208 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Orcutt, Secy. ; T. B. Yates, Treas. It now has a membership of about 150. 
The officers are T. E. Cooper, W. M. ; Ralph Yates, S. W. ; Roy Trotter, J. 
W. ; N. S. Givens, Secretary. 

Royal Arch Chapter, No. 11 at Gallatm, was instituted Oct. 10, 1867, 
with Nelson M. Smith, H. P.; James L. Davis, King; Robert L. Dodge, 
Scribe. The chapter now has about 250 members. 

Order of the Eastern Star. — Corinthian Chapter 0. E. S., at Gallatin, 
received its charter Oct. 7, 1875, with A. F. McFarland, a Master Mason as 
W. P. ; Mrs. M. Sue Black, W. M. ; and Villa S. Ladd, A. M. The present 
officers are Mrs. Roy Dean, W. M. ; Virgil Chrane, W. P. ; Mrs. Guy Murray, 
A. M. ; Mrs. Elmer Blackburn, Secy. ; Mrs. John Musselman, Treas. 

Jameson Chapter 0. E. S., No. 45, was organized in 1896, with 20 
charter members. The first officers were Mrs. V. Dunn, W. M. ; John 
Handy, W. P. ; Mrs. V. Dunn, A. M. ; Mrs. John Irwin, Secy. ; Mrs. Alice 
Stovall, Treas., There are now 60 members of the order with the follow- 
ing officers: Mrs. Gertrude Smith, W. M. ; John Robinson, W. P. ; Miss Susie 
Martin, A. M. ; Mrs. Ruth J. Dunn, Secy. ; Mrs. Mary Gaines, Treas. 

Pattonsburg Chapter No. 199, O. E. S., was organized Oct. 12, 1901, 
with 21 members. The first officers were Mrs. Lucy Maupin, W. M. ; M. B. 
Yates, W. P.; Mrs. Rosa Gough, A. M. The present officers are Mrs. 
Goldena Smart, W. M. ; Thomas Smart, W. P. ; Mrs. Hattie McDaniels, A. 
M. ; Mrs. Daisie Ross, Secy. ; Mrs. Emma Bray, Treasurer. 

Ideal Chapter O. E. S., No. 119, at Jamespoi't was organized in May, 
1902, and a charter was granted Oct. 30, 1902. The first officers of the 
organization were Mrs. Ida SutcliflFe, W. M. ; John R. Handy, W. P. ; 
Miss Mabel Lumpkin, A. M. ; Mrs. Lizzie Phipps, Secy. ; Mrs. Emma Hill, 
Treas. The present officers are Mrs. Dora Tye, W. M. ; R. M. Cole, W. P. ; 
Mrs. 0. J. Sommerville, A. M. ; Mrs. Martha Bray, Secy.; Mrs. Nancy 
Drummond, Treasurer. 

Lock Springs, Lock Springs Chapter No. 83, 0. E. S., was organized 
in 1902 with 20 charter members, and the following officers : Mary J. Min- 
nick, W. M. ; H. F. Lawrence, W. P. ; Margaret M. Wade. A. M. ; I. L. Wade, 
Secy. ; Jessie Lawrence, Treas. The order now has a membership of 64, 
with Rosa Litton, W. M.; J. R. Stanley, W. P.; Ella Bills, A. M.; W. F. 
Broosshier, Secy. ; I. L. Wade, Treas. 

Winston Chapter No. 182, 0. E. S., was organized in 1917, in 25 
charter members. The first officers were Mrs. Edna Manning Alva De- 
Ford, W. M. ; Mrs. Cressie DeFord, A.M. ; Mrs. Eetta McCaskey, Sec. ; Mrs. 
Addie Claggett, Treas. At present the chapter has the following officers : 
Mrs. Tracy Orcutt, W. M. ; Ralph Orcutt, W. P. ; Mrs. Letha Taylor, A. M. ; 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 209 

Mrs. Blanche Gysin, Secy. ; Mrs. Addie Claggett, Treas. There are 55 
members. 

Altamont Chapter O. E. S. No. 432, was organized in 1919 with Mrs. 
Ruth Riggs, as W. M., and John Vanover, W. P. ; Christine Layman, A. M. ; 
Florence Vanover, Treasurer ; Martha Wallace, Secy. The present officers 
are: Cora Black, W. M. ; Lester Johnson, W. M. ; May Rhemes, A. M. ; 
Christine Layman, Secy. ; Georgia Burns, Treas. There are 79 members 
of the order. 

Knights of Phythias. — Banner Lodge No. 88, at Jamesport had, ac- 
cording t othe 1920 report, 126 members During the year five new mem- 
bers had been added and two lost. The property of the lodge is valued at 
$848.96, and its assets amount to $1230.02. J. F. Jackson was the deputy 
in 1920, and Robert McCue, keeper of the records and seal. 

- Jameson Lodge No. 255, had in 1920, 84 members, 11 more than in 
1919. The lodge property was valued at $300, and its total assets amount- 
ed to $1626.42. A. E. Geisbert was deputy and J. C. McDonald, keeper 
of the records and seal. 

On page 27 of the 1920 report, under the title "Charters Arrested," 
appears the following: 

"Pattonsburg Lodge No. 247, Pattonsburg, April 3rd, 1919, by S. D. G. 
C. W. F. Drummond, who after paying all bills remitted $178.95 in cash 
and a note for $351.20 secured by deed of trust on real estate, 21 members 
paying dues and retaining membership in the Home State Lodge." 

L 0. O. P.— Gallatin Lodge No. 167, w as organized May 22, 1867, with 
W. H. Folmsbee, N. G.; S. A. Black, V. G. ; Pines R. Dunn, R. S. ; R. L. 
Dodge, F. S. The order now has 225 members. The officers are: J. E. 
Swafford, N. G. ; Lewis Smith, V. G.; A. R. Maffitt, R. S.; Fred Weiser, F. 
S. ; Homer Feurt, Treas. 

Jamesport Lodge No. 339, was organized May 19, 1876, with P. R. 
Dunn, N. G.; W. F. Boyd, V. G.; W. A. Wynn, Secy.; and S. T. Haynes, 
Treas. There are now 73 members of the chapter. 

Wilbur Lodge No. 403 at Pattonsburg was organized Feb. 23, 1881. 
It has a membership of 117. 

Winston Lodge No. 371 was organized March 5, 1877. with F. B. H. 
Brown as N. G. ; Joseph Swike, V. G. ; John T. Shaw, Secy. ; and M. J. Ben- 
son, Treasurer. The chapter now has a membership of 37, with the follow- 
ing officers: W. H. KaufFman, N. G.; John Walp, V. G.; and R. J. Kimber- 
ling. Secy. 

Civil Bend Lodge No. 203 was instituted Feb. 15, 1869, with A. M. 



210 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Swaney, N. G. ; W. S. Mallory, V. G. ; J. H. Frost, R. S. ; John Easter, P. S. ; 
T. J. Swaney, P. S. The chapter now has 41 members. 

Lock Springs Lodge No. 380 has a membership of 43. Coffeyburg 
No. 520, has a membership of 117. Altamont Lodge No. 607 has a mem- 
bership of 66. The hall was destroyed by fire in 1921, and plans are being 
made to rebuild. 

There are about 725 members of the L 0. 0. F. in the county. 

Rebekahs. — Sarah Rebekah Lodge was organized at Pattonsburg about 
1890. The officers are Mrs. lone Bloom, N. G. ; Mrs. Etta Crump, V. G. ; 
Mrs. Minnie McElfresh, Secy.; and H. D. Milstead, Treas. 

The first officers of the New Hope Rebekah Lodge at Lock Springs 
were, Mrs. T. A. Abbott, N. G.; L L. Wade, V. G.; Brumett Bowersock, 
Treasurer. The present officers are Mrs. Ora Trosper, N. G. ; Mrs. May 
Eads, V. G. ; Mrs. Mary Eads, R. S. ; Mrs. Anna Garr, F. S. ; Mrs. Brumett 
Bowersox, Treas. 

Altamont Rebekah Lodge No. 525, was organized at Altamont about 
1908 with 60 members. Mrs. Dan Fisher was the first Noble Grand and 
Mrs. Abe Wills, the first Vice Grand. The other officers are not known as 
the records were destroyed by fire. The present officers are Pearl Roberts, 
N. G. ; Jessie Snyder, V. G. ; Cena Curtis, Secy. ; Georgia Burns, Treas. 
There are 53 members of the chapter. 

A Rebekah lodge was organized at Civil Bend, but was disbanded 
about 15 years ago. Another chapter was organized April 1, 1921, and 
is known as Augusta Rebekah Lodge No. 741. The officers are Mrs. Pearl 
Smith, N. G. ; Mrs. LilHe Faiber, V. G. ; Mrs. Bettie Brown, F. S. ; John 
Field, C. S. ; Clyde Frost, Treas. There are 24 members. 

Coflfey Rebekah Lodge No. 287 was organized in May, 1901 with 28 
members. Miss Emma Hendrix, N. G. ; Mrs. Fannie Dryer, V. G. ; Miss 
Mollie Armstrong, C. S. ; Miss Phena Everly, F. S. ; Mrs. Lou Witten, Treas. 
There are now 89 members of the chapter with the following officers: Mrs. 
Kattie Miller, N. G. ; Mrs. Lillian Weldon, V. G. ; Mrs. Frankie Wright, R. 
S. ; Mrs. Merle Williams, F. S. ; Mrs. Hattie Glaze, Treas. 

One of the most flourishing chapters of the order is found at James- 
port. Two state presidents have come from this organization, Mrs. Mary 
Buren and Miss Ethel Langford. 

The Gallatin Rebekah Lodge was organized about 1893. The present 
officers are, Mrs. Maude Galpin, N. G. ; Mrs. Ada Witten, V. G. ; Miss Ber- 
nice Ramsbottom, R. S. ; Mrs. Stella Hunt, F. S. 

American Legion. — The first chapter of the American Legion was 
organized in Gallatin, Sept. 2, 1919, with a charter membership of 30. It 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 211 

was decided that the organization should be known as the Wallace McAfee 
Post. The following officers were elected: Post Commander, Dr. M. A. 
Smith; Vice Commander, Dean H. Leopard; Adjutant, H. C. Venable; 
Finance Officer, Harley Morris; Historian, Fred M. Harrison. Harley 
Morris is now Post Commander. There are about 90 members. 

The Ray Noll Post No. 79 was organized at Jamesport, Sept. 18, 1919, 
with 30 members. Neal 0. McCollum was the first Post Commander; 
Viwell Lankf ord, Vice Commander ; Charles Evans, Sergeant at Arms ; 0. 
L. Gildow, Finance Officer ; J. Frank Gildow, Historian ; Lee Goodbar, Ad- 
jutant. The post now has 55 paid up members. A hall is owned by the 
organization. There is a Women's Auxiliary with a membership of 47. 
Charles Evans is Post Commander ; Clarence Wells, Vice Post Commander ; 
J. R. Wiles, Adjutant; 0. L. Gildow, Finance Officer; Leslie Lankf ord, His- 
torian. 

The Shaw- Whetstone Post No. 227, at Pattonsburg, has a membership 
of about 90. E. U. Shackelford is commander, and T. L. Smart, Vice Com- 
mander. W. L. Moody is the Adjutant. 




,I-:XTRV COUNTY Lt:)L'Rr HurSE. ALBANY 




HIGH SCHOOL BlILIMNG, ALBANY 



PART 11. 



History of Gentry County, 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



THE AUTHOR'S OBSERVATION OF SIXTY-FIVE YEARS IN GENTRY COUNTY— HIGH 
POINTS OF HISTORY— PROGRESS OF GENTRY COUNTY— ADHERENCE TO FACTS— 
•HARKING BACK" 

With a commendable lack of confidence the writer undertakes the 
preparation of his county's history. At the impressionable age of 14 
years the author arrived in Gentry County in 1856, 22 years after the 
earliest white settlers. At that date all leading facts of local history 
were still distinct in the general consciousness. Sixty-five years resi- 
dence have given the writer personal acquaintance and friendship with 
many of the county fathers. 

There must of necessity be high points in any history. The most 
interesting feature of local county history is the usual, every day life of 
the people. Pioneer life, because of its vast difference from that which 
comes later, is of highest interest to posterity. 

History should reveal the advancement, the obstacles, and the man- 
ner of their overcoming. More than this, history should indicate the rate 
of progress. Posterity will ask, "How far did Gentry County travel in 
the way of progress and development?" The best answer to this ques- 
tion is a vivid picture of out activities today, material, social and benevo- 
lent. For instance, agriculture and allied interest will be one of the high 
points; education will be one and response to the World's War crisis will 
be another. With a rigid adherence to facts, every effort is made to 
preserve the high lights, and to give due proportion to larger things. 

Those readers who held acquaintance with the author will gener- 
ously indulge him in the following literary extravagance. 



214 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

HARKING BACK 
In the Grand River Valley, I'm contented to dwell. 
The allotment of Providence pleases me well. 
I'm walking with industry, day in and day out. 
And collecting the comforts she's never without. 
Like a deep rooted tree in the midst of the grove, 
I am firmly attached in the bondage of love, 
To my friends and the scenes that environ my home, 
Untempted by specious allurements to roam. 

Though storms overhead at intervals beat. 
And hindering meshes entangle my feet, 
With heaven above and Missouri beneath, 
Not a shade of distrust ever wavers my faith. 
Content with the blessings, I've had in the past. 
And the promise that seed time and harvest shall last, 
I'll continue to plod in the fields I have known. 
Ever generous to wield where faithfully sown. 

No envious yearnings for the rich and the great, 
Whose cares grow apace with increasing estate. 
In the furrows of plenty, unburdened by wealth. 
My life ripples onward in the sunshine of health. 
Now the time is far spent ; my day is at close ; 
The sunset invites me to final repose, 
And I'll find it secure in a higher-up Land. 
While my body decays on the banks of the Grand. 



CHAPTER II. 



TERRITORIAL HISTORY. 



CLAIMED BY RIGHT OF DISCOVERY— INDIANS' RIGHTS SWEPT ASIDE— LOUISIANA 
PURCHASE— TERRITORY OF MISSOURI ORGANIZED— HOWARD COUNTY ESTAB- 
LISHED— "THE MOTHER OF COUNTIES"— GENTRY COUNTY ORGANIZED IN 1845— 
NAMED IN HONOR OF COLONEL GENTRY— LOCATION. 

Gentry County in Northwest Missouri is a parcel of territory from 
that vast domain in the New World west of the Mississippi River, 
claimed by right of discovery, in the name of Louis XIV, for the king- 
dom of France. 

The Indians, the original inhabitants, being almost entirely no- 
madic, were adjudged uncivilized, and their rights were swept aside 
with more or less promptitude, by the great powers of Europe. Under 
the name of "the Province of Louisiana," France maintained undisputed 
control until the close of the old French War in 1763, when this large 
region was ceded to Spain. 

After 37 years control, Spain, in 1800, ceded to France this great 
possession. In April 1803 Napoleon sold and ceded the entire realm to 
the United States for $15,000,000.00. In October of the same year. 
President Madison was authorized by Congress to take possession and 
provide provisional government. 

In March 1804 the division of the Louisianna Purchase was author- 
ized, this was effected a month later when the southern portion was 
named the Territory of Orleans, and the northern portion was set apart 
as the District of Upper Loui.siana, under the temporary jurisdiction of 
Indiana Territory, the 33rd parallel North latitude being the dividing 
line. The present state of Missouri was embraced in the District of 
Upper Louisiana. 

In 1805 the District of Upper Louisiana, coming under its own Ter- 
ritorial government on July 4th of the same year. In 1812 this terri- 
tory was organized, or reorganized, as the Territory of Missouri under 
act of congress approved June 4th. In 1819, a portion of the Territory 



216 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of Missouri was set apart and organized as the Territory of Arkansas. 

In 1816, Howard County was established out of portions of St. Louis 
and St. Charles Counties. This county, known as "Mother of Counties," 
comprised the whole northwest portion of the territory. Howard County 
was named in honor of General Benjamin Howard, acting governor of 
the territory, which was established in 1816. Settlements were begun 
as early as 1807 by Daniel Boone, Benjamin Cooper, and others. In 
1820 Ray County was formed from the western part of Howard County. 
In 1821 the territory was admitted into the Union as the State of Mis- 
souri. In 1822 Clay County was formed from the west half of Ray 
County. In 1833 Clinton County was formed from the northern portion 
of Clay County. 

In 1841 the present counties of Gentry and Worth were set apart 
from Clinton County, located and named Gentry County but was not 
organized till 1845. In 1861 Worth County was detached from Gentry 
County, leaving the County its present dimensions, 24 miles long, north 
and south, and 20A miles wide, east and west. Located specifically, as 
townships, 61,62,63,64, in ranges 30, 31 and 32 and 2h miles on the 
east side of the same townships in range 33. The western boundary 
being the old state line, definitely fixed by act of 1845. 

Colonel Richard Gentry, whose honored name is borne by the 
county, was probably a native of Missouri and of Boone County, where 
he was living in 1836, at the outbreak of the Florida War. He raised a 
volunteer regiment for service in that war and led them with devotion 
and honor to the field of Okeechobee, where at the moment of promised 
victory, he received a mortal wound, but for an hour, in the face of 
death, he directed and cheered his troops to final triumph. The same 
night his brave spirit passed to a hero's reward. In 1842 his regimental 
flag was presented by the state with all appropriate honors to his widow. 

Gentry County is bounded on the north by Worth County, on the 
east by Han-ison and Daviess Counties, on the south by DeKalb County, 
and on the west by Andrew and Nodaway Counties, and lies just above 
the 40th degree of North latitude, and in Longitude 17 degrees west 
from Washington. Most of the county is watered by Grand River — 
East, West and Middle forks and tributaries. In the extreme southwest 
begins the Platte River slope. 



CHAPTER III. 



NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOPOGRAPHY. 



WHAT CONSTITUTES NATURAL RESOURCES-AVAILABLE AND POTENTIAl^-MIN- 
ERAL SPRINGS— RAINFALL— PHYSICAL FEATURES— SCENERY AND SOIL— "A 
L.\ND OF PROMISE'. 

The natural resources of an undeveloped country include not only 
what the first settlers saw, but also whatever they found — whatever 
proved to their benefit or assistance in their struggle with the wilder- 
ness, the location of groves for shelter, the quality and use of timber, for 
fuel, building and implements, the abundant native grasses for grazing 
and forage, such game as was native to the country, the fish of its 
streams and the natural sources of good water, the stone for foundation 
work, the temperature, the rain fall and the quality of the soil. For 
none of these things did the pioneers bring with them. Gentry County 
with 60,000 acres of scattered groves and forests, was hospitable to the 
and abundance of fuel, with excellent oak for building, walnut for fur- 
niture and hickory for implements. Gentry County was also rich in 
grass land for pasture and hay stack. The early settler could have his 
wood lot at one hand and his cow lot at the other. As to game, if the 
earliest comers had the greater loneliness and the more privations, they 
also had more venison, more turkeys, grouse and pheasants, and possibly 
more time for fishing. They also found a well watered country, rivers, 
creeks, and springs, enough for all, distributed over the entire county. 
They found limestone for all necessary uses. They found a growing cli- 
mate, a sufficient rainfall and a responsive soil. Live stock throve and 
crops were abundant. Food for man and beast became plentiful. 

Thus it will be seen that Gentry County, in common with all North- 
west Missouri, was rich in resources quickly available to the early set- 
tler, while the potential resources native to the county, were beyond any 
power of estimation possible to the first residents. What could they 
know of timothy, of red clover, of blue grass, of high class stock, of 
creamery and poultry shipments? To those natural resources which 



218 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

aided the settlers in their plans for permanent occupation, should be 
added some that tended to relieve pioneer life from monotony and to im- 
part to it a sporting flavor, as the locating of her trees, the gathering 
of wild fruits and nuts, and the hunting and trapping of fur bearing ani- 
mals. Though this phase of life has little to do with permanent civiliza- 
tion, it was probably very interesting and pi'ofitable, since it seems a 
trustworthy conclusion that the region was early relieved of any inroads 
from Indian hunters. 

While not of interest to early settlers, Gentry County possesses fine 
mineral and medicinal springs. 

The average yearly rainfall and melted snow is 36.62 inches, dis- 
tributed by seasons as follows: winter 5.25 inches, spring 9.25 inches, 
summer 14.50, autumn 7.62. 

The physical features of Gentry County are pleasing to the eye, and 
very favorable to all agricultural pursuits. There are three classes of 
land ; river bottoms, the breaks or broken hills, and back of the broken 
lands are large areas of higher undulating prairie — ideal land for gen- 
eral farming. 

At many points of elevation the views are far reaching and unsur- 
passed in their blending of streams, timber and rolling hills, in all their 
native beauty. The slopes are usually long and moderate and the nat- 
ural drainage is everywhere so sufficient that but a negligible part of 
Gentry County could ever have been classed as water or swamp lands. 
The soil is everywhere, a rich black loam with excellent clay subsoil. 
The prairie carried a heavier covering of rich top soil than did the tim- 
bered lands. 

This is what the early settlers beheld; a rich soil, an open country, 
ready for subjection, and promising both speedy and enduring rewards 
to the labor and intelligence of civilized man. The native woods and for- 
ests covered the fifth part of the county's extent — so well distributed 
that no part seemed naked. To the pioneers of vision it probably 
appeared a land of promise, a place of splendid possibilities, an empire 
of opportunities, where one could work in hope, and where dreams 
might come true. With all its natural resources it was still a wilderness, 
producing nothing for the comfort and progress of humanity. 



CHAPTER IV. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 



NONE OF THE FIRST SETTLERS NOW LIVING— CONQUEST OF THE NINETEENTH 
CENTURY— WHAT THE PIONEERS BROUGHT— THEIR AMBITIONS— SETTLEMENT 
BEGAN IN 1S34— FIRST SETTLERS— OTHER SETTLERS— FIRST SCHOOI^-FIRST 
POSTOFFICE— FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN COUNTY— FIRST CHURCH— EARLY 
PREACHERS. 

After 88 years, it is naturally impossible that any of the first set- 
tlers should still be living — The History of 1882 was prepared while 
Isaac Miller, one of the first four was still a resident of the county. At 
that time the leading facts could easily be verified. Logically the His- 
tory of 1882 is the basis of authentic first things. 

From the dawn of history, families, tribes, communities, and nations 
have taken keen delight in all facts and traditions concerning their ori- 
gin, and early development. 

In the larger sense the settlement and growth of Gentry County is 
part and parcel of that great immigration and conquest of the 19th cen- 
tury which followed as a natural result of the independence of the 
United States. The strong and resolute swarmed westward to subdue 
and occupy the Valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries. Gladstone 
declared it, "The greatest peaceful monument of Civilized Man, to the 
greatest tract of fertile land on the face of the Earth." 

The present generation is close enough to this great beginning to 
have interests, many and varied and often personal, apart from that 
which is merly historical. It is possible to know whence we came, how 
we were derived, why we are what we are. It is possible, in considering 
the beginning of things less than 90 years ago in the wilds of Gentry 
County, to trace the influence of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. 
Other influences are as easily and definitely traced. If the pioneers 
came with empty hands, they came with sound minds and strong hearts. 
They brought the experience of ages of struggle and progress and 
mental and moral attainments that go to explain their speedy and mar- 
velous successes. 



220 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Each pioneer held one personal ambition — to win a home and the 
means of its maintenance, of this he was conscious. But in the mass the 
pioneers were part of something great, something racial and something 
national. They were empire builders. 

The county is divided at the present time into eight municipal town- 
ships, as follows; Miller, Athens, Howard, Bogle, Wilson, Huggins, 
Cooper and Jackson. Settlement began in the spring of 1834, 11 years 
before the organization of the county. In this year came four men, 
Isaac and Tobias Miller, William Marton and John Roberts, natives of 
Kentucky and Tennessee, locating in what is now known as Miller 
Township at Greenwell Ford. With them this same year are associated 
the names of two others, David Henderson and Robert Ready. They 
raised a crop of corn on the north bank of Grand River. 

In 1835 the second settlement was made, also in Miller Township 
near what is now known as Gentryville, when John Gulp, Benjamin Gulp 
and Elisha Gameron from Tennessee and Milton Foster from Kentucky, 
with some others from the same states located in the township. 

In 1838, the first store was opened by a Mr. Stevenson, three miles 
northeast of Gentryville. Also in 1838, the first mill in the county was 
erected by Taylor McCully, four miles east of Gentryville. 

In 1836 Daniel Saunders from North Carolina settled in Athens 
Township, two miles south of Albany, at Sandsville. 

The first settlers usually selected timber land for homes and for cul- 
tivation. Most of them came from old forest regions, and all traditions 
were in favor of cleared land in preference to prairie. 

As early as 1836, settlers began to arrive in ever increasing num- 
bers, and by the time of county organization, in 1845, over two hundred 
prominent name.s — heads of families — were added to the few forerun- 
ners of 1834-35-36. 

In 1838 the first school house was built, east of Gentryville, in the 
neighborhood of John D. Burbon and Jacob Jones. John Githius taught 
the first school during the winter of 1838-39. It was a log building 20 
feet square with puncheon floor and roofed with clapboards; in place 
of a window a log was left out on one side, and the space covered with 
greased paper. 

In 1838 the first postoffice was established at Sandsville, two miles 
south of Albany. Daniel Saunders was postmaster and the mail was car- 
ried from Sandsville to Plattsburg, Clinton County by Levi Baldock, con- 
tractor. 

In 1939 the first white child was born in the county, named Nancy 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 221 

M. Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller. She became the wife of W. P. 
Gartin. 

In 1840 the first water mill was built at Gentryville by Charles Gay 
and John T. Hunter. It was a log house with one run of buhr stones. 
The mill stones were chipped from native "Nigger Head" rocks by 
Joshua Potter, a pioneer citizen. This location was first called Gay's 
mill. The oldest town of the county grew up around it, and was for a 
time called Columbus. In 1850 the Legislature changed the name to the 
present name, Gentryville. 

In 1842, four miles east of Gentryville, the first church house was 
built by James C. Patton and others. The denomination was New School 
Presbyterian (Mount Zion, or Brushy), but the building was free to all 
denominations, and was used by Methodists, Baptists and Christians. 

The earliest preachers were John Udell and Hiram Wariner, Chris- 
tians; Lorenzo D. Waugh, Methodist; and Timothy Morgan, Pres- 
byterian. 

In 1845 the county was organized and the first court house built. 

April 3rd, 1845 — first marriage, Abraham Popples and Barbara 
Rhudy. 



CHAPTER V. 



PIONEER LIFE. 



REMINISCENT AND TRADITIONAL — THE PIONEER'S HOME — IMPLEMENTS — HIS 
TRIALS AND PRIVATIONS— SCARCITY OF NECESSITIES— BUILDING THE LOG 
CABIN— THE CRUDE FURNITURE— COMMUNITY SPIRIT— PASTIMES— GAME AND 
FISH— THE BLACKSMITH— GRISTMILL AND TRADING POST. 

Pioneer life when fairly treated is of deepest interest to all who 
come after. Direct history records what they did and its results. This 
chapter, somewhat different, should tell how they did it. It should 
intimately and sympathetically enter into their daily life with its labor, 
patience, self-denial, handicaps, sufferings, its successes, its personal 
gladness, its neighborhood pleasures and its community achievements. 

There is a sort of cumulative glamour attached to the reminiscen- 
ces and traditions of the first year of pioneer experience. The personal 
triumphs are recalled and related, the anniversaries and various assem- 
blings are in a manner relived again and again. All that was fine, joy- 
ous, successful, is preserved; much that was otherwise is dropped if not 
forgotten. It is therefore highly proper that the actual should be placed 
side by side with the more pleasurable traditional. 

The pioneer, at his winter fireside, with his family about him is indeed 
a cheerful prospect. The cheeriness of the picture contrasts agreeably 
with the crudeness of his cabin and its meagre furniture. However, but 
little of his life was spent at that cheerful fireside. His labor was heavy, 
and often vexatious. His days were slow and lonely. The immediate 
results were so slender that he was often discouraged. His implements 
were clumsy makeshifts, his motive power limited. He could only 
dream of the tools and teams he would like to have. The "good time 
coming" seemed very far off. If he had a journey to make, it was a ser- 
ious matter. The imperfect trail would stretch itself, the hours would 
drag and the team would weary. He felt the discomfort of cold or heat, 
and the pangs of hunger. If a bridge were out, or a ford swollen, the 
delay would take his thoughts to the folks at home. Gloomy question- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 223 

ings would beset his mind and heart. When could he reach home? 
What were the folks thinking? Would they be afraid? Would they 
worry? Were they safe? Reaching home at last, he might be weather- 
worn and fatigued, until exhaustion rendered enjoyment impossible. 

To many pioneers, it was an endless grind of toil, endurance, plain 
feeding and solid slumber. His brave, patient helpmeet, likewise, had 
much of loneliness. Perhaps she spent happy, hopeful hours helping 
with outside efforts, but in the cabin, alone or with infant children, how 
many hours of brooding solitude were hers. She too must dream of 
comforts for which her woman's soul was longing, so little that was con- 
venient and encouraging, so little beauty, so much plainness. The wild- 
erness without, frugality within. No neighbors within hailing distance, 
fewest of books, no magazines, a stray newspaper at odd times, per- 
haps twice a year tidings came from the old home, or from friends in 
other settlements. Little wonder that the dear old faces seem engraved 
with half a century of exile. There was sickness too, also death. Chills 
and fever, ague, that did not often kill, but always blighted, stealing 
energy, hope and happiness. It was often the woman's lot. to watch 
the slow course of disappearing vitality, or with shrinking heart to 
behold the swift work of malignant disease. At times the able were so 
few and scattered they could but half attend the unable. At all such 
times the women, sensing what was lacking more clearly than the man, 
womankind suffered more. 

Again and again in those early years there were lean seasons, spells 
of scarcity. Something had broken the ordinary run of things. Bad luck 
would bring the wolf to the door, and encourage him to wait and watch. 
The reason might be any one of many. The man of the house might be 
ailing and laid up, at a critical time in the crop season. He might meet 
with an accident and broken limbs. The sickness of wife and children 
might consume his whole time and energy. The straying of stock might 
greatly delay him. Sometimes the strayed stock was not recovered. The 
result would be tragic. The loss of only one cow, dead, strayed or 
stolen, would bring a sense of panic to the housewife, and deepest gloom 
to the children. During such seasons of privation, it is incredible how 
the craving for certain articles of food would grow in the thoughts of the 
family as they divided their meagre rations. This craving might be for 
salt side-meat, for cheese or for butter, or it might be a longing for 
pickles. But it would be very vivid and terribly persistent. It is related 
in the chronicles of De Soto's followers, after they had crossed the Mis- 
sissippi and before they found the salt springs on White River, that a 
soldier one day cried out, "Oh, if I could only have just one slice of meat 



224 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

with salt, I could be patient." He voiced a longing that first, last or 
between times, has gripped every man, woman and child among the 
pioneers. 

It is right that these first great costs of our inheritance should be 
remembered. We are the heirs of a conquest that was truly fine in the 
elements of labor, patience, and heroic endurance. With a deep sense 
of the multiplied obligations thus created, we turn with gratitude to all 
that was pleasurable and prosperous in the experience of these honored 
fathers and mothers of the early days. When youth, vitality, and energy 
come face to face with opportunity, hope springs at once to fullgrown 
strength. Anticipation flushes the heart, and the mind puts the hands 
to work. The early settler found a wilderness. There was no house, 
but the family could build a home; humble as it might be there was the 
hope of better ahead. There were no fields, but they could enclose and 
clear. If the labor was heavy, it was for themselves and their children 
they were working. Hope and faith were shining to cheer them onward. 

The first homes were not the log cabin of usual build. They are 
best described as shelter, whatever the newcomer could devise, what- 
ever he could throw together with his own hands, a place to stay, tem- 
porary quarters. The wagon cover might be part with poles and bark, 
picturesque but not permanent. In some cases there flimsy shelters were 
used much longer than was first intended. Soon, however, the typical, 
strong built, permanent log cabin appeared. This meant more than one 
or two men's work. The settler selected his trees, felled and cut them 
into lengths. Then a small boy, if one there was, and a yoke of oxen 
snaked them to the desired location, and all was ready for the "Raising." 
"The cabins were of round logs, notched together at the corners, 
ribbed with poles, and covered with boards split from a tree. A punch- 
eon floor was then laid down, a hole cut in the end and a stick chimney 
run up. A clapboard door was made; a window was opened by cut- 
ting out a hole in the side or end, two feet square, finished without glass, 
often with greased paper for transparency. The chinking between the 
logs held the mud with which it was daubed. The roof might be clap- 
boards, bark or thatch, and the house was ready." 

Skill, as always, was at a premium. It was a proud day in the life 
of a stripling or youth when at a "raisin" he was first allowed to "carry 
a corner," as the notching was styled. At his first effort he was allowed 
one misfit, or renotching to make the fit. The second mistake disquali- 
fied him for that day. The writer, then under 17, carried his first corner 
to the top, renotching but once. 

The one legged bedstead could only be made in a corner of the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 225 

cabin, but the two legged table could be adjusted most any place. 
Shelves were easy and pegs abundant, while the cross poles which sus- 
tained the floor of the loft were made to do duty for whatever might be 
hung up. Peg-leg benches took the place of chairs. Pots, pans and skil- 
lets were hung about the fireplace, all without nails or bolts. The 
auger was mighty in those days. Thus was the home made ready. 

The raising of the cabin was a social event for the entire neighbor- 
hood. Every man and boy wanted to be present. They gathered early 
and with much chaffing and up to date slang, they got busy. It was the 
aim of all that the "heft" of the work should be completed in time for a 
one or two o'clock dinner, at least the unskilled labor should be finished ; 
only the deft finishing touches were left for after dinner. The main 
body of the gathering must be free for play. Always there were wives 
and sisters in numbers sufficient to make the big dinner a matter of easy 
and merry achievement for the ladies assembled. The day recalled 
happy memories in the hearts of the older ones, while the younger were 
laying the foundation of future memories of their own. The bashful 
youth had his moment of supreme daring, and the clever damsel found 
her chance for sweet graciousness in a manner so casual as to deceive 
the very expert. If, in the main, human happiness is pretty evenly bal- 
anced, so is wisdom pretty evenly distributed. "Wisdom is justified of 
her children," measured by this standard, the generation that built log 
cabins, classes right along with almost any other. 

The cabin raising was a typical occasion. It was just one phase of 
that community spirit which was more fully shared by all the inhabi- 
tants than is povssible in the fuller development which follows pioneer 
life. They had so much in common. They were all poor together, all 
working for a similar purpose. Each one needed the support of all the 
rest. Only as they gave mutual assistance could any of them succeed. 
For peace, for protection, for happiness, for success, none of them lived, 
or could live, unto himself. This community of interest and of sentiment, 
produced a hospitality and a fellowship, which is the admiration of the 
generations that follow. 

A writer forty years closer to these first things puts the case with 
great clearness. "It was a time of self reliance and brave, persevering 
toil, of privations cheerfully endured, and the experience of one settler 
was practically that of every other; all faced the same hardships. They 
stood on an equal footing. There were no castes. Aristocratic preten- 
tions did not exist and would not have been tolerated. The only nobility 
was the nobility of generosity. The bond of sympathy was the con- 
sciousness of common hardships." They were sensitive to each others 



226 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

needs and misfortunes. They needed no urging to help in time of 
trouble. The victim of storm or fire was speedily and cheerfully re- 
stored to the general equality in all he had lost. The restoration was as 
prompt as if ties of blood were in force. 

Neighbors were on the best of terms; envy, jealousy and strife had 
no place among them. They were a little world, or a large family, far 
removed from the great world of the East. To quote again: "This 
general state of feeling among the pioneers was by no means peculiar to 
Gentry County, although it was strongly illustrated here. It prevailed 
generally throughout the West, during the time of early settlement. 
The very nature of things taught the settlers the necessity of dwelling 
together in all good will. It was their only protection. They had come 
far away from a well established reign of law, and entered a new 
country where the civil authority was still feeble and totally unable to 
afford protection and redress grievances. Here the settlers lived some 
little time before there was an officer of the law in the country. Each 
man's protection was in the good will and friendship of those about 
him, and the thing any man might well dread was the ill will of the 
community. It was more terrible than law. It was no uncommon thing 
in the early times for hardened men who had no fears of jails or 
penitentiaries to stand in great fear of the indignation of a pioneer 
community." This community spirit was intensely practical. If one 
neighbor killed a beef, a pig, or a deer, he shared with the rest. A 
writer of 1882 laments the speedy passing of this communal interest, and 
disparages the cold, selfish, calculating orderliness which had even then 
taken place. In 1922 his criticism is better understood. In the early 
times there was the occasional ne'er-do-well who failed to kill his beef, 
pig, or deer, in his turn, and it was a joke to be winked at. But progress 
and industry while tolerating such individuals, cannot encourage them. 
Such people make a visible difference between themselves and the gen- 
eral run of which they are usually the first to complain. 

The common heart of Gentry County is as kind and generous today 
as it was in 1850. The unfortunate and afflicted, receive sincere sympa- 
thy and ready assistance, and the care of them is more effectual and con- 
tinuous than was possible seventy years ago. 

The pleasures of those early days were carried with a whole 
hearted enthusiasm, almost beyond our present comprehension. The 
shooting match when it occurred had the whole field to itself. The last 
quilting was over and gone, the nest fish fry was not yet dated. The 
same was true of each recreation in its turn. For the time being each 
was all in all. The question is often asked why we do not have such 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 227 

spelling schools and such religious revivals as in the early days. The 
answer is this. No one bit of knowledge can now enthuse the whole 
people. We are learning scores of things. Neither can any one senti- 
ment, no matter how sacred, ever again dominate the emotions of an 
entire community. Progress implies an increasing number of interesting 
aims and purposes. In the nature of things they compete one with 
another. The result should be a well balanced civilization. 

Physical well being no longer means a periodic abundance of good 
things after long periods of scant tables; but a sane and continuous 
enjoyment of sufficient food in comfortable homes. Education no longer 
means an occasional triumph of memory, but a universal distribution of 
useful and entertaining knowledge that sweetens and dignifies every 
day life. Religion no longer means a season of annual exalted emotion, 
but a settled conviction of endeavor after righteousness, with an abiding 
sense of God's power and goodness, and daily offerings of praise and 
gratitude. 

Anything, which offered to break the monotony of pioneer isola- 
tion, was welcome, and the most was made of it. They even invented 
diversions which had no other purpose. One community had this annual 
custom, sometime during roasting ear season. The whole family would 
load up and drive for miles, until they found a corn field whose owner 
they did not know. There they would camp, gather corn for a roasting, 
carefully extract a rail or two without greatly harming the fence, and 
preceed to feast. If the owner happened along, he "threw in" with them 
and got acquainted. 

The settlers had game and fish in abundance and variety. Turkey, 
geese, duck, prairie chickens, pheasants, quails. Also butter, honey, 
and lard. Of what use are the latter without bread ? Above many things, 
they wanted bread. As roasting ear season passed, they grated corn and 
made fritter cakes. Lard for the griddle, butter for the fritter cake, and 
honey for the trimming. They had hand mills, and hominy blocks and 
horse mills. All these meant bread more or less, before water grist 
mills came into use. No doubt it tasted fine and went well with flesh, 
fowl and fish. Beeswax, coonskins and other peltry were their first 
trade commodities. Money was not; trade was everything; even the 
postmaster accepted coonskins for postage. 

Let no one imagine that pioneer life lacked established customs. 
The game, whether of work or of play, had its rules, and those who took 
part mu.st mind the rules. The Anglo-Saxon spirit of fair play pervaded 
all activity. At quilting bees, each man must pay a dollar in money, or 
split a hundred rails. As dollars were scarce, the men usually worked 



228 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

on the logs while the ladies quilted. The party in the evening would be 
full of life and zest. Music and dancing might last till day break. Then 
came the hazardous task of seeing the ladies "safe home." The "mitten," 
a pet among some of the young ladies, was dreaded by the young men as 
a most vicious varmit. Strange to say, if a youth caught one, he never 
boasted. 

"The smith, a mighty man is he," was not written of any pioneer 
and for some reason earlier histories have neglected him. There can be 
no doubt that the blacksmith's shop was an early fact, ranking with 
grist mills and trading posts. The implements of the early farmers in 
their many imperfections must often have gone to the smith. Happy 
was that neighborhood when the mill, the store, and the shop were 
grouped. Such was not always the case, and the pioneer less favored 
had before him the possible necessity of a journey in two or three direc- 
tions. Going to mill or the store might be postponed during spells of bad 
weather. When it could no longer be put off, the weather might even 
turn worse. Many are the tales told of long waiting at the mill or the 
smithy, of high water, and lost bridges, and of all-night drives. 

As time passed "Old Settlers Day," came into vogue, specially 
designed to cherish these memories. They were also preserved in many 
other ways. As the number of pioneers diminished, the survivors be- 
came notable persons at all picnics and community gatherings. Each 
one representing something particular and personal. As more time 
elapsed the sons and daughters of first settlers had their place in help- 
ing to perpetuate these lovable traditions of early experience. 



CHAPTER VI. 



FIRST COURTS. 



MET IN 1845— OFFICERS APPOINTEI>— BUSINESS TRANSACTED— CREATED SIX MUNIC- 
IPAL TOWNSHIPS— FIRST PETITION FILED IN CIRCUT COURT— EARLY RECORDS 
—RECORD BOOK STILL IN EXISTENCE. 

The first county court of Gentry County met on the 5th day of 
May, 1845, at the house of Daniel Sanders. The record is as follows: 

"May 5th, A. D. 1845. 

Be it remembered, that on the first Monday of May and the fifth 
day of said month, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred 
and forty-five, the county court of the county aforesaid, met in pursu- 
ance of law, at the house of Daniel Sanders, in Sandsville, in said 
county, the place designated by law for holding courts in the County of 
Gentry aforesaid. Present, Michael Maltsberger, William Steel and 
Samuel Collins, Esq'rs, county justices of said county, James M. Howell, 
sheriff and George W. Birch, clerk ; when and where the following pro- 
ceedings were had and done, to wit; Michael Maltsberger, William Steel 
and Samuel Collins present their commissions from the Governor, under 
seal of the state, appointing them justices of this court, who thereupon 
took the oath of office required by law. 

Whereupon the court was opened by proclamation by the sheriff; 
then the said court proceeded to elect Michael Maltsberger, Esq., one 
of their body as president of the said court. 

The court appoints George W. Birch as clerk pro tem of this court, 
who thereupon enters into bond according to law, for faithful per- 
formance of said trust, in the sum of five thousand dollars with Peter 
Culp, Daniel Sanders, John Gulp, Gideon Wright and Christopher F. 
Bartlay as his security, which is approved by the court, and thereupon 
said George W. Birch takes the oath of office required by law. 

James M. Howell, the sheriff, filed his bond as collector of the 
county. John Huggins was appointed assessor; John Plaster, surveyor; 
John B. Hundley, treasurer, and Elisha Perkins, coroner. 



230 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

It was ordered by the court that the county seat, which had been 
located by the commissioners, Ebenezer H. Wood and Armstrong 
McClintock, be called Athens. The court then adjourned from the 
house of Daniel Sanders to the house of William Daily, in the town of 
Athens. 

The above constituted the business of the county court the first 
day. The other county commissioner was Stephen Jones. 

On the 6th day of May, 1845, the court met again at the house of 
William Daily in the town of Athens. The county was then divided 
into six municipal townships, which were bounded and named as 
follows: 

Commencing at the southeast corner of the county proper, thence 
running west with the county line to the southwest corner of said 
county; thence north with said county line nine miles; thence east 
across the county to the east boundary of said county; thence south 
nine miles to the place of beginning, to be known and called Miller 
Township ; place of voting at Gay's Mill. 

Commencing at the northeast corner of the first township ; thence run- 
ning with said township line to the west boundary of the County of Gentry ; 
thence nine miles north, with the county line ; thence east across the county 
to the east boundary of the county ; thence south nine miles to the place of 
beginning, to be known and called Athens Township ; place of voting at the 
seat of justice of said county. 

Third Township — Commencing at the northeast corner of Athens 
Township; thence west with the line of said township to the bank of the 
East Fork of Grand River ; thence with the meanders of said river to the 
north boundary of the said county proper; thence east with the county to 
the northeast corner of said county; thence south with the county line to 
the place of beginning, to be known and called Howard Township ; place of 
voting at Lacy Carter's. 

Fourth Township — Commencing at the southwest corner of the third 
township ; thence with the line of the second township, to the west 
boundary of the county; thence with the county line to the north bound- 
ary of the third township; thence down the river with the meanders of 
said river, to the place of beginning, to be called and known as Bogle 
Township ; place of voting at Jason Bogle's. 

The territory on the east side of the Middle Fork of Grand River, to 
be known and called Allen Township ; place of voting at Sweems' Mill. 

The territory on the west side of the Middle Fork of Grand River, to 
be called and known as Green Township ; place of voting at Philip Norris'. 

These townships have undergone many changes, since first organ- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 231 

ized in 1845 ; two of them now constitute a part of Worth County. Since 
then, the County of Gentry has been divided into eight municipal town- 
ships, the names and boundaries of which we give when treating of the 
history of the history of the townships proper. 

Ebenezer H. Wood and Armstrong McClintock were allowed, respec- 
tively, the sum of twenty-eight and twenty-four dollars, for their services 
as commissioners in locating the county seat. 

Elisha Cameron was appointed county seat commissioner. 

Ebenezer H. Wood was appointed county attorney for twelve 
months. 

An orphan boy. named John Gay, was brought before the court and 
Jonathan Mosier was appointed his guardian. 

James M. Howell was appointed administrator of the estate of James 
Baker, deceased. 

A license to sell goods and merchandise was granted to E. P. Howell. 

The court met again on the 7th day of May, when the following pro- 
ceedings were had : 

John Plaster was appointed a justice of the peace for Athens Town- 
ship. 

Elisha Cameron was ordered to advertise and sell a portion of the town 
lots of Athens, on the 16th day of June, 1845, and was further ordered to 
lay the town of Athens off into a public square, into lots, avenues, streets, 
alleys, etc., the number of lots to be ninety-six. 

The court then adjourned to meet on June 2, 1845. 

Among other things done at the June term of court were the fol- 
lowoing: 

Ordered by the court that Elisha Cameron be appointed superintendent 
for the County of Gentry, to superintend a final settlement between the 
County of Clinton and the County of Gentry. 

Elisha Cameron was also appointed to superintend the building of the 
county jail at Athens. 

William Bentley was made justice of the peace of Howard Township, 
as was also John C. Williams. 

John Plaster was appointed justice of the peace of Athens Township; 
Walter Savage, also of Athens Township; Charles Claggett and John Fox, 
of Athens Township; Aristippus Brown, of Mills Township; Jesse Lewis, 
of Green Township; 0. H. Sweem, of Allen Township. 

John Plaster was allowed ten dollars for surveying a portion of the 
county seat. 

Levi Baldock was allowed three dollars, as axman, in the survey of the 
county seat. 



232 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Elisha Cameron was allowed four dollars, as flagman, during the sur- 
vey. 

Samuel H. O. Irvin was appointed constable of Athens Township; 
William McNatt, constable of Miller Township; Archibald Ross, constable 
of Howard Township. 

The first Circuit Court was held at Athens, on March 12, 1846. Hon. 
Solomon L. Leonard was the judge presiding. James M. Howell was sher- 
iff; Elijah P. Howell, clerk; and Isaac N. Jones, circuit attorney. 

The first petition filed in the Circuit Court of Gentry County, was 
that of William Smith vs. A. Higgins, and reads as follows : 
Gentry Circuit Court, September Term, A. D., 1845. 

William Smith, by his attorney, Ebenezer H. Wood, complains of Al- 
fred Higgins in a plea of trespass, for that the said Alfred Higgins, on the 
7th day of July, A. D. 1845, at the County of Gentry and State of Missouri, 
with force and arms in and upon the said William Smith, made an assault, 
and him then and there beat, bruised, wounded and evil entreated and other 
enormities to the said William Smith, the said Alfred Higgins then and 
there did against the peace and to the damage of the said William Smith, 
fifteen hundred dollars, and thereupon he brings his suit, etc. By his at- 
torney. E. H. WOOD. 

On the back of said petition are the following endorsements: 

"William Smith vs. A. Higgins. Trespass. Damage, $1,500. 

Filed August 18, A. D. 1845. E. P. HOWELL, Clerk." 

"The clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County of Gentry and 
State of Missouri, will please issue a summons, returnable at the next term 
of this court, August 18, 1845. E. H. WOOD, 

Attorney for Plaintiff." 

I certify that I executed the within writ and declaration, by leaving 
a copy of the same with the wife of the defendant, at the residence of Al- 
fred Higgins, as the law directs, on the 21st day of August, A. D., 1845. 

JAMES M. HOWELL, Sheriff." 

The first case that came before the grand jury for investigation was 
the State of Missouri vs. John K. Kennedy, charged with the murder of his 
wife, in Athens Township. The papers in the case were filed March 12, 
1846. 

The first grand jurors were Richard Cheneworth, Elijah Carter, Wil- 
liam Green, Isaac N. Carson, Nathaniel Mothersead, John Q. Smith, David 
Buckridge, James C. Patton, Abel Yates, Jefferson Taliaferro, James M. 
Marrs, John Job, Adam Black, Henry P. Hiller, Franklin W. Seats, and 
John Plaster. 

The following is a record of some of the first marriages in the county : 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 233 

I, W. Bentley, a justice of the peace, within and for the county afore- 
said, do certify that on the third day of April, 1845, I joined in marriage 
Abraham Peppels and Barbara Rhudy. 

Given under my hand this 3d day of April, 1845. 

W. BENTLEY, J. P. 

I, W. Bentley, a justice of the peace, within and for the county afore- 
said, do certify that on the first day of May, 1845, I joined in marriage An- 
drew Keer and Jane Castor. 

Given under my hand this first day of May, 1845. 

W. BENTLEY, J. P. 

I, W. Bentley, a justice of the peace, within and for the county 
aforesaid, do certify that on the 29th day of May, 1845, I joined in mar- 
riage Samson Castor and Martha Ross. 

Given under my hand this 29th day of May, 1845. 

W. BENTLEY, J. P. 

This is to certify that the undersigned, ordained minister of the gos- 
pel, did, on July the 14th, 1845, solemnize the rites of matrimony be- 
tween Mr. Daniel M. Thomas and Miss Susan Jane Low. 

TIMOTHY MORGAN. 

I, Abraham S. Weese, a justice of the peace, within and for the 
county aforesaid, do certify that on the 7th day of August, 1845, I joined 
together in marriage Alexander Smith to Susan Adams. 

Given under my hand this 7th day of November, 1845. 

A. WEESE, J. P. 

I hereby certify, that on the 3d day of November, A. D. 1845, I sol- 
emnized a marriage between Rev. Timothy Morgan and Miss Belinda J. 
Patton, both of said county. 

Given under my hand this 3d day of November, 1845. 

E. A. CARSON, 
An Ordained Minister of the Gospel. 

This is to certify that I, Zachariah Linville, an ordained minister of 
the gospel, did, on the 19th day of June, 1845, unite in matrimony James 
S. Leverich and Elizabeth Burton, according to law. 

Given under my hand this 24th day of December, 1845. 

ZACHARIAH LINVILLE. 

During the year 1845, fourteen marriages were recorded. 

The original real estate records are still in existence. The book in 
which they are recorded contains 413 pages, and although its leaves 
have become yellowed and soiled by time, it is in a good state of preser- 
vation. Here are found, promiscuously recorded, mortgages, bills of 
sale, chattel mortgages, powers of attorney, indentures of apprentice- 



234 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ship, warranty deeds, etc. The character of the penmanship and the or- 
thography are generally good. Bills of sale, mortgages, and deeds, were 
in early times usually drawn up by justices of the peace, who, while they 
were men of good judgment, of unimpeachable integrity, were fre- 
quently unlearned and unlettered, as nearly all the early records testify, 
yet the early records of Gentry County are generally an exception to this 
rule. The fact must not be lost sight of, however, that the early officials 
of the newly organized counties in this western county, were hardy back- 
woodsmen, whose continual struggle for a livelihood precluded the pos- 
sibility of devoting any time to self culture. 



CHAPTER VII. 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



COl/KTHOUSE— JAII>— COINTY FARM BUILDINGS. 

The second Court House was wrecked by a violent windstorm from 
the north on July 13, 1883, a storm of considerable extent and destruc- 
tion. The uper story collapsed and the lower rooms were a wreck of 
brick and mortar. Fortunately the various records were not seriously 
injured and a watch was kept over the ruins until all valuable papers 
could be placed in safety. 

On July 16th an order of the Court placed the records of the circuit 
court, the probate court in the sheriff's office in the block at northeast 
corner of court house square. At the same time the records of the county 
clerk were placed in the Peery Block at northwest comer of court house 
square. These buildings being deemed safe as well as convenient. 

Immediately agitation began for the removal of the seat of justice 
to the center of the county. As a result, the first petition, Sept. 4, 1883, 
for a new court house to be built in Albany, came to nothing. 

On May 7, 1884, the county court made an order for the erection of 
a court house and appointed L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark to procure 
plans and specifications and estimates of costs for approval of the court, 
and when so approved to proceed to have the buildings erected. In the 
meantime a large number of citizens were working vigorously for the 
removal of the county seat, and on June 2, 1884, a motion was filed ask- 
ing that the court order of May 7th be annulled. This motion was over- 
ruled by the court. 

On June 3, 1884, L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark reported progress in 
accordance with the court order of May 7, 1884. The report was made 
of record and is as follows: Comes now L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark, 
superintendents, appointed and qualified at the May term, 1884, of this 
court, to build a court house at the established seat of justice. Gentry 
County, and submit plans and specifications, and the court approves the 
plans prepared by the architects. 



236 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

The superintendents, the said Peery and Clark, advertised the let- 
ting of the court house on June 26, 1884, in the Albany Ledger, the Al- 
bany Memoranda, St. Joseph Daily Gazette, the St. Joseph Daily Her- 
ald and the Omaha Bee, said letting to be in parts. At the letting Rufus 
K. AJlen of St. Joseph, was the lowest and best bidder for enclosing, 
roofing and finishing the outside of said building for $22,000.00 and the 
work was let to him to be completed on or before Dec, 1, 1884; $15,- 
000.00 to be paid by Gentry County, and the balance of $7,000.00 to be 
paid by the citizens of Albany, L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark, Superin- 
tendents. All of which was considered and approved by by the Court. 
The contract and bond were also approved and placed on file. 

The wreckage of the old court house including the foundation, was 
removed, and the work of building a new court house on the same 
ground was commenced July 18, 1884. The work was carried forward 
as rapidly as possible. 

The opposition was also busy. On August 6, 1884, C. M. Gorman 
and others in sufficient numbers filed a petition for an election, for the 
purpose of submitting a proposition to remove the seat of justice to the 
center of the county. Accordingly, the court made an order that the 
proposition be voted on at the next general election, Nov., 4, 1884, and 
that the county clerk give notice thereof by advertisement according to 
law. The result was so decidedly against the proposition as to be con- 
sidered a final settlement of the question. The order for an election did 
not delay the work, and on the 24th of August, about one month after 
the brick work was begun, the corner stone was laid in the presence of 
the greatest crowd assembled in Albany up to that time. 

For the first time in the history of Albany, the Missouri Grand 
Lodge A. F. & A. M. was called to order by Hon. A. M. Dockery at 12 :30 
o'clock in the Albany lodge room. The following were the officers of the 
Grand Lodge acting on this occasion: A. M. Dockery, G. M.; Hugh Ste- 
venson, G. S. W. ; J. T. Dunn, G. J. W. ; G. P. Bigelow, D. D. G. M. The 
Lodge was formed in the hall, and marched down to the street, when it 
was joined by the Commandery, G. A. R. Post, the A. 0. U. W., and the 
Knights of Pythias. The line of march was taken up, and headed by the 
Bethany band, the procession mover around several adjacent squares, 
marching into the court house yard at the southeast corner, forming as 
near as possible a hollow square at the northeast corner of the new 
building. 

The stone had been swung into position by a derrick, and after 
prayer by Rev. J. A. Blakey, the ceremonies proper were performed, 
and the stone lowered into its resting place, there perhaps to remain for 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 237 

many generations to come. Although the crowd was large there was not 
a jar of discord to mar the occasion. A cavity was cut out of the stone, 
into which was fitted a copper box, as a receptacle for articles to be de- 
posited as historical relics of future generations. 

The following was a partial list of the deposits: A list of the sub- 
scribers and the amount subscribed by each for the erection of the court 
house; cards of invitation to the corner stone ceremony; a history of the 
Girls Wide Awake Club ; a copy of the city ordinances of the City of Al- 
bany; a copy of the Albany Weekly Ledger; archives of the Albany M. 
E. Church ; copies of the orders of county court, pertaining to the build- 
ing of the court house ; silver shield pin, by J. R. Saunders; coin of S. W. 
Clark, marked "S. W. C." ; family record of C. S. Canaday; copy of the 
Albany Sun, containing an account of the storm that destroyed the old 
court house by J. M. Davis; by the A. O. U. W., a silver anchor and 
shield, and constitution and by-laws and list of members; archives of 
the Christian Church, Albany; English coin by R. L. Whaley; card by 
C. B. Hinkley; list of members of the Gentry County Bar Association; 
copy of King City Chronicle; premium list Gentry County Fair Associa- 
tion, 1884; list of members of Island City Lodge, No. 109 A. F. & A. M., 
at Stanberry; archives of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Al- 
bany; copy of the Home Guide, by Hubbard and Hubbard ; list of mem- 
bers and by-laws of Lodge No. 195, I. O. O. F., Albany; engraved silver 
coin by L. H. Peery; archives of the M. E. Church, South, at Albany; 
sentiments of Dr. J. L. Coffey ; list of members of Athens Lodge No. 127, 
A. F. & A. M., Albany; archives of the Presbyterian Church, Albany; 
copy of American Freeman; copy of the Bethany Broad Axe; copy of 
Stanberry Sentinel ; Bible by Athens Lodge ; card, C. Crossan ; card, S. 
P. Larmer; card by W. E. Alexander; archives of Gentry Post, G. A. R., 
Albany; engraved silver coin by J. W. Barkley; silver coin by C. C. 
Byrne; family record by R. A. Scarborough; archives of Captain Little 
Post, G. A. R. ; historj^ of Gentry County, Missouri; card of Patton, Cra- 
mer and Austin; copy of memoranda; card of Thomas, McCullough & 
Peery; by-laws of Bethany Commandery, K. T., Royal Arch Chapter 
and A. F. & A. M. Lodges; Cumberland Presbyterian paper by C. M. 
Boshart; coin by G. F. Peery; card by Jno. T. Haynes; card of G. W. 
Combs; family record, Geo. Carlock; coin by C. T. Lyttle; coin by J. F. 
Gulp, Jr. ; list of workmen employed in building court house. 

The court house block is 200 feet square. The building is of substan- 
tial build and symmetrical architecture with cupola, of usual brick with 
stone pointing and slate roof, three stories high. The interior finish was 
also let to R. K. Allen. The first floor is complete with halls and com- 



238 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

modious office rooms with vaults. The second floor has the circuit court 
room with all appropriate adjuncts. On its completion the new building 
was accepted June 5, 1885, at a total cost of $29,100.00. 

The block was also enclosed with ornamental iron fence, but in 
time this gave place to permanent concrete walls with the 10 feet of 
concrete pavement at their base, thus giving to the court house grounds 
a pleasing elevation of several feet. In 1904 during the mayorality of 
R. M. McCammon, the fair way of 60 feet around the court house square, 
with its four intersections, was paved with vitrified brick. 

As early as 1891, W. F. Greenlee and others proposed raising money 
to equip the cupola with a fii'st class town clock, and some money was 
raised. But the proposal was not cai-ried far at that time. About 1900, 
the young ladies formed the "Town Clock Club." This club in several 
agreeable ways raised most of the money needed. The city furnished a 
small sum, and in 1902, the clock was installed, which strikes the hours 
upon a splendid bell. 

In 1906 the "White Way," with more than four score globes, was 
extended around the Public Square ; thus assuring all desirable illumi- 
nation. 

Our court house and surroundings are complete, permanent and 
pleasing. 

The first court house of Gentry County was built in 1845. The plan 
was submitted by Isaac Cameron, the commissioner of the county seat, 
on the 2d day of June, 1845, as follows: 

"A wall of hewed logs, twenty-four feet by twenty feet, of good 
durable timber, two stories high, logs to be eight inches thick, and to 
face ten inches in the middle; the upper story to be divided into three 
rooms, to be covered in with joint shingle roof; a brick chimney with 
two fire places; a stairway to the second storj'; two floors, the lower 
laid with square joints, and the upper tongued and grooved; two doors 
and two windows in the lower story, and one window and one door in 
each of the upper rooms ; to be pointed with lime mortar, and a circle 
bar and judge's bench made in the lower story; all to be done in a good, 
woi'kmanlike manner." 

The building stood upon lot number four, in block number two. It 
was afterwards sold with the lot, to Judge Elias Parrot, for about $275. 

On the 7th day of December, 1852, the county court made the fol- 
lowing order in reference to the building of the second court house : 

"It is ordered by the court here that a court house be built in the 
town of Athens, the seat of justice of this county, and that the sum of 
$5,000 be appropriated for the building thereof." 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 239 

William M. Albin was appointed superintendent of the building. 

On the 7th day of March, 1853, the court ordered that an additional 
sum of $1,000 be appropriated toward the building of a court house. 

The court also ordered that the county court borrow so much of the 
road, canal, county improvement and common school fund as was neces- 
sary to build the court house. This order was made in pursuance of a 
petition, signed by a majority of the voters of the county, asking that 
body to use the funds named above, and was authorized by an act of the 
legislature, approved Feb. 24, 1853. 

On the 5th day of July, 1853, the court ordered the levying of a tax 
of one-fifth of one per cent., and a poll ta.x of 37 A cents on all persons 
subject to state tax, to aid in the construction of the court house. Oct. 
25, 1853, the court borrowed $621.61 from the internal improvement 
fund, to pay the two first installments due on the court house. Dec. 6, 

1853. the court borrowed $700. Miller R. Craig and Joseph Selecman 
were paid the above amount of $700, as sub-contractors. March 6, 1854, 
court borrowed $500. June 5, 1854, court borrowed $500. Nov. 15, 

1854, court borrowed $500. July 13, 1855, court borrowed $500. Nov. 
6, 1855, court borrowed $276. July 6, 1858, court borrowed $300. Dec. 
23, 1858, court borrowed $741.25. 

The court house was a brick building, 45x60 feet, and two stories in 
height, the first story being 15 feet high and the second ten feet,, and a 
portico on the south end 12 feet in width, extending the whole height of 
the building. The court room was at first in the lower story, 40x45 feet, 
with two small rooms at the south end, and a hall between. The upper 
story was divided into four rooms for public hall and jury rooms. In 
1875 the court house was remodeled, so as to arrange the second story 
for the court room, with the oflRces below. Connected with the county 
and circuit clerks offices was a fire-proof vault, in which are kept the 
records. 

In May, 1846, the county court ordered the building of a jail, and 
Elisha Cameron was appointed commissioner to let and superintend the 
building of the same, and he not qualifying, E. H. Wood was appointed 
in his place. The jail was built in 1846 and 1847, and was a log building 
about 24 feet square, built of hewn logs, with double walls, a space be- 
ing left between the walls and timbers placed in an upright position 
therein. It was two stories high, with an entrance from the ground to 
the second .storj', and a trap-door in the floor of the second story as an 
entrance to the first stoiy. The jail cost about $500, and was burned in 
1850. The county had no jail thereafter till 1859, when a second jail 
was erected on the northeast corner of the public square, Redmond 



240 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Whitton being the contractor, for the sum of $3,230. This building was 
about 20 feet square, the outside being brick and inside timber two 
inches thick, and covered with iron bars, crossing each other and spiked 
to the timber. It was two stories high, with same character of entrance 
as the first jail. It was not a safe jail for prisoners. In the fall of 1874, 
the county erected a third jail, at a cost of $11,500, the size of which is 
96 feet square, built of brick, two stories high, with a basement. 

The County Farm — The history of 1882 closed with Walter Glad- 
stone, superintendent of the recently acquired farm in Bogle Township, 
and its thousand dollar home for indigent poor. 

Mr. Gladstone remained in charge for some time. By good manage- 
ment he restored the run-down farm and produced most of the home sus- 
tenance. By careful economy, he was able to keep the average number of 
inmates in reasonable comfort. It was a great improvement on the sys- 
tem of contracting or allowancing, which so long prevailed to the humilia- 
tion of the county. 

Wm. Loyd, C. A. Kennedy and other following superintendents effi- 
ciently carried on the poor home until December, 1906, when it was burn- 
ed. The inmates were then installed in a large hotel at Siloam Springs. 
In December, 1908, this hotel was burned and again the unfortunate ones 
were homeless. However, public sentiment was now fully arroused, and 
the building of a suitable and permanent home had already been decreed, 
which this second fire only served to hasten. The Albany Canning Fac- 
tory was leased for a temporary home. 

The farm in Bogle Township had been disposed of and on July 7, 1908, 
a county farm was bought from Mary R. Monroe for $7500.00, in Section 
36, two miles south of Albany, a splendid location. 

At the general election Nov. 3, 1908, $20,000.00 bonds were voted for 
building a county home. Nov. 1, 1911, $15,000.00 ten-year bonds were 
sold. Dec. 13, 1911, the bid of Chas. Harrison for the building, except 
plumbing and heating, was accepted at $11,995.00. F. B. Thompson se- 
cured contract for plumbing and heating. Geo. R. Williams was super- 
intendent of construction. 

The members of the county court for 1911-'12 deserve great credit 
for their zeal in providing funds and pushing the work of construction, and 
for the intelligent care with which they looked after the county poor from 
the time they took office until the opening of the new home in the fall of 
1912. They were untiring, first, in having the money provided by direct 
issue of bonds in accordance with the vote of 1908, instead of taking it 
from the road and bridge funds, and second in their painstaking decisions 



II 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 241 

regarding plans, material and workmanship, by which Gentry County se- 
cured one of the best constructed, most conveniently arranged, perfectly 
equipped, and most comfortable homes for its indigent charges that can be 
found in the state of Missouri. 

Sept. 17, 1912, the county court made a tour of inspection. The work 
was then practically complete, ready for the adjustment of a few minor 
items, and a general cleanup for permanent occupancy. 

The following description is as apt in this good year of 1922, as it 
was in 1912.. 

The two-story section of the new home has been arranged for the 
living rooms of the superintendent and his family, and the one-story 
wings to the north and south are cut off into dormitories, sitting rooms 
and special sleeping rooms for the inmates, while the west section of the 
building has been especially erected for the kitchen and dining-rooms. 
In the west section are also bath rooms for both male and female inmates 
and in the main wings are separate toilet rooms for men and women. 

A large boiler and pressure tank in the basement forces hot and cold 
water to all parts of the building, and all the rooms and halls are heated by 
the modern steam-heating plant which has been installed in the basement. 
There is also a large laundry room in the basement, together with ample 
storage room, should it ever be needed, some excellent rooms for inmates 
could be arranged on the basement floor. The plumbing work and the 
steam-heating plant are the best that the court could buy, and has been in- 
stalled with the utmost care. Under the careful superintendency of Geo. 
R. Williams, the carpentering, brick work and other details of construc- 
tion have been so carefully handled that it is safe to say there is not a 
public building in north Missouri that can show more careful workman- 
ship that the new home. The large barn and chicken house have been 
built with a view to permanency, and none of the work about the place 
has been slighted. 

The new home should be ample for the care of Gentry County's pau- 
per charges for fifty years to come. It is located on one of the best tracts 
of ground in this section ; is only about a mile from the geographical center 
of the county ; is convenient to both the railroads and the county seat, and. 
standing on one of the highest spots in this part of the county, commands 
a view for miles in all directions. 

Mr. Walter Brown is now the efficient superintendent. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



TOWNSHIPS. 



ATHENS— BOGLE— COOPER— HOWARD— JACKSON— Hl'GGINS— MILLER— WILSON. 

Athens Township, is bounded as follows : Beginning at the northeast 
corner of section 1, township 63, range 30 ; thence west about seven miles 
to the east fork of Grand River ; thence following the meanderings of said 
river to the north line of section 23, township 63, range 31 ; thence west 
about two miles to the middle fork of Grand River ; thence down said river 
to the south line of section 13, township 62, range 31 ; thence east to the 
Harrison County line; thence north nine miles to the place of beginning. 
It contains 73.05 square miles. 

Some of the early settlers of Athens Tow'nship were the following: 
J. B. Kingsborough, Iri Orton, Alfred Orton, Robert Dubois and William 
Green, all from Richland County, Ohio. In 1836, two of these parties 
passed through this section, seeking a location, and had selected a mill-site 
near the town of Gentryville. Being pleased with this western country, 
they returned to Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1838, when 
they again left their homes in the East, in company with Dubois, Green 
and Kingsborough above mentioned. Orton and Kingsborough came thru 
on horseback to Peoria, Illinois, where they were rejoined by the others, 
who had traveled by water. Here they purchased an outfit, coming the 
balance of the way by land, in a two-horse wagon. The men were all 
young and single, except Dubois, who was married, but left his family in 
Ohio. They reached the neighborhood of Gentryville, on the evening of 
June 12, 1838, stopping with William Martin, one of the earliest pioneeis 
of the county. Here they sojourned during the summer, rented a few 
acres of ground from Martin and planted it in corn. They afterwards lo- 
cated in Athens Township, one and one half miles north of Albany, or 
where the town of Athens was located — Kingsborough opening a farm. 

Michael Maltsberger came from Tennessee, before the county was or- 
ganized, and located three miles southeast of Albany, where he continued 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 243 

to reside until his removal to Texas. Maltsberger was commissioned by 
the Governor one of the first county court justices, and was one of the 
three persons elected to that position at the election of 1846, the first elec- 
tion held in the county. It was at his suggestion that the county seat was 
called Athens, for the town of Athens, in McMinn County, Tennessee. 

George K. and Benjamin Gulp came from Kentucky in the spring of 
1835, and located on and near Jacob Miller's place, two miles west of Al- 
bany. They came to Clay County, Mo., where they remained about one 
year, and came from that county to Gentry, bringing all their worldly 
goods on a horse. 

Kelse and David Gulp came about the same time, settling also near 
Albany. 

Levi Baldock, another Kentuckian, settled one mile south of Albany. 
Daniel Saunders, from North Carolina, located two miles south of Albany, 
at Sandsville which was named after him. The county court of Gentry 
County met for the first time in his cabin, and organized in May, 1846. 
Daniel Saunders was the first postmaster in the county, being appointed 
to that position about the year 1838. James, Simon and Stephen Lever- 
ich, from Virginia, were among the early settlers, stopping in the neigh- 
borhood of Sandsville. 

Henry P. Miller was also from Virginia, and opened a farm adjoining 
the townsite of Albany. 

George Smith said when he and his brother came to Gentry County, 
the Indians were here in large numbers, for two or three years, and that 
wild game was in great abundance in every portion of the county. He 
killed a large deer on the spot where the courthouse now stands. 

John Q. Smith, from Kentucky, located about one mile northeast of the 
town. Andrew J. Bulla, from Virginia, settled two miles northeast, and 
Thomas Peery, also a Virginian, three miles northeast of Albany. 

Samuel McKillen, from Scotland, Gideon Wright, from Clay County, 
James B. Hunter, from New York and Ohio, Benjamin and Joseph Twedell 
from Illinois, and Charles Rund from Austria, all located in the township 
at an early day, and near the town of Athens, as it was then called. 

Allen Meek, from Clay County, and at one time a soldier in the United 
States Regular Army, was an early settler. Daniel Spainhower came from 
Casey County, Kentucky, in 1884, settling about five miles northeast of 
Albany, on what was known as the Hardin farm, where he remained 
until 1852, when he moved onto a farm ten miles north of Albany, where 
he continued to reside until 1874, when he came to Albany. 

Caleb S. Canaday emigrated from Casey County, Ky., in 1828 to Illi- 



244 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

nois to Morgan and Montgomery Counties, thence to Gentry County, Ath- 
ens Township, in 1844, locating six miles northeast of Albany, where he 
lived until 1872, when he became a resident of Albany. He was probate 
judge of the county in 1872. 

Elisha Cameron came among the earliest. He was a prominent and 
influential citizen of the county, and filled numerous positions of honor and 
trust, among which were the offices of commissioner of the seat of justice, 
county commissioner and sheriff. 

An"ong others, were Robert Carter, Walter Savage, William Childers, 
Peter Vesser, Jink Vesser, Jesse Martin, James Marrs, Jesse Gay, William 
G. Williams, who was the first representative from the County of Gentry 
in the legislature, and was probate judge of the county, Henry P. Mil-cr, 
Miles Orton, George Brown, John Brown, John W. Canaday, James L. Can- 
aday, George W. Birch, Samuel Trvin, Charles W. Claggett, Mason C!ag 
gett, Thomas E. Peery, William A. Peery, John i Hundley, Jacob New- 
man, James Thompson, Nathaniel Thompson, John Handy, Edward Mc- 
Cart, William McCart, George C. Needles, William Steel, Joseph Siddons, 
James B. Hunter, Eli P. Hardin, David O'Brien, Christopher Bartley, 
William Rice, David Prunty, Zachariah Spriggs, William Ward, Jr., 
Henry Ward, John Fox, Josiah Fox, William Fox, Charles F. Rund, Will- 
iam Brooks, John Riley, William Grants, Willis B. Sampson, Warren 
Leftwich, Hiram Warner and William Glendenning. 

Bogle Township. — Beginning at the northwest corner of section 
two ; thence east eight miles to the east fork of Grand River ; then follow- 
ing the meanderings of the river to the south line of section 35, township 
64, range 31 ; thence west to the southwest corner of section 35, township 
64, range 32 ; thence north six miles to the place of beginning, containing 
44 square miles. 

Early settlers in this township were John Ross and his son, John who 
came from Nova Scotia about the year 1841 or 1842 and settled west of 
the Middle Fork of Grand River. 

William Glendenning came from Ohio, about the year 1841, and set- 
tled west of the Middle Fork on the bank of the str2am. The Rosses ?nd 
William Glendenning were doubtless the first white men to locate per- 
manently in Bogle Township. 

Alexander Newman emigrated from Tennessee about the yea»* 1842, 
and located between the East and Middle Forks of Grand River. At the 
time of his death he was a citizen of St. Joseph, Mo. 

William Allen came to Gentry County prior to 1844, and located on 
the west side of the East Fork of Grand River, where he continued to live 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 245 

until 1850, when he went to Oregon. A man by the name of Harris lo- 
cated about the same time, and in the same neighborhood. He left the 
country several years afterwards. 

Thomas Martin came to the county about the year 1874, and settled 
what was called the Jack Ray farm, between the East and Middle Forks. 
Martin went to Oregon in 1863. 

Jesse Martin, brother of Thomas Martin, located in Bogle Township 
prior to 1884, and settled in the same locality where his brother Thomas 
had lived. Jesse went to California in 1849. 

James Dean came from Callaway County, Missouri, in an early day, 
first locating in Athens Township, where he remained until 1847, when 
he enlisted as a soldier for the Mexican War. He returned from the war 
in 1848, and settled between the East and Middle Forks of Grand River, 
in Bogle Township. 

Alexander Guynn emigrated from Ohio prior to the year 1844, and 
located in the same locality. 

Harris Green came from South Missouri in 1846 or 1847 and settled 
in the same neighborhood, where he died. 

L. L. L. Shockley, from Gasconade County, Missouri, came in 1842,, 
and settled on section 27, township 64, range 31. 

William and Thomas David, coming from Gasconade County, Mo., set- 
tled about three-quarters of a mile south of Mr. Shockley's farm. They 
finally moved to Iowa, near Red Oak Junction. James Murphey, and De- 
catur Murphey, his brother, came from Illinois about the year 1846 and 
settled west of the Middle Fork of Grand River. Frederick Summa lo- 
cated in the same neighborhood about 1846. Reuben Cox came from 
Gasconade County, Missouri, and settled in Bogle Township at an early 
day. He moved to the mountains in 1862 or 1863. A man by the name 
of Ingles and his son Coleman, also opened a farm between the Middle 
and East Forks of the Grand River. 

Then came John Lawrence from Ohio, in 1850, and improved a 
place west of the Middle Fork. William A. Snyder, from Indiana, came 
also in 1855, taking a claim in the same locality. Snyder is still living, 
but Lawrence is dead. John Patton was one of the settlers of this town- 
ship in 1850. 

James Long and Reuben Long took a claim in the northwestern part 
of Bogle Township. 

Uriah Wells, Jonothan Bogue and Grayble all located in the we.st part 
of the township. 

Wright Stevens built the first grist mill (horse power) on Bear 



246 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Creek in the northwestern part of the township. It was a primitive struc- 
ture, and rested upon four to eight forks, eight or ten feet above the 
ground. It had a pair of burrs made of lost rock, and turned out from 
three to five bushels per day. A son of Wright Stevens, who was about 
16 years of age, committed suicide prior to 1850 by hanging, committing 
the deed with green bark, which he used instead of rope. About 1858, 
on the same farm, a man by the name of Timmons was waylaid, shot and 
killed by Milligan and Kestler. At a still later period, and on an adjoin- 
ing farm, Enwhistle killed Fightner. 

Thomas Napier, familiarly known as "Father Napier," settled near the 
Worth County line, in the northwest part of the township. He came prior 
to 1850, and he is said to have been familiar with the Old and New Testa- 
ment scriptures that he could quote from memorj' almost any passage con- 
tained in either of them. 

Joshua Cox and Reuben Cox were among the early settlers, locating 
in the eastern part of the township. Benjamin Dawson became a resident 
of the township about 1850. He was from Kentucky. 

Luman Yates, son-in-law of Thomas Martin, settled near Martin, and 
later went to California. Beverly Mahoney came from Indiana prior to 
1850, and settled in Bogle Township. Dr. Jabez Hunt, from Ohio, located 
near Union Grove postoffice. He died in the winter of 1881, in Gentry- 
ville. Noah and Alexander Hise, from Ohio, settled in this township prior 
to 1850. 

J. J. Patton came from Indiana in 1856. Philip Hinote, who was also 
an Indianian, located in Bogle Township in 1850. Henry Ross emigrated 
from Ohio in the Spring of 1855. William Hough took up his line of march 
westward from North Carolina at a very early day. 

The Protestant Episcopal organization built a house of worship in 
1881. The constituent members were Wisley Lawrence and family, John 
J. Swank, Andrew Henderson and family, William Stebbins and family. 

The Missionary Baptist, United Brethren and the Christian denomi- 
nations, each hold services in the different school houses of the township. 

Probably the first school in Bogle Township, was taught by a man 
named Brison ; the school house was a log cabin, located in district number 
six, and was erected in 1855. The teacher was from Tennessee, and taught 
what was called a loud school, where each pupil studies his or her les- 
sons aloud. 

The pioneer grist mill of Bogle Township was a horse mill, built prior 
to 1850, by John Armstrong, and located on Linn Creek. The mill was 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 247 

standing in 1855, but since that time botii mill and owner have passed 
away. 

William Jackson and brother built the next grist and saw mill and sold 
the same to Martin Mervin, who moved the machinery onto the land owned 
by John J. Patton. 

Cooper Township. — Commencing at the northwest corner of the 
northeast quarter of section three, township 63, range 33 ; thence 
east to the West Fork of Grand River; then down said river to the south 
line of section 13, township 62, range 31; thence west to the Nodaway 
County line; thence north to place of beginning, containing 76 square 
miles. 

Early settlers in Cooper Township were: John Hussey, William R. 
James, James House, James H. Saunders, Dr. T. C. Hussey, Benjamin 
Floyd, John J. Stansbury, Green B. Cooper, William Hall, James House, 
Silas Houston, John N. Ross, Thomas W. W^ilson, John J. Gish, Charles 
B. Newhall, Ephriam Shisler, Isreal Shisler, Thomas Irons, John Cooper, 
L. E. Shadduck, Lewis Christian, James Rouse, John T. Daniel, James R. 
Farriss, John H. Kay, J. L. Edster, Fred Cogdill, James Stockton, Sidney 
Wilson, George Wilson, William Harkrider, Enoch Liggett, I. N. Malson, 
Robert Webber, Elijah Hathaway, Sylvanus Hathaway, Wilson J. 
Wheeler, L N. Morris, J. W. Boner, William McCurry, Anderson Red- 
ding, Joshua Cranor, Henry Cobb, Reuben Perkins, B. Steves, T. C. Hus- 
sey, H. H. Hussey. 

Howard Township. — Howard Township is bounded as follows: 
Beginning at the northeast corner of section one, township 64, range 30 ; 
thence west six miles to the East Fork of Grand River; thence down 
said river to the south line of section 36, township 64, range 31; thence 
east seven miles to the west line of Harrison County ; thence north six 
miles to the place of beginning, 39 square miles. 

Samuel and Asa Howard, after whom Howard Township takes its 
name, came about 1840 from Ohio, and located near the southwest cor- 
ner of the township, near the East Fork of Grand River. Samuel went 
to Iowa. 

William Bently, Sr., from W^est Virginia, but came from Illinois 
here, in 1838, and settled in the southwest corner of the township. He 
was sheriff of the county whence he came to Illinois, and ran for that 
office here, but was defeated. He served as one of the justices of the 
peace of Howard Township in an early day. He was a soldier in the 
Mexican War, and was in some of the most sanguinary battles of that 
struggle, being present at the Battle of Monterey and at the capture of 



248 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the City of Mexico. He returned to Gentry County after the Mexican 
War, and in 1850 went to California, where he died. 

David Rhudy emigrated from Tazewell County, Virginia, about the 
year 1842, and located on Muddy Creek, in the northwest part of the 
township. He moved away and has been dead for many years. 

John Finley came from Tennessee in 1838, settling in Daviess 
County, Missouri. He was in the Mormon War of that year, and located 
in Gentry County, on Muddy Creek, in 1841 or 1842. Inseparably asso- 
ciated with the name of John Finley is that of Sicamac, the name of a 
horse prized very highly by him. 

William Smith settled in Daviess County, Missouri, prior to 1838, 
and was in the Mormon difficulties at Far West. He located in Howard 
Township in 1844, and afterwards moved to Worth County, where he 
died. He was a native of Tennessee. 

James and Nathaniel Blakely came from Tennessee to Daviess 
County, Missouri, in 1844. These men were exceedingly fond of frontier 
life, spending the greater portion of their time in hunting game, wild 
honey, and in fishing. Jesse Blakely, another brother, who came in 
1845, was killed in New Mexico. 

Old man Blakely and his wife were also early settlers of Gentry 
County. They were taken sick on the same day, and died about the 
same time, and were buried in the same coffin. 

Charles Roe came in 1840, remained two or three years, and went 
to Iowa. 

Edward Nance arrived in 1842, and was about the first blacksmith 
to ply his trade in Howard Township. 

John Handy, a native of Kentucky, but from Illinois to Gentry 
County, pitched his tent near Muddy Creek, on the 16th section. He 
afterwards moved to Athens Township, and upon the organization of 
the county, moved to the town of Athens, now Albany, and kept the 
first tavern that was ever opened to the public in the town. 

John Plaster came from Indiana at an early day, lived in Miller and 
Athens, and moved to Howard Township about 1850. He filled various 
offices in the county, among which was that of surveyor, assessor and 
justice of the peace. 

Madison Marrs, formerly from Virginia, but came from Illinois to 
this county, in 1840, and located on Panther Creek. This creek takes 
its name from the fact of a panther being killed upon its banks by some 
hunters who were passing through the country several years before the 
permanent settlement of Gentry County. 

Elijah Vincent, John and Samuel Carter, together with big and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 249 

little John and Richard Glendenning, came to the township in the fall of 
1841, and settled on the south bank of Panther Creek, three-quarters of 
a mile north of the line of Athens Township. From these two families 
and their relations sprang the M. E. Church of Gentry County. They 
were great friends of Methodism, being prominent and active members 
of that church, their homes being headquarters for the entertainment of 
the ministers of that church. 

The first camp meeting that was held in Gentry County was on the 
farm of the Carters, above named, which took place about the year 1842 
or 1843. It began on Thursday and continued over Sunday. There were 
about 200 persons in attendance, coming from Daviess, DeKalb, Noda- 
way, Gentry and other counties, and they came generally in ox wagons 
and were well supplied with provisions, which they cooked and ate upon 
the ground. Among the ministers officiating upon that occasion were 
Isaac Burns and Noah Richardson, both of whom were devoted and earn- 
est servants of God. It was an occasion characterized by a manifesta- 
tion of genuine Christian piety. 

Sampson Caster settled near the Rosses in an early day, where he 
continued to reside until his death, which occurred in the winter of 
1881. He was from Pennsylvania. Iri Hewlett came from Ohio about 
1846. 

Lace Carter, was also among the early pioneers to Howard Town- 
ship. He was said to have excelled as a bee hunter; he was also fond of 
hunting and trapping wild game. After remaining here a few years, he 
left for Iowa, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred 
many years ago ; being inseparably connected with his two most faithful 
companions — his gun and his dog. 

John C. Williams, Thomas Williams, Evan D. Williams, William H. 
Williams and James Williams were also among the early settlers of 
the township. 

George W. Needels came from Ohio prior to 1845, and located in 
this township. He was one of the county judges of Gentry County in 
1864 and '66. He was a farmer and also the proprietor of the American 
Freeman, an anti-monoply, anti-secret-society weekly newspaper. 

David Gulp and Thomas Cook, William Stevenson and George 
Smith were also early settlers. 

Hugh Ross was, perhaps, the pioneer school teacher of the town- 
ship. Peter Wilson emigrated from Old Virginia, near Richmond, and 
located south of Muddy Creek, in the north part of the township, on the 
Rhudy farm. He was an active member of the M. E. Church, South. 



250 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Giles and Henrj' Parman emigrated from Tennessee and settled in 
Howard Township quite early. Henry Parman went to California 
shortly after the gold excitement of 1850, where he died. 

John Hunger, who was also from Tennessee, came in 1842, and was 
the first blacksmith in Howard Township. A man by the name of Hixon 
and his brother-in-law, Saylee, came to the township prior to 1850 
Hixon afterwards killed Saylee, which was one of the earliest murders 
in Gentry County. Charles McNeece came from Clay County, Missouri, 
formerly from Tennessee, settled east of a town known as Elenora. 

Solomon Yates, Abram Yates, Henry Sourds, Aaron Allen and Sam- 
uel Colvin, were also early settlers of the township. 

About 1841, a family named Robinson, consisting of two or three 
brothers and as many sisters, came from Clay County, Missouria, and 
located near Muddy Creek, or in the forks of Muddy Creek. Potter Har- 
rington, from Clay County, who resided near the Robinsons, went to 
visit them one afternoon, remaining till dark before attempting to return 
home. In the meantime a heavy shower of rain had fallen, and the 
creek had risen rapidly. Harrington mounted his horse, being some- 
what intoxicated, it is said, and started for home. He rode into the 
creek ; his horse came out upon the opposite shore, riderless. Harring- 
ton was drowned ; his body, however, was never afterwards indentified. 
Some boys who were fishing in the creek the following spring discovered 
the bones of a human skeleton ; this skeleton was supposed to be the 
remains of Potter Harrington. The bones were collected and carefully 
interred on the banks of the stream, near the place where they were 
found. Harrington drowning at night, or being last seen at night, 
when he left Robinson's cabin — the Robinsons being a rough, drinking 
indecent, and immoral people, were arrested, charged with the murder 
of Harrington, and taken before 'Squire Tip Brown, of Gentryville, but 
for want of sufficient testimony, authorizing the justice to hold them for 
trial till the succeeding term of the circuit court, they were discharged. 

As early, perhaps, as 1855, a brick church edifice was erected by 
George W. Needels and others near the former's residence and called 
Needel's Church. The denomination known as the Methodist Episcopal 
worshipped there for many years. Among the early members of this 
church were George W. Needels, Sr., and wife, George W. Needels, Jr., 
and wife, Thomas Needels and wife and Barrett Needels, who was a 
pi-eacher. The old brick church was taken down, and near it was 
erected a frame building. 

The Cumberland Presbyterians built a house of worship on John 
Wayman's land. It was built prior to 1860. Wayman and family. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 251 

Archibald Ross, James Castor and wife, Mayhew Harris and wife, Rob- 
ert Reddy and wife, and Wiley and wife were among the organiz- 
ing members. Rev. John Wayman was the first pastor. The building is 
still standing. The Christian M. E. Church and M. E. Church, South, not 
having any houses of worship of their own, hold services either in other 
houses or in the different township school houses. 

Jackson Township. — The boundaries of Jackson Township are: 
Beginning at the northeast corner of section 24, township 62, range 
32, thence west eight and a half miles; thence south nine miles; thence 
east eight and a half miles ; thence north nine miles to place of beginning. 
There are 76.5 square miles in the township. 

Among the early settlers of Jackson Township were J.J. Taylor 
and his brother, G. P. Taylor, from Scott County, Illinois; the latter came 
in 1855 and the former in 1856, and located about three miles northeast 
of King City. Ithra Todd settled four miles east of town, prior to 1856. 

William Ring, Allison, Elijah Hull and Manlove Cranor were all 

residents of the township at an early day. 

Porter Hardin, Rufus Brown, Love Millen, John G. Millen, Oscar 
Griswold, Samuel Millen, Harvey White and Thomas Payne were all in 
the township prior to 1860, and located near the present site of King 
City. 

William Currel, from the southern part of Missouri, came also prior 
to 1855, but left soon after. Levi Wood located west of the town, was 
from Boone County, Missouri, but afterwards removed to Worth County. 

R. M. Brown came with his father. E. K. Wood, settled about four 
miles northwest. Andrew Tomlinson came at a later date from Indiana. 

David Cranor, William and Moses Cranor were among the early 
settlers. 

Tiney Helton, from Kentucky, settled in the northwest corner of 
the township in 1840. He was a man of decided characteristics, and was 
exceedingly fond of frontier life. He spent much of his time in the 
woods and on the banks of the neighboring streams in search of bees, 
honey and wild game. His cabin stood near Wild Cat Branch, where 
he lived a number of years, finally going to Arkansas and locating 
among the Ozark Mountains. It is said by those who know him, that 
wild cats and coons were among his favorite meats. His cabin was 
without a floor, other than the ground. His pigs and lambs were raised 
in the cabin, where they shared with his family about the same fare. 

Harrison Ballard, Israel Cook, Edwin Winchester, Daniel Raridan, 
Thomas Stegall, Adam Combs, Lewis Russell, Coleman Fugate and Will- 
iam Cogdill, all came before 1845. 



252 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Huggins Township. — Huggins Township is bounded as follows: 
Beginning at the West Fork of Grand River, where the same crosses 
the south line of section 32, township 64, range 32 ; thence down said 
river to the southwest corner of section 36, township 63, range 32; 
thence following the meanderings of said river to where the same inter- 
sects the Middle Fork of Grand River; thence up the Middle Fork to 
the north line of section 21, township 63, range 31; thence east to the 
East Fork of Grand River; thence up said river to the south line of sec- 
tion 35, township 64, range 31; thence west to the place of beginning. 
Containing 37 square miles. 

The pioneers who first settled Huggins Township, or that territory 
now known as Huggins Township (it being once a part of Athens Town- 
ship) located near, or in the timber on the banks of the streams. Grand 
River, eighty five years ago contained a much larger volume of water than 
it does now. Its native timber belts were larger, darker, and more 
dense, abounding in a variety of game, and its waters teemed with fish, 
all of which constituted incentives that were not easily resisted by the 
old settler. 

One of the first to locate in this township was Samuel Collins, who 
came from Indiana about the year 1842, and settled on the southwest 
side of the township, near the West Fork of Grand River. He was one 
of the three county judges, the first that the county had in 1845, his 
associates being Michael Moltsberger and William Steele. They were 
commissioned as judges by the governor of the state. Prior to the Kan- 
sas and Nebraska troubles, Judge Collins moved to Buchanan County 
and built a brick residence within a few miles of St. Joseph. He finally 
about the time of the breaking out of the civil war moved to Kansas. 
He is said to have been a rough, overbearing man, and constantly at war 
with his neighbors. He was killed in a difficulty in Kansas. 

Frank Alexander came from Ohio prior to 1884, and settled near 
the West Fork of Grand River. He built the first stream saw and grist 
mill erected in Huggins Township. 

Peter Vesser came from Tennessee in a very early day, as did John 
and George Brown, and settled in the Forks of Grand River; they were 
Indian traders, and possessed but little refinement, either in dress or 
manners. John Brown died here and George moved to Texas. 

Lemuel Lyle came from Kentucky prior to 1844, and located 
between the East and Middle Forks of Grand River. 

Strother Ball came from Clay County, Missouri, to Gentry County, 
and located near the Middle Fork of Grand River, in 1844. He was a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 253 

native of Kentucky ; went to Texas vi^here he died. He was a minister 
of the Hard Shell Baptist denomination. 

Wright Stephens from Kentucky, settled near the forks of Grand 
River. He erected a saw mill in Worth County, in which he lost one of 
his arms. He went to Texas before the war. 

Hiram Warner, from Kentucky, came in 1845, and located in the 
forks of Grand River. Mr. Warner was a minister of the Christian 
church and lived and died an exemplary Christian life. 

William J. Canaday, Sr., originally from Kentucky, but came from 
Illinois to Gentry County, in 1845 and located between the forks of the 
river. 

Lewis David, from South Missouri, came in 1845, and settled on 
Caleb S. Canaday's farm, where he died. 

Thomas and Calvin David, who were also from South Missouri, set- 
tled on the Middle Fork of Grand River. 

George O. Carlock came in 1842, from Tennessee, and settled west 
of the Middle Fork of Grand River. He died in 1881, at the age of 83 
years. His son, Henry Carlock, who settled with his father, at the same 
date, was a soldier in the Union army and died at Jefferson City, in 1862. 

In 1842, Uriah Wells came from Indiana and settled west of the 
Middle Fork of Grand River. He afterwards went to Iowa, where he 
died. 

Jonathan Bogue was also an early settler, from Indiana, settled 
west of the East Fork of Grand River. 

William Cox, from South Missouri, came in 1845, and settled west 
of the Middle Fork of Grand River. He went to Oregon before the Civil 
War. 

Meredith Shockley was also from South Missouri, and settled west 
of the Middle Fork, where he died. He was a Methodist preacher. 

John Huggins, after whom the township received its name, came 
from Ohio, about the year 1845, and settled west of the Middle Fork, at 
Hugginsville, which also took its name from John Huggins, where was 
afterwards established a post office. In 1868 and '70 he was one of the 
county judges of Gentry County. John Armstrong, son-in-law of Hug- 
gins, located about the same time near Hugginsville. 

William and Elisha Poole came from Ohio, at an early day. 

Elisha and Isaac Enochs, from Ohio, located also near Hugginsville. 

Frederick Watson, a native of Scotland, but from Ohio to Gentry 
County, was one of the earliest settlers, locating west of the Middle 
Fork of Grand River. 



254 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

James Hall, from one of the Eastern States, settled near Grand 
River, where he died. 

James McGuire came from Kentucky in 1842 or 1843, with his 
father, both settling on the West Fork of Grand River. His father went 
to Oregon. 

In 1845 William Rhoades came from Clay County, Missouri, and set- 
tled on the Middle Fork of Grand River, in the bottom. 

Andy Mackey located between the Middle and East Forks. 

Valentine Waltrip settled here at an early day. 

Among the earliest settlers was Solomon Graybill, from South Mis- 
souri. 

Morris B. Huggins, John Armstrong, Francis H. Alexander, Corne- 
lius Enochs, David Buckridge, James F. Hall, Samuel Gunter and Wilson 
T. Canaday, were all among the earliest settlers of Huggins Township. 

A church was built in Huggins Township as early at 1848. It was 
a brick edifice, and the land was donated by William J. Canaday, as was 
also the cemetery, which is one of the oldest in the county, and is the last 
resting place of many of the old pioneers and their wives. The first min- 
ister to officiate within its walls was Hiram Warner, who continued to 
fill its pulpit for nineteen consecutive years. As above stated, he was 
from Kentucky, and an Elder in the Christian Church. Among the 
persons organizing this church were William J. Canaday and wife, 
George Brown and wife, Uriah Wells and wife, Henry Carlock and wife, 

George O. Carlock and wife, Edwin Miller and wife, and Constance 

and wife. Jasper H. Coffey succeeded Warner. Rev. Ripley and wife, 
each of whom proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation, also labored 
irregularly for some years in this church. Barton W. Wadkins is the 
minister in charge at the present time. The brick church (Christian) 
was wrecked by storm in 1883. A frame building soon took its place 
and the work of this church has been continued. 

The Capel, located at Hugginsville, was erected about 1854, by the 
M. E. Church society. Meredith Shockley and Herald Johnson were 
among its earliest ministers. John Huggins and wife, William Poole 
and wife, Robert Morris and wife, John Ross, Sr., Mrs. John Armstrong, 
and others, assisted at its organization. 

Miller Township. — Miller Township is bounded as follows:! Begin- 
ning at the northeast corner of section 24, township 62, range 30 ; thence 
west 12 miles; thence south nine miles; thence east 12 miles; thence 
north nine miles to place of beginning, containing 108 square miles. 

Miller Township was the first settled in the county, that is to say, 
the first emigrants coming to the county located in Miller Township, and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 255 

near what are now known as Greenwell Ford and Gentryville. It is the 
southeast township of the county, the line of Daviess County forming its 
eastern boundary. Daviess County was organized in 1836. Settlements, 
however, had been made in that county several years prior to that date. 
Because of its contiguity to Daviess County, which had been settled from 
twelve to fifteen years. Miller Township received the first emigration 
coming westward. The Grand River, with its affluents, affording ample 
water-power for mill sites, and the abundant supply of timber which 
fringed these streams, as well as the fertility of the soil, constituted at- 
tractions such as were sought after by the pioneers, coming from the well 
watered and well timbered districts of the Eastern and Southern States. 
In 1832 Isaac Miller and his brother, Tobias, came from Garrett 
County, Kentucky, to Clay County, where they remained for two years. 
During the fall of that year and the succeeding fall, 1832-33, he came 
to Gentry County in company with a number of young men In search of 
game and wild honey. His immediate companions in the fall of 1833 
were his brother, Moses Miller, David Henderson, Lewis Arnold and 
William Arnold, all from Kentucky. There were three wagons in the 
company, containing from three to five men each, besides the wagon 
under the control of Mr. Miller and his party. They crossed Grand River 
near what was afterwards known as Patton's Ford, and after remaining 
in the vicinity of what is now Gentryville and Greenwell Ford for sev- 
eral weeks, they returned to Clay County, taking with them an abun- 
dance of honey. Having, during his sojourn in Clay County, made the 
acquaintance of William Martin and John Roberts, both of whom were 
from Tennessee, they concluded to come together to Gentry County, and 
accordingly in the winter of 1834, in February, they arrived at Green- 
well Ford. They built a cabin on the north side of the river, about forty 
steps from the bank, north of the ford. At that time the locality had not 
been named, nor had a ford or crossing place been established. When 
Mr. Miller and his companions reached the end of their journey they 
found a large band of Fox and Sac Indians, who had been camping there 
that winter. They soon erected their cabin and prepared to raise a small 
crop of corn in the spring of 1834, putting in fifteen acres. At that time 
there were no mills or trading posts nearer than Clay County, where they 
were compelled to go for their supplies, at long intervals, a distance of 
about seventy miles. After spending the winter and summer in their 
cabin, Martin, Roberts and Tobias Miller, each took a claim. Martin 
located three-fourths of a mile east of the ford, on what was not inaptly 
called then "Poverty Point," from the fact that the location was poor, 
sandy and barren. Here Martin died many years ago. 



256 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

John Roberts, of whom we have spoken in the history of Albany, 
lived a short time near Greenwell Ford, and then moved on to the town 
site of Albany, from which place he went to Illinois. 

Tobias Miller, settled southeast of the ford, on the east side of the 
river. After two or three years he removed to Daviess County, Mo., and 
died there, about the year 1857. Isaac Miller then became and continued 
the solitai-y occupant of the old cabin near the ford, until he located on 
the northwest quarter of section 23, township 62, range 31, two miles 
south of Greenwell Ford, where he lived until 1881, when he sold to his 
son. While living at Greenwell Ford, Mr. Miller observed a large bald- 
headed eagle, which had built her nest in a dead sycamore tree near his 
cabin. The top of the tree had been broken off by the wind, leaving 
about 70 feet of the trunk standing. Upon this stump the proud bird had 
built her nest, where for two or three succeeding summers she raised 
her brood. 

This region of country was the hunter's paradise, and it was annu- 
ally visited for several years after its settlement by the whites, by the 
Indians of the Platte Purchase, who always returned to their homes with 
a winters' supply of elk and deer. 

In the fall of 1835, Mr. Miller, while standing upon the brow of an 
upland prairie, saw on the plains below 127 deer in a single herd. Such 
were visions which not unfrequently delighted the eyes and gladdened 
the hearts of the brave pionrees who pitched their tents upon the banks 
of the Grand River. 

In 1835, the year following the first settlements made in the county, 
emigration began to come quite rapidly. During that year, among those 
who settled in Miller Township were John Gulp, from Tennessee; Mil- 
ton Foster, from Kentucky; a German by the name of Taughlemyer, who 
afterwards removed to Platte County; Benjamin Culp, from Tennessee; 
Elisha Cameron, from Tennessee, and a number of others, principally 
from Kentucky and Tennessee, all locating within a few miles of Gentry- 
ville. 

Nancy J. Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller, was the first white child 
born in the county, the date of her birth being October, 1839. When 
grown to womanhood she married W. P. Garten. 

Among the earliest settlers of this township was Judge Jacob Jones, 
who came from Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1839, arriving here on the 
1st day of February, of that year. He came by land, through the newly 
settled states of Indiana and Illinois, crossing the Mississippi River at 
Quincy. He purchased from John McCuUy, his claim, located five miles 
east of Gentryville and one mile from the Daviess County line, subject 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 257 

to a survey. McCully was a Kentuckian and had lived on his claim about 
two years, and then moved to Daviess County, Mo. Judge Jones contin- 
ued to reside upon this farm, where he made substantial improvements, 
until 1865, when he located at Albany, the county seat. He was one of 
the prominent citizens of the county and was one of the county judges 
in 1862 and in 1866. 

Jesse Green, from Kentucky, located near the center of the town- 
ship, prior to 1839. Shortly after the discovery of gold in California, he, 
in company with a number of others from Gentry County, went to that 
state, where he afterwards died. 

Clayton T. Robinson, also a Kentuckian, located in the northwest 
part of the township prior to 1839. Charles Gay, from Ohio, came to the 
county prior to 1839 and settled at or near Gentryville, and was one of 
the men who built at Gentryville in 1840 the first water mill that was 
ever erected in the county, the place being called at that time Gay's 
Mill. This primitive structure was built of logs, about 24 feet square, and 
was operated with one pair of stones and had an upright saw. These 
stones were made in the county by Joshua Potter out of what is called 
"Nigger Head," or lost rock. This mill was washed away by the freshet 
of 1844, and was rebuilt in 1844 and 1845, constructed in the second in- 
stance of logs, but had two runs of stones. It was washed away in 1851, 
and again rebuilt. 

John T. Hunter, a son-in-law of Charles Gay above named, came 
with Gay from Ohio, settling also at or near Gentryville, and became the 
partner of Gay in the erection of the water mill above mentioned. In 
1851 the mill was sold to J. C. and T. J. Patton and rebuilt in 1853-4. 
John Graham & Brother bought it in 1863, and was washed away again 
in 1865. Mr. Hunter afterwards became a citizen of eastern Oregon. 
Aristippus Brown, from Kentucky, located near Gentryville, prior to 
1839, and finally went to California. 

Taylor McCully, from Kentucky, settled about four miles east of 
Gentryville, about the year 1836. He erected the first horse mill worked 
by lever power in the county, as early as 1837 or '38, at or near the 
place of his residence. It was afterwards operated by Levi Baldock. 
The facilities for obtaining breadstuffs then were very meagre and in- 
complete. An entire day was doubtless consumed by mills similar to this 
in grinding form two to five bushels of corn, and it is said that Levi Bal- 
dock, the last proprietor of this mill, possessed an old hound that some- 
times lapped up the meal as rapidly as the mill ground it, and in the in- 
tervals looked up towards the hopper and barked for more. The origi- 
nal settlers of the county generally grated their meal at home, which 



258 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

made very excellent bread, especially when eaten hot, with native honey, 
of which at that time, the forests along the streams abounded. 

George and Wm. Weese located west of Gentryville prior to 1839. 
Charles Roberson, from Kentucky, settled north of Gentryville in 1839. 

John Patton, of Kentucky, settled in the northeast corner of the 
township prior to 1839. Being smitten with the gold fever, which pre- 
vailed so universally in this country in 1849, he went to California. Upon 
his homeward voyage from California, where he had remained a short 
time, he died on board of a ship, in the Gulf of Mexico. Byron Linville 
and James M. Howell, from Tennessee, were also early settlers in this 
township. William McNatt and Paschal O. Roberson, from Kentucky, 
the former locating east of Gentryville two miles and the latter north of 
Gentryville, were also among the prioneers. Charles Pryor and William 
Newby settled south of Gentryville. John D. Burton, from Kentucky, lo- 
cated on the Taylor McCully farm, at an early day. Caleb Sampson set- 
tled one mile southeast of Judge Jones, prior to 1836. 

James C. Patton was born in Augusta County, Va., July 24, 1787. 
In 1809 he emigrated from Virginia to Knox County, Tennessee, where 
he continued to reside till March, 1819. He then moved to Monroe 
County, Tennessee, where he lived till the spring of 1841, when he came 
to Daviess County, Missouri, where he lived till Sept, 14, 1841, when he 
came to Gentry County, Missouri, settling in Miller Township, not far 
from Gentryville. He died in 1862, at Albany. 

In 1840, E. W. Dunegan, a native of Kentucky, but from Montgom- 
ery County, Indiana, to Missouri, located in Miller Township. In June, 
1841, Mr. Dunegan commenced a three months' school two miles above 
Gentryville, on the east side of Grand River. A few days before his 
school opened, the neighbors of the vicinity, living in a radius of per- 
haps ten miles, met and erected the school house, which was a log build- 
ing, 16 feet square, a portion of one of the logs being taken out for a 
window. There were enrolled 22 pupils in this the pioneer school of Gen- 
try County, the names of 20 of whom are here given: A. J. Ward, A. 
Ward, Joseph Ward, Daniel Gay, J. S. Ward. James W. Crawford, G. 
W. Crawford, William Osborn, William Ward, Miriam Foster, Susan 
Foster, Margaret Foster, Nancy Ready, Ellen Readv, Louisa Smith, Ju- 
dith Smith, Barbara Smith, Loretta Warren, Sarah Osborn, Sarah A. 
Ward. 

Wilson Township. — Wilson Township is bounded as follows: Be- 
ginning at the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of section 3. town- 
ship 64, range 33 ; thence east six and a half miles ; thence south six miles ; 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 259 

thence west six and a half miles; thence north to the place of beginning; 
39 square miles, 25,000 acres. 

One of the first pioneers to pitch his tent within the limits of what 
is now known as Wilson Township, was Abraham Enyart. He came from 
Clinton County, Mo., where he had gone from Kentucky, before Clinton 
County was organized, about the year 1831. He was an elder in the 
Christian Church, and a physician. As early as 1837 or 1838, he made 
visits to Gentry County, where at regular intervals he conducted religi- 
ous services. Finally, in 1840, he settled in the northern part of Wilson 
Township, about four miles north of Alanthus. He was instrumental in 
securing the first post office in the township, and named it Alanthus. 

In 1842 or 1843, John Bryson from Tennessee, located in the north- 
east corner of the township. He has filled the position of justice of the 
peace for a number of years. 

Samuel and Captain Bryson were also among the early settlers to 
this portion of the county. 

Thomas Stanley was also one of the pionefers, settling in the north- 
east part of the township. He left the county many years ago. 

Squire Chapman located near Alanthus. 

Lemuel Wadkins, who was also an elder of the Christian Church, 
was among the early settlers. 

Two or three families of Wrights, Levi and Riley Osborn, George 
Smith and one of the Granthams, all came at an early day, as did Lean- 
der and Jesse Coffey from Indiana. Jesse Coffey was a physician, resid- 
ing at Alanthus. 

William Richardson settled south of Alanthus. 

Enoch Liggett, was also an early settler. In 1856, in 1862 and 1864, 
he was one of the judges of the county court. 



CHAPTER IX. 



CITIES AND TOWNS. 



ALBANY— AT FIRST CALLED ATHENS— LOCATION— FIRST HOl'SE— FIRST Bl^SINESS 
AND PROFESSIONAL MEN— TOWN INCORPORATED— FIRST SCHOOLS AND OTHER 
INSTITUTIONS— NEWSPAPERS— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— PRESBYTERIAN— METHO- 
DIST EPISCOPAI^-BAPTIST— LIBRARY. 

Albany — Albany, the county seat of Gentry County, was laid out 
in May, 1845, by Elisha Cameron, the commissioner of the county seat. 
It was first known as the town of Athens. The following is his report of 
the sswne: 

"Now comes Elisha Cameron, commissioner of the seat of justice of 
Gentry County, and State of Missouri, and submits a report to this court, 
which is ordered to be recorded as follows, to wit: By order of the 
county court, met on the 8th day of May, A. D. 1845, at the town of 
Athens, the seat of justice of the county of Gentry, and proceeded to lay 
off a portion of the tract of land known as the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion number twenty-four (24), in township number sixty-three (63) of 
range number thirty-one (31), west of the fifth principal meridian, into 
a square, lots, avenues, streets, lanes and alleys. Commencing in the 
northeast corner of the above mentioned tract of land, at the half mile 
stake, on the range line dividing ranges 30 and 31 ; thence running south 
173 feet; thence west 12 feet, which constitutes the northeast corner of 
block number one (1), and lot number one (1) ; thence running west 
198 feet to the beginning, constituting one block, containing lots num- 
ber (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), five (5) and six (6), each lot 66 
feet in front and 93 feet back, making an alley of 12 feet, running east 
and west through said block ; thence commencing at the southeast cor- 
ner of block number one : thence running south 66 feet and cornering, 
composing Clay Street, running east and west; thence proceeded to lay 
off 15 blocks, each block containing six lots and a 12-foot alley. Blocks, 
lots, alleys and square, each of the size of the above mentioned block, 
lots, streets, alleys and square, making 90 lots, six streets, three of which 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 261 

running east and west and three north and south, each 60 feet wide." 

As will be seen, the town of Athens was laid out during the month 
of May, 1845, by Elisha Cameron, commissioner of the county seat, and 
the first sale of town lots was made on the 16th of June thereafter. 

The town is handsomely located, about five miles northeast of the 
geographical center of the county, in the midst of a beautiful and fertile 
country. The original town site is a broad elevation, gently sloping to- 
wards the south and southwest, and commands a fine view of the coun- 
try, stretching out in the latter direction. The northern part of the town 
is upon ground still more elevated, from which the obsen-er may see in 
the distance the green fields and attractive homes of the farmer, and 
still beyond, the dark timber belts which skirt the higher grounds to- 
wards the east, and fringe the affluents of Grand River to the south and 
westward. 

Albany has a population of 2016 according to the census of 1920. 

The original proprietor of the quarter section of land, upon which 
Athens was located, was John Roberts, a native of one of the Southern 
States. When he located here, is not definitely known. Judge Kingsbo- 
rough came in 1838, and says that the cabin which Roberts had built on 
the town site, looked as if it had been standing several years. This cabin 
was located southeast of the jail, where the Central Hotel now stands, 
and was constructed of white oak logs. Roberts sold his interest in the 
land to William Dailey, from Ohio, about the year 1842. Dailey died in 
Montgomery County, Illinois, in 1852, where he had moved in 1846, hav- 
ing exchanged 200 acres of land, north of Athens, for land in Illinois, 
with Robert C. Canaday. Dailey quit-claimed his interest in the land, 
where the town was located, in August, 1845, and Elisha Cameron pur- 
chased the same at the land office, at Plattsburg, Mo., for the sum of 
$200 in the name of the county. 

The first house erected in the town, after the location of the county 
seat, was that of Elijah P. Howell. It was a log house, with shed at- 
tached, and stood near the Central Hotel. Howell built this for a busi- 
ness house, and sold goods and general merchandise, being the first mer- 
chant who sold goods in Athens. Howell came from Clinton County to 
this place. He was one of the pioneer merchants of Plattsburg, having 
sold goods there as early as 1833 and 1834, or soon after the location of 
the town. He was the first county and circuit court clerk, and went to 
California in 1849, where he died. He was a great hunter, and killed 30 
deer near the town, in the winter of 1848. 

John Handy, came from Montgomery County, Illinois, locating first 
in Howard Township, and built the ne.xt house in the new town of 



262 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Athens, which he used as a hotel, or as it was called in those days — 
tavern. Joseph Cole, from Virginia, was the first saddler. 

John Patton had the honor of keeping the first saloon in Athens, 
and built a log house, wherein to vend whisky, hickory nuts and soft 
soap. 

John B. Hundley built the next house. He afterwards built a brick 
store on the same lot. Mr. Hundley came from Green County, Tennes- 
see, in 1845, and located near Evona. 

The first blacksmith in the town was John W. Shockley, from Gas- 
conade County, Missouri. John T. and Lewis Rowe were also among the 
earliest blacksmiths. William Armstrong and William Cook, from Ill- 
inois, also put up a blacksmith and repair shop on the west side of the 
public square. 

The next hotel was erected by John Thompson. 

The first shoemaker was James Shelby, George B. Clover, from In- 
diana, coming next in 1853. Joseph Kingsborough, from Ohio, was the 
pioneer shoemaker of Athens Township and probably the first shoe- 
maker in Gentry County, as he came as early as 1838. Kingsborough 
made the boots worn by Dr. Williams to the legislature in 1846. 

Walter Savage was among the first carpenters. He came from Clay 
County in 1846, and built a house south of the Gentry County Bank. 

Robert C. Canaday, erected the first frame house in 1846, in the 
north part of town. The sills, studding, rafters and sleepers were hewed. 
The boards (four feet boards) were cut and split from a white oak tree, 
and shaved, and with these a house, 20x24 feet was made, containing 
two rooms below and one above. It was considered the most magnificent 
structure of that day in all this region of countrj\ It was taken down in 
1880. 

The first brick building was erected by C. B. Hartwell, who came 
from Montgomery County, Illinois, in 1847. It stood about half a block 
north of the Evans House. Hartwell was a builder and contractor, and 
built this for a business house, two stories high. The upper story was oc- 
cupied by the Masonic order, the first organized in the town. The first 
floor was a store room. Here a man named Lehman sold goods, as did 
Isadore and Francis B. Robidoux, one of whom was a brother and the 
other a nephew of Joseph Robidoux, the founder of St. Joseph, Mo. 
Hartwell went to Lincoln, Neb. 

P. K. Price was the first saddler in the town, and built a brick house 
(which was probably the second brick) south of the public square. Price 
went to Texas. 

John B. Hundley and Alexander Patton built and operated the first 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 263 

steam mill (grist and saw) in the town. This mill had two pairs of burrs. 
The mill was afterwards moved to Island Branch. 

Dr. J. W. Stapleton came from Daviess County, Missouri, formerly 
from Virginia, in 1847, and opened a tan yard, about four blocks west of 
the public square. He sold his tannery to Samuel Fry, from Ohio, and 
Fry sold to Joseph Davidson, from Virginia. 

The first physician to practice his profession in the town was Dr. 
William G. Williams. The doctor was the second physician in the county 
— Dr. Hood, of Miller Township, being the first. Dr. Williams came to 
Gentry County in January, 1845, and settled a half-mile north of Al- 
bany. He was a native of Taswell County, Virginia, whence he moved 
in October, 1843, sojourning a short time in Harrison and Grundy Coun- 
ties, Missouri, and arriving here, as stated, in 1845. At the time of his 
locating there was much malaria, the field of his practice reaching to 
Gentryville on the south and to the Iowa line on the north. Shortly 
after his arrival he was absent from his home two days and nights, pro- 
fessionally engaged, and during this time he treated 40 .patients, all of 
whom were suffering with fever and ague. 

The next physician was Cyrus Hubbard, a graduate of the Univer- 
sity of Maine and a brother of Governor Hubbard, of that State. He lo- 
cated at Sandsville. The doctor was not only a thorough physician, but 
a man of fine classical and literary attainments, and notwithstanding 
his many eccentricities, he is said to have been eminently successful. 

The first attorney was Colonel E. H. Wood, who was appointed one 
of the commissioners from Daviess County, formerly from Bucyrus, Ohio, 
to locate the county seat of Gentry. He soon after moved to Albany, and 
engaged in the practice of law. He died in 1847, being the first person 
who died in the town. 

The next attorney was Moses H. Simonds, from Plattsburg, Clinton 
County, to Athens, and formerly from Ohio. Simonds was a graduate of 
Ohio University, and a man of excellent scholarship. He taught school 
and studied law at Plattsburg. He finally raised a company of volun- 
teers, for the Mexican War, and died on the way to Mexico. 

Judge George W. Lewis arrived in Gentry County in October, 1846, 
and was the third attorney to practice his profession in Albany, and the 
third attorney in the county. The judge came from Greenbriar County, 
West Virginia. 

Robert Evans, from Kentucky, was the first man in Albany who died 
a violent death. He was shot with a horse pistol, in the hands of Benja- 
min Allen, in the street. Both men were drinking. Evans had drawn his 
knife, when he was shot by Allen, who was arrested and confined in the 



264 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

jail in Andrew County, whence he succeeded in making his escape be- 
fore his trial. 

James Lainhart. from Adair County, Kentucky, came in 1850. 

Merrill, a Baptist preacher, was among the early settlers. 

The parties above mentioned constitute some of the earliest pion- 
eers, among the business and professional men of Albany. 

There was a post office in Clark County, Missouri, called Athens, 
and this being also the name of the county seat of Gentry County, the 
mail intended for Athens, Gentry County, was occasionally sent to 
Athens post office, Clark County. In order to obviate the difficulties 
which grew out of a similarity of names in these post offices, the name 
of Athens, Gentry County, was changed in 1857, by special act of the 
legislature, to Albany, which name the county seat has borne ever since. 

The town of Albany was incorporated on the 5th day of February, 
1851, by the county court, and again in 1857 by the legislature. The cor- 
porate limits of the town began at block number 70, running east to the 
east coi-ner of -the town quarter, and included 16 rods of John B. Hun- 
dley's land : thence north to the north line of R. C. Canaday's Addition ; 
thence west to the line running north of the first mentioned boundary ; 
thence south to the beginning. 

John Handy, Walter Savage, Calvin B. Hartwell, F. B. Robinson and 
John Thompson were appointed the first trustees of the town. 

The first private subscription school was taught in Albany by a 
man by the name of Poston, in the latter part of 1845. 

The second teacher was Judge George W. Lewis, who opened a 
school in 1846, just north of town, and afterwards taught in the town. 

The next teacher was Cyrus Hubbard, a physician and lawyer, from 
Clinton County, Missouri, in 1846, of whom we have already spoken. 

There were many other teachers after these, among whom were 
William M. Albin, Gordon Ruby, Mrs. M. J. Hardesty and others. 

The first school building, frame (common school) was erected in 
1858 or '59. 

The first grist and saw mill in Albany, was built by Redman Whit- 
ten and Alexander Patton, about the year 185 — . 

The first (exclusively) saw mill, was erected by Charles Gilbert in 
1854, which became also, afterward, a gi'ist mill. 

John Graham and George W. Stapleton built a grist mill. 

Spainhouer, Twist & Co., built the next mill, (grist) near the de- 
pot. 

The first carding machine was put up by Martha Gulp ; and Calla- 
han Spessard operated the second, and Jacob Newman the third and last. 



History of daviess and gentry counties 265 

Charles Gilbert, from Ohio, came in 1848, and erected a foundry 
and machine shop in 1867. His moulding room' is 18x66 feet; his main 
building, 24x52 feet, two stories high. 

Fred Watson began operating a foundry and machine shop in 1880. 

A broom factory was operated from 1867 to 1871, by G. C. and W. 
T. Lainhart. 

Charles G. Comstock, Esq., who came to Albany from New York, 
in 1859, was the pioneer banker of the town, and first operated a bank 
by himself, from January, 1870, to July, the same year, when was estab- 
lished the Exchange Bank of Comstock & Millen, Charles G. Comstock 
and M. L. Millen being the partners. This firm continued to do business 
until July 24, 1876, when it was succeeded by the Gentry County Bank, 
which was organized with a capital of .1^100,000. 

Bank of Albany was established on the 9th day of April, 1877, by 
27 stockholders, and reorganized June 1, 1878, with 25 stockholders. 

The first newspaper ever published in the town of Albany was 
called the Albany Courier, edited by J. H. Brakey, about the year 1857, 
who continued its publication until 1858, when he was succeeded by 
George C. Deming and J. C. De Haven, as De Haven & Deming. De 
Haven sold in 1860 to a Mr. Fuller, and Deming also sold to him in 1861, 
and he moved the office and material to Dallas County, Iowa. The paper 
was neutral in politics. 

The second newspaper was the Grand River News, established in 
1864, by Comstock & Stewart, of which George C. Deming assumed edi- 
torial management. These parties, Comtsock & Stewart, sold to Deming 
& Matthewson the following year, Deming subsequently purchasing the 
interest of Matthewson. In the fall of 1868, Deming sold to Robert N. 
Traver, at present one of the editors of the St. Joseph Herald. He ran 
the News until March, 1873, when he sold to George W. Needels. The 
News was Republican in politics. 

When the paper was purchased by Mr. Needels, he changed its 
name to the American Freeman. 

Gentry County Beacon was established in 1874, by Williams & Aus- 
tin, in the spring of that year, being discontinued after the fall election. 
Democratic. White & Hampton began the publication of the Gentry 
County Chronicle in 1875, which continued to exist until about 1877. 
Republican. The Sun was established on the 10th of January, 1880, by 
J. M. Davis, and has continued under the same management up to the 
present time. It is independent in politics, is an eight column folio, and 
has a circulation of about eight hundred. 

J. W. Waldo and J. E. Mann began the publication of the Albany 



266 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Ledger in May, 1868, and disposed of the same in July following, to C. 
H. S. Goodman. The Ledger has been Democratic in politics from the 
date of its establishment. 

The Christian Church of Albany. — (Prepared by D. D. Kingsbor- 
ough. — The history of this church divides itself naturally into three dis- 
tinct periods: The period of pioneer work; the period of development; 
and the period of organized work. 

The period of pioneer work was marked by intense sectarian prej- 
udice and opposition. The pioneers who blazed the way for the future 
church were pecularly fitted for the duties imposed upon them by the 
existing conditions; being well grounded in the Holy Scriptures, its pre- 
cepts and promises, its commands and doctrines; the duties it imposed 
and above all the Gospel plan of salvation from sin, and each one was 
ever ready to defend his position against every assault. 

The first evangelist in this community was Elias Shortridge, who 
held a meeting in August, 1859, at the old Thompson place a few miles 
south of town, on what is now the Evona road. He preached a new gos- 
pel, or rather the old gospel in a new way, and men and women heard 
this earnest preacher and his simple story of a reasonable and under- 
standable salvation, with gladness, and entered into the service of Christ 
with a new joy and purpose. Among the body of those believers were 
the Sampsons, the Gulps, the Smiths, the Spessards, the Thompsons, the 
Davidsons, the Hopkins, the Stephens, the Gotts, the Lainharts, and 
others. 

Preacher Shortridge was a man of considerable ability, judged by 
the standards of his day ; thoroughly versed in the scriptures, he was 
able to quote from memory whole chapters and even books of the Holy 
Bible, and was proficient in the use of the sword of the spirit, besides 
possessing wonderful pursuasive power. He was able to sway his audi- 
ence with the simple gospel story, eloquently delivered and with his log- 
ical reasoning bring his hearers to quick decisions for Christ. A single 
incident of this meeting will suffice to illustrate the character of the 
man and his message. As already intimated, the religious complexion 
of the people of the community was not friendly to Shortridge or the 
message he brought, and many were violently opposed to him in doc- 
trine and belief. One of these, Joseph Davidson, was especially bitter in 
denunciation of the man, and at first flatly refused to hear him preach, 
but finally at the urgent request of his friend and neighbor, Calahan F. 
Spessard, he went to the meeting, though in no mood to hear what was 
said much less accept the teaching. The meetings were held in a grove 
on a gently sloping hill-side, the preacher being located at the lower side 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 267 

of the slope; slabs supported on logs served as seats for the people, the 
people, the leafy boughs of the forest trees being the only roof. David- 
son took a seat on the very back row, fartherest from the speaker. After 
the pi-eacher was fairly started on his sermon, Davidson was observed to 
move forward a bench or two and as his interest grew he moved forward 
seat after seat until at last, before the sermon was ended, he was sitting 
on the very first row of slabs, with wide-open mouth, gazing intently up 
into the face of the preacher, oblivious of all about him or how he came 
to that position. He never before heard the old, old story of Christ and 
his salvation so simply and forcefully told, and he was convinced on the 
spot. As soon as the invitation was given he immediately sprang to his 
feet, grabbed the preacher's hand in ecstacy of joy and gave himself over 
perfectly to the service of Christ. Following the Shortridge meetings 
evangelistic services were held by a preacher by the name of Cory and 
still later by Moses E. Lard, of revered memory, at the Thompson place. 
The period of developement was initiated by Hiram Warriner, who 
shepherded the flock for many years. He was also a man peculiarly 
fitted for the work he was called upon to perform ; a man of iron nerve, 
of considerable natural ability, though unlettered and unlearned ; he 
possessed a loveable and loving disposition and was devoted to the cause 
he espoused ; an unselfish lover of the truth, he knew the Book perfectly 
and how to use it to the glory of God. He preached Christ, the Saviour 
of Men, as a business and farmed to pay expenses. The period of de- 
velopment, without a meeting house, and in fact with no real church or- 
ganization, had its peculiarities of service. The brethren met more or 
less regularly, for prayer, exhortation and observance of the Lord's Sup- 
per, in groves, or in dwellings of the people and frequently in a large 
barn on the Chris Bartley farm. On these occasions as often as possible 
Warriner would come and preach to the people. Their communion was 
purely democratic, and deep piety characterized their every day life; 
every disciple was a student of the word and knew His Book. Nothing 
but a "Thus sayeth the Lord" was accepted in any question of faith or 
doctrine. 

Hiram Warriner is entitled to credit in a large measure for the prog- 
ress of the church during this period; his pious and godly walk and 
conversation stamped its imprint indelibly upon the lives and character 
of the people and moulded a generation of moral heroes, and we today 
are reaping the fruits of his labors. 

The period of organized work began about the year 1863, when, 
under the direction and leadership of Jasper H. Coffey, the first regular 
pastor, this church and congregation was formally organized, at the 



26S HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Smith school house which was located a few miles southeast of town, 
where they continued to worship some j'ears. Among the charter mem- 
bers were Benjamin Sampson and George Hopkins, the first elders, and 
their wives, Kelse Gulp and wife, Jacob M. Stephens and wife, Calahan 
F. Spessard and wife, Lewis B. Sampson and wife, James Lainhart and 
wife, George Smith and wife, and a number of others. 

The records of this time are lost and we know but little of the strug- 
gles of the brethren during those troublous times of and immediately 
after the war, but the church continued its organization under the lead- 
ership of Brother Coffey and others. After a few years the place of 
meeting was moved to the old frame school house which stood on lot 3 
block 16, the present site of the Presbyterian church, in Albany. 

In May, 1869, the congregation purchased lot 6 block 21 (at the 
northwest corner of Jackson and Van Buren Streets) , Albany, and 
erected thereon their first church building. That building was destroyed 
July 13, 1883, by a wind storm, which also wrecked the county court 
house and a number of other buildings. A new house was erected on the 
same site in 1884, and remained in use until 1915. The church was in- 
corporated under the laws of the State of Missouri, by decree of the cir- 
cuit court of Gentry County, Sept. 13, 1887, under the name of "The 
Christian Church of Albany, Mo." Its business affairs are in the care 
of a board composed of its elders and deacons, all of whom are chosen 
by the congregation. 

During the pastorate of George W. Maxwell, in June, 1914, the 
church purchased the north half of block 1, in the City of Albany, on 
which they erected a new, modern church edifice, and equipped it thor- 
oughly for the purpose of a modern church plant. The building, with- 
out furniture, cost about $15,000.00. The dedication services were held 
Sunday, March 28, 1915, under the direction of George L. Snively, dedi- 
cator. 

The church parsonage, a splendid two story frame building of ten 
rooms, located on North Hundley Street, one block north of the church 
building, was purchased Sept. 27, 1920, at a cost of $4,000.00. 

Presbyterian Church. — The First Presbyterian Church of Albany, 
Mo., was organized on May 30, 1857, by a committee composed of Rev. 
Ralph Harris and Rev. J. N. Young, ministers, and S. Edmiston, elder, 
M'ith seven members namely: A. G. McConkey, Mary McConkey, Mar- 
garet Miller, Harriet Rannels, Caroline S. Rannels, Sarah M. Rannels 
and Mary J. Young and A. G. McConkey was elected elder. Additions 
to the membership up to the date of the reunion with the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church were about 250, but deaths, removals and other 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 269 

causes depleted the body to less than 40 at the date of the reunion in 
June, 1905. 

Regular preaching services were conducted at intervals up to the 
last mentioned date at stated salaries, to-wit: Rev. John N. Young, C. 
M. McClain, N. H. Smith, Duncan McRuer, M. L. Anderson, John Hus- 
ton, W. A. Cravens, A. M. Tunner, T. M. Hillman, M. J. McLeod, J. C. 
Hanna, Arthur B. Herr, F. W. Grossman, C. C. Mclntire, Archibald B. 
Wright, E. H. Bull and others. Ruling Elders serving before the re-union 
were A. G. McConkey, J. H. White, J. W. Virden, James W. Owens, S. 
F. Lucas, Thomas J. Smith, J. C. Power, C. M. Harrison, C. M. Gordon, 
Robert A. Patterson and Robert M. McCammon. 

A plan of co-operation of the Presbyterian Church with the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian in Albany, Mo., was adopted in July, 1904, and a 
union of the churches was effected in June, 1905, in advance of the ac- 
tion of the General Assemblies, and Rev. M. B. Irvin accepted a call as 
pastor of the united church. July 11, 1907, following the resignation of 
all oificers of both churches, the united church assembled as members of 
the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., and in a congregational meeting 
elected the following officers, to-wit: For eldership, R. M. McCommon, 
John Newman, R. J. N. Dorsey, J. P. McCommon, and H. M. Wayman ; 
for deacons, Ben L. Peery. and F. M. Millen, and for trustees, W. F. Dal- 
bey, John Newman, R. M. McCommon, and Ben L. Peery. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized March 12, 
1884, by Rev. J. H. Tharp and others with 54 members and on March 22 
following, six elders wei'e eletced, to-wit: C. O. Patton, M. Cunningham, 
R. J. N. Dorsey, D. P. Wayman, H. M. Wayman, and Wallace Hubbard. 
At one time about 150 members were enrolled with many active mem- 
bers in all departments of church work. The C. P. Church was supplied 
during the term from its organization to the time of its reunion with the 
Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., with the following named ministers: J. 
H. Tharp, J. H. Norman, C. E. Hays, S. T. Divinia, M. Low, E. M. Wright, 
W. A. Woozencraft, George Woozencraft, R. J. Beard, M. B. Irvin, and 
others at intervals. Pastors employed since the union of the churches: 
M. B. Irvin, George A. Mitchell, A. M. Reynolds and J. W. Mays, the 
present pastor. The present elders are: J. P. McCammon, John New- 
man. George P. Adams, M. P. Whaley, R. M. Funk, R. M. McCammon, 
Clerk of Session at the time of his death, Jan. 23, 1922. 

Methodist Episcopal Church and Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South. — These two churches served the community in Albany until 1916. 
In 1917, under Rev. C. I. Hoy, a tentative arrangement of union was put 
on trial. After two years' progress this arrangement was rendered per- 



270 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

manent by the formal withdrawal of the Methodist Episcopal church 
from this field. 

The united church, M. E. S., is going forward very successfully. 

There follows a list of pastors since 1879: C. W. Hurley, 1882; J. 
Y. Blakey, 1883; W. B. Johnsey, 1884; J. W. Keithley, 1885-86; C. W. 
Hurley, 1887; B. P. Searcy, 1888; W. A. Davis, 1889; G. M. Gibson, 
1890; J. A. Wailes, 1891; J. M. Settle, 1892; J. H. Ledbetter, 1893-94; 
David McAllen, 1895-96; C. B. Campbell; E. C. McVoy, 1897-98; W. H. 
Roper, 1899-1900; J. O. Edmonston, 1901; H. H. Johnson, 1902-03; J. 

A. Snarr, 1904-06; J. I. Sears, 1907-08; J. W. Budd, 1909-10; F. R. 
Poage, 1911; T. H. Swearingen, 1912-13; C. J. Chappell, 1914; G. C. 
Beery, 1915-16; C. I. Hoy, 1917; To be supplied, 1918-19; W. Ruther- 
ford, 1920-22. 

The First Baptist Church of Albany. — The organization as it now 
exists has little or no connection with the early Baptists in Albany who 
from loss of members and lack of interest were compelled to sell their 
church building in 1881. 

The present organization dates from June 17, 1891, when, under 
the leadership of Elder S. R. Dillon, the following named persons by 
mutual agreement constituted and organized the First Baptist Church 
of Albany : Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Kingsborough ; Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Albin ; 
Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Dorsey; Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Cox; Mr. and Mrs. W. 

B. Caster; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Moullon; Mr. and Mrs. John Kingsbo- 
rough; Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Bray; Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Lockwood; T. R. 
Bray, Chas. Lockwood, E. J. Morris, Mrs. J. B. Thomas, Mrs. Wheeler 
and Miss Wheeler. 

A lot was purchased and a suitable building was erected and dedi- 
cated in 1895. The membership at that time being 77. 

A number of pastors served the congregation during the 25 years 
following and despite many obstacles the church gained in numbers and 
influence. 

It having been decided that the work of the church could be better 
done in a larger building, in May, 1920, the building formerly occupied by 
the people of the M. E. Church was purchased from them. After this 
building had been remodeled to meet the present needs of the church, 
dedicatory services were held on October 1, 1921. The present pastor is 
E. F. Estes. 

Carnegie Library at Albany. — On Feb. 28, 1885. the Albany Library, 
successor to the Centennial Library, was formally opened to the public. 
After a program of music, and of addresses by leading citizens, a gen- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 271 

erous fund was raised and placed in the hands of the secretary; 300 vol- 
umes of history, biography, travels and fiction were donated by the 
earlier association. With funds on hand and proper by-laws adopted, 
the prospects seemed fair for extended usefulness. Membership fees 
were a dollar each, and Tuesday and Saturday were borrowing days. 
Those not members could rent at 5c the volume. After a time, lack of 
interest apparently inherited from its predecessor, gradually overcame 
both management and patrons, and with scarcely life enough to make 
the transfer, the books, in 1890, were turned over to the public school li- 
brary. 

In 1904 the question was revived and the citizens decided to re- 
quest a donation from Mr. Carnegie, who previous to that date had made 
possible the erection of 10 free public libraries in the state. 

Correspondence secured the promise of $10,000 for the building 
conditioned on the presentation of a suitable site and a guarantee from 
the citizens to maintain a free public library in Albany at a minimum 
cost of $1,000 a year. 

The lot was duly presented and a special tax voted to produce the 
$1,000 annually. 

The contract was let for $9,071.00 to cover everything complete, 
except shelving for books. The fine building was completed in 1905 and 
is a permanent source of comfort and pride to the city. 

The following items are from state report for 1921 : 
Librarian — Miss Vera Erskine. 
Books added 1921, 136; total number, 4,692. 
Open 48 hours each week. Borrowers regi.stered, 350. 
Total receipts, $1,438.87. 



CHAPTER X. 



CITIES AND TOWNS— CONTINUED. 



STANBERRY— KING CITY— GENTRYVII.LE—McF"ALL— FORD CITY— ACANTHUS— ISLAND 
CITY— DARLINGTON— BERLIN— GENTRY— EVONA— OTHER TOWNS. 

Stanberry. — Stanberry was organized as a village, in February 
1880, with five trustees: W. H. Reynolds, President; M. F. Brown, 
Clerk; L. G. Sweat, L. M. Chilton, James Brown; George P. Rush, City 
Attorney; W. A. Forcade, Treasurer; George L. Shelly, Marshal; Isaac 
Meek, Collector; A. C. Frisbie, Assessor. 

In May, 1881, the town was organized into a city of the fourth class: 
W. H. Reynolds, Mayor; J. S. Weaver, D. T. Miller, E. Fisher, A. P. Am- 
brose, S. B. Hinkley, J. B. Sawhill, Z. F. Kestler, F. A. Weimer, Alder- 
men; George P. Rush, City Attorney; W. A. Forcade, Treasurer; V. T. 
Williams, Clerk; W. F. Miller, Collector; J. F. Smith, Marshal; Isaac 
Meek, Street Commissioner; L. M. Chilton, City Physician. 

The land upon which the original town was located was owned by 
R. E. Morand and William Harkrider, each of whom were living on the 
land when the town was laid out. Harkrider's house stood where Alan- 
thus Avenue intersects Main Street. Morand's residence occupied the 
present site of the Wabash House, and was torn down to make room for 
that building. The pioneer merchants of the town were Messimer, Gavin 
& Co., who built a small box house on the south side of the railroad, 
where they kept a general stock. Several buildings were commenced 
within a few days of each other, but Kimball & Forcade, druggists, en- 
closed and got into their business house, probably, before any other per- 
son on the north side of the railroad. Smith Brothers and Houston, and 
D. T. Miller's were the first exclusive dry goods stores in the town. Wea- 
ver & Fry built the first house for groceries, on the north side of the 
railroad, and at the same time erected an elevator. L. G. Sweat erected 
the first hotel. James Brown the second hotel. Bunker & Reynolds were 
the first hardware merchants. Fred Mauer was the first shoemaker. 
Shackelford was the first blacksmith. W. W. Brooks was the first phy- 




PL'BLIC SCHCJOL BL1LI)!X(,S. STAXBERRV 




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HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 273 

sician. Ed. E. Aleshire was the first attorney. Frank Albright was the 
first saloon keeper. The first marriage that occurred in the town was 
solemnized between Henry Newell and Mary Morand. The first child 
born was a son of F. M. Linn. 

Stanberry has maintained herself with steadfast and permanent 
progress. For nearly 25 years the Stanberry Normal School continued 
to be a leading factor in the education of Northwest Missouri; for years 
it was under the efficient management of Prof. Charles Morris and later 
under Prof. John Taylor of Springfield, Mo. 

Large numbers of youth from Gentry County and adjoining counties 
attended. The yearly roll usually included from 300 to 400, but on 
account of temporary lapses of similar near by institutions, the attend- 
ance some years was nearly 500. The second fire, in 1906, proved the 
death of this admirable school. 

There is now a 'state normal school at Maryville, and the county 
and city schools have so far advanced, that much of the work once so 
well undertaken by Stanberry Normal is now achieved in the various 
high schools of the county. Yet still we say, "all honor to the old 
Normal." 

Of the churches of 1882, one, the Presbyterian, after varying strug- 
gles, has been disbanded. The others have kept pace with the needs 
and opportunities of the city and cummunity. The Methodist, Baptist 
and Christian, Advent and Catholic are all in active work. Each in its 
own substantial home. 

The Advent Publishing House is established in Stanberry, impor- 
tant and valuable among the city's assets. 

Stanberry has a population of 1864, census of 1920, and a splendid 
farming county is tributary to its business activity. The city is the larg- 
est in the county and its public interests are well advertised in its two 
weekly papers, "The Owl Headlight," and "The Stanberry Herald." 
Also the official organ of the Advent Church is published here. 

The Wabash railroad shops are located here and employ about 
150 men. This point is also a freight division and many railroad men 
make this their headquarters. 

The city has three banks. The Farmers and Merchants Bank, The 
Commercial Bank, and The Gentry Trust Company, and all are strong 
financial institutions. 

The business of Stanberry is carried by five grocery stores, three 
dry goods stores, three clothing stores, three drug stores, two hardware 
stores, two hotels, and three restaurants, the Commercial Cable Manu- 



274 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

facturing Company, with several traveling salesmen, one elevator, and 
one meal and feed mill. 

Wm. F. Sager is mayor; C. A. Greenlee, City Clerk, Seth M. Hink- 
ley, City Treasurer. With board of eight aldermen. 

The Chamber of Commerce of Stanberry was organized May 4th, 
1921. This organization succeeds the Commercial Club, which usually 
had about 40 members. The Chamber of Commerce already has 80 
members. A board of eight directors with the following officers: Vic- 
tor Field, president; Cleo Gregg, vice-president; A. E. Tibbetts, treas- 
urer; F. A. Flader, secretary. 

This body continues and enlarges upon the aims and efforts of the 
old club and its zeal is already manifest in good roads, park improve- 
ment and community welfare. All roads leading into the city have been 
given special attention. Seven miles of gravel road have ah'eady been 
built, which is one of the finest stretches of road in the state. 

One of their achievements is a three acre free auto camping ground, 
located one block off the Jefferson Highway. There is natural shade, 
and city water is already in service. Ovens are provided for cooking 
and fuel is at hand. A double bath room and lavoratories are promised. 
All manner of tourists avail themselves and enjoy this open air hos- 
pitality. 

The band is another success, greatly aided and encouraged by 
the Chamber of Commerce in engaging the full time of an instructor and 
paying the cost of lessons for every boy who can own an instrument. 
The band gives a free park concert every week during the season. For- 
est Park, fronting the business district, is the pride of the city, and justly 
so with its carpet of blue grass and splendid shade trees in variety. 

Stanberry has one of the fine high schools of Northwest Missouri, 
with 135 pupils. The graded school is also of like high order and has an 
enrollment of 330 pupils. 

Fraternities are organized and often become permanent elements 
in the general advance. Societies are formed with special aims, pursue 
their ways, attain their purposes, and in time yield to other unions with 
other aims. In all these Stanberry has had, and still has a fair share. 
The leading fratenities are : Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 
N. 109, with nearly 200 members; Eastern Star Chapter; Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows with nearly 100 members; Daughters of Re- 
bekah ; Knights of Pythias Lodge; Rathbone Sisters; Modern Woodmen 
of America, and Woodmen of the World. 

Fraternities in common with all things temporal suffer their ups and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 275 

downs. But the present standing of Stanberry's various orders is satis- 
factory evidence of the desire for mutual and reciprocal fellowship 
among her citizens. Each citizen, both men and women, find the place 
and the opportunity to manifest a personal interest in community wel- 
fare, and in social enlargment. 

In the various activities called into being by the World War, and 
which are properly treated as history belonging to the county as a whole 
— Stanberry had a worthy part. The city went over the top in the Y. M. 
C. A. drive, in the Red Cross work, and in the placing of United States 
securities up to the war's end. 

Just out of Stanberry to the east, is the old home of the famous pio- 
neer pure blood stockman, L. E. Shattuck, and his unrivaled Merino 
sheep, more fully set forth in the chapter on agriculture.. 

The Baptists erected their house of worship in 1880, and until June, 
1882, it was the only house of worship in the town. The church was 
organized with the following and other members: James Stockton and 
wife, T. J. Stockton, Jr., and wife, Christian Buchanan, Daniel Allen 
and wife, Levi Long and wife, G. B. Cooper and wife, Oliver Long and 
wife, Thomas H. Swearingen, wife and two sons, O. Swearingen and 
wife, P. W. Stockton and wife. The first pastor was Israel Christy. 

The M. E. Church effected its organization in April, 1880, with the 
following members: A. D. Hawes and wife, Solomon Hartzell and wife, 
M. A. Dunseth and wife. Dr. B. N. Bond and wife, J. C. Millory and wife, 
Jacob Burris and wife, O. P. Kutzner and wife, Mrs. N. A. Morris, Miss 
Lizzie Morris. Rev. J. R. Sassen was present at the organization of the 
church, and was the first pastor. 

The Presbyterians perfected an organization in the winter of 1880. 
Among others on that occasion were Mrs. A. P. Ambrose, A. R. Fye, L. 
A. Kimball, W. F. Miller and wife, and C. F. Gardner. 

The Christian Church was organized in 1880, with 61 members, 
now disbanded. The first preacher who labored for the congregation at 
this place was Elder J. H. Coffey. 

The Catholics erected a house of worship in 1880. Rev. Robert E. 
Graham is the present pastor. 

King City — King City, near the south line of the county on the Bur- 
lington railroad is one of the three cities of the county, and notable above 
its fellows for at least three things: blue grass seed, pure bred seed corn, 
and poultry products. It has a Commercial Club of which F. A. Hobson 
is president and T. H. McElroy is secretary. It has two newspapers. The 
King City Chronicle and The Tri-County News. It has an American 



276 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Legion Post. It has a first class high school. It has four churches, each 
in its own home of brick, the Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and 
Christian. It has three banks, with aggregate capital and surplus of 
nearly a quarter million dollars. First National Bank and Trust Com- 
pany, Citizens National Bank, and Farmers Trust Company. It takes 
nearly forty business houses to handle the city's activity. 

King City is one of the greatest centers for the collection and dis- 
tribution of blue grass seed in the nation. This industry brings much 
outside business to the county, and carries with it a considerable trade 
in other seeds as well. A large number of our farmers participate. 

It is also true of poultry and dairy products, that a large volume of 
business originates here. Everything is favorable. The climate is ideal 
for poultry, and the conditions are splendid for the dairy man. The pro- 
duction is high, and the enterprise of King City, both wholesale and 
retail sees to it that the business shall center there. King City enjoys the 
reputation of making things agreeable for business transactions. 

As might be expected, the usual orders, fraternities, and social 
groups, flourish in King City. A fine public spirit prevails, and benevo- 
lence is an active virtue. 

The churches are earnest in purpose, and faithful in performance. 
Each in its own sphere doing a worthy share of the work that delivers 
the world from evil. The Presbyterian Church of King City, is the 
largest of the denomination in the county. Dr. E. E. Stringfield is pas- 
tor. They have six elders and five decon-trustees, and a membership of 
284. The congregation is finely organized for Sabbath School work, 
young people's work and missionary work. In 1868 the Cumberland 
Church was organized in King City. The first pastor was P. H. Crider, 
In 1872 the Presbyterian U. S. A. was organized. The first pastor, J. 
W. Morrison. In July 1906, the two churches were united, both pastors 
resigning. Rev. Geo. E. Newell became the first pastor of the United 
Church. 

Their present commodious $18,000.00 church home was dedicated 
June 14th, 1914. 

Jefferson Highway passes through the city, and Jackson Township 
has voted $85,000.00 bonds for road improvement. 

King City was laid out in July, 1869, and plat filed November 1, 
1869, by John Pittsenbarger, on section 32, township 61. range 32. 

Kate Carter's first Addition made October 14. 1879; Kate Carter's 
Second Addition made June 7. 1880; Trotter's Addition made Aoril 
19. 1880. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 277 

Closely identified with the history of King City, is the old pioneer, 
John Pittsenbarger. He pitched his tent upon the original town site, in 
the spring of 1856, emigrating from Clinton County, Indiana. He pur- 
chased the quarter section upon which the town is located. John Millen 
lived five miles north, Joel Taylor six miles south, and John McDaniel 
three miles west. These were his nearest neighbors. In 1858, a post 
office was applied for, and the name "Petersburg" was chosen, but Post- 
master General King replied that there was another name similar to that 
in the state, and the matter of selecting a name being left with him, he 
called it King City, after himself. Mr. Pittsenbarger was the first post- 
master. At that time there were but a few persons to receive mail, the 
country surrounding being six or seven feet high in wild grass and 
abounding in wild game. 

Pittsenbarger was the first blacksmith, A G. Barton, first saddler, 
J. N. Taylor, first livery stable keeper, and Bela M. Hughes kept the 
first drug store and was the first physician. 

The next settler to build a house where the town now stands was 
James McDaniel, who came from DeKalb County, Missouri, in 1859. He 
built a small house for a grocery store. McDaniel went to Indiana dur- 
ing the war. The third building was erected by Abner Clark, from 
Iowa, about the year 1860 — genei'al merchandise. Clark was in the 
Union army, and settled in Ohio after the war. 

Brett and Bundle were among the early settlers of the place, and 
put up a house for groceries. Bundle afterwards went to St. Joseph, and 
Brett was killed about 1866. Brett kept in connection with his grocery, 
a house of entertainment. About noon one day, during 1S66, three 
strange, rough-looking men, from Grand River, stopped for dinner, and 
while eating one of them remarked that Brett was no better than a 
horse thief. An orphan boy that Brett was raising was in the dining 
room at the time, and hearing what the stranger said, went immediately 
and repeated it to Brett, who took his revolver and requested the stran- 
ger (Cogdell was his name) to take it back or apologize. Codgell at 
once drew his revolver, and both commenced discharging their weapons, 
Brett being finally killed and Cogdell having his finger shot off. 

King City made but little, if any, advancement until the fall of 
1879 and the spring of 1880, just after the completion of the St. Joseph 
and Des Moines Railroad. The building of this road gave the town a 
new impetus, and it has been steadily increasing in population and 
importance ever since. 

King City was incorporated in May, 1881, under the village act, 
with G. P. Bigelow as president of the board, the names of the remainder 



278 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

or the board being W. H. Alexander, C. P. Stowe, M. E. Brown, and 
James McCarty. E. C. Shepard, Clerk; W. J. Woodside, marshal; 
George Ward, treasurer. 

Gentryville. — Gentryville, the largest town in the county without a 
railroad was laid out August 2, 1848, on the southwest quarter of section 
36, township 62, range 31, by Charles Gay. About the same time, Rob- 
ert Givauden filed his plat of an addition to the town. 

Whedbee filed his plat of an addition, February 6, 18?X 

Taylor filed his plat of an addition, February 17, 1874. 

Crane filed his plat of his first addition, January 1, 1870. 

Crane filed his plat of second addition, February 26, 1872. 

Frisbie filed his plat of an addition, March 20, 1871. 

The town is handsomely located on the south bank of Grand River, 
upon an elevation gently rising towards the east and south. The river, 
at this point, after flowing in a westward direction by the principal busi- 
ness portion of the town, makes an abrupt turn to the south, continuing 
on its course for several hundred yards, when it again deflects in a south- 
westward direction. The river is from 60 to 100 feet in width and 
abounds in a variety of fishes. Its banks are still covered with much of 
the native forest, whose quiet and cooling shades are enjoyed by the 
inhabitants of the little town. Gentryville has a population of 200. 

William Weese, from Tennessee, built the first house, a log cabin, 
about the year 1838, on the original town site. The next building was 
erected by Gay and Hunter, and the third building was put up by Robert 
Boggs, a carpenter, who came from Pennsylvania, among the early set- 
tlers. Boggs, from 1856 to 1862, was one of the county judges of Gen- 
try County; he moved to St. Joseph, Mo., in 1864. He was a nephew of 
Governor Boggs, of Missouri. The first business house was erected by 
Francis B. Robidoux, in 1843. Robidoux, was the son of Joseph Robi- 
doux, of St. Joseph ; he dealt in general merchandise and was succeeded 
by another Frenchman. 

John Hunt, from Kentucky, was the early "village blacksmith," the 
Rev. E. W. Dunegan being the next, in 1848. 

The first minister who proclaimed the word of God in" the new set- 
tlement was Reverend Melise, of the M. E. Church; this was about the 
year 1841 — services being held at the residence of a man named Milton 
Foster. 

The pioneer physician of the town was Dr. Uncle, from Jackson 
County, Missouri, who located there in 1842. After remaining one or 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 279 

two years he went to California. Dr. L. C. Whedbee came in 1844, and 
resided in Gentryville till 1858, when he moved to Texas. 

The Rev. Mr. Cline, from Buchanan County, Missouri, organized 
the first church (Baptist) in Gentryville, Oct. 26, 1850, at the school 
house. Among those who were present at its formation were I. N. Car- 
son, O. B. Ferguson, Elder T. R. Ferguson, James Fuller, N. Mothersead 
and E. W. Dunegan. 

T. R. Ferguson was the first pastor, and was succeeded by Elder 
Benjamin Wheeler, Isaac Christie, N. M. Allen, E. W. Dunegan and 
others. Elder Dunegan has labored more or less in the pulpit of this 
church. 

A house of worship was built by the Missionary Baptists in 1857. 

The M. E. Church, M. E. Church, South, and Christian denomina- 
tions each have an organization. 

Elder Samuel Trice, from Clinton County, Missouri, was one of the 
earliest ministers of the Christian denomination at Gentryville, Hiram 
Warnier being the first. 

The first school was taught in 1849 by A. G. Whitton, who was 
succeeded by David Cranor. 

L. C. Whedbee kept the first hotel. 

Gentryville Lodge, No. 125, of A. F. & A. M., was organized in 
November, 1849, and worked for a while under dispensation from the' 
Grand Lodge till it obtained a charter, in 1851. It is the oldest lodge 
in Gentry County, and, indeed, in the Grand River country. From it 
has been organized, in part, the following lodges: Athens Lodge, of 
this county ; Bethany Lodge, Harrison County ; Rochester Lodge, An- 
drew County; Pattonsburg Lodge, Daviess County; Maysville Lodge, 
DeKalb County; Havana Lodge, Gentry County, and Berlin Lodge, 
Gentry County. The first officers were as follows: N. P. Thompson, 
W. M.; D. C. Conway, S. W.; William Raines, J. W. ; J. R. Conway, S. 
D. ; W. A. Blackwood, J. D.; John Hunt, Tyler. 

Although not a national or state holiday, the 3rd of August is as 
well established and as highly regarded as the 4th of July. For over 
forty years it has been the date of the Annual County Picnic at Gentry- 
ville. 

In 1889 after years of experience, articles of incorporation were 
granted to the Gentryville Picnic Company. 

McFall — McFall was laid out by the Western Improvement Com- 
pany in the fall of 1879, the plat of the town being filed on the 8th of 
October. It is located on the southeast quarter of section 1, township 



280 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

61, range 30, on the Wabash Railroad. Hamilton & Phillips, of Beth- 
any, Harrison County, Missouri, built the first house in the town. F. M. 
Brown, from Daviess County, Missouri, furnished the lumber, having 
at that time just established himself in the lumber business at McFall. 
Several buildings were commenced at or about the same time. Among 
these was an office built by Mr. Brown. 

The town of McFall received its name from John McFall, Sr., who 
owned the land, where this town is located. He settled here about 
1843 and later went to Phoenix, Arizona, where he died in 1893. 

McFall is a thriving town of 447 population. All business found 
in the average town is here represented. The town is noted for its 
good schools and its progressive and enterprising spirit of its citizens. 

Ford City. — Ford City is located on the Burlington railroad in 
Jackson Township. It has a bank and a number of enterprising busi- 
ness houses. The population is 185. 

Alanthus. — Alanthus is located in Wilson Township and has a pop- 
ulation of 104. The nearest railroad is the Wabash at Stanben-y, about 
six miles distant. 

Island City. — Island City, another inland village is located in Jack- 
son Township, about six miles south and a little west of Stanberry. It is 
about the same distance northwest of Ford City. 

Darlington — Charles G. Comstock, Esq., filed the plat of Darling- 
ton, March 31, 1879, locating the town site on section four, township 62, 
range 31. A. H. Bennett laid the foundation for the first residence in 
the town. John Livingston built the next house in April, 1879 which 
was used for a restaurant. Horace J. Bennett was the first black- 
smith, and George B. Marshall was the first shoemaker. John Living- 
ston sold the first goods. T. J. Welford was the first doctor. 

Darlington is located at the intersection of the Wabash and Bur- 
lington railroads and has a population of 311, census of 1920. It is an 
important shipping and trading point. 

Berlin. — On May 1, 1874, Samuel Robertson filed the plat of Ber- 
lin, locating the town on the southeast quarter of section 26, township 
61, range 31. Peter Cline, who had been in business (general merchan- 
dise) at Buhlville, as soon as the new town of Berlin was founded, 
moved his goods and house to that place and opened the first business 
house in Berlin. Samuel Levy and others soon followed. Berlin is 
located in the midst of a fine farming country, one mile north of the 
DeKalb County line. The population is 69. 

Gentry. — The town of Gentry is located on the Burlington railroad, 
on sections 19 and 20, Bogle Township. It is a progressive town located 



tflStORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 2^1 

in the center of a rich agricultural district and has a population of 217. 

Evona. — Evona is located on the Wabash railroad three and one 
half miles south of Albany. In the early days when the Wabash rail- 
road was built, this was a town of more importance, but now its busi- 
ness interest is represented by one store. The town was laid out in 
1879. The first house was built by Richard L. Smith and used for a 
hotel. Baker and Hatfield, Barton and Hamilton and William Donil- 
son were early merchants here. 

A number of other small towns in the county have ceased to be 
of any importance. 



CHAPTER XI. 



AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRY. 



FAVORABLE SOIL AND CLIMATE— DIVERSITY OF PRODUCTS— CORN EXHIBITS— POUL- 
TRY SHOW— COMPARISON OF 1902 CROP— LIVE STOCK AND OTHER PRODUCTS- 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS— WORLD'S FAIR WINNERS— STOCK BREEDERS— POI'LTRY 
EXPERTS— FINE GRASSES — CALF AND PIG SHOW — HORSES — "IF GENTRY 
COUNTY WERE MY NATIVE LAND." 

Nature in a large measure decrees what the majority pursuits of 
the population shall be. The physical features are of lasting impor- 
tance. Gentry County is fortunate in its diversity of surface and nat- 
ural features, not all prairie, not all timber, not all level or gently undu- 
lating, not all broken and hilly. It is historically asserted that the Gar- 
den of Eden might have been located in Harrison County. It is to be re- 
gretted that it was not so located, since our first parents, upon their 
exile, following the Star of Empire in its westward course would have 
found themselves immediately in Gentry County. 

The soil and climate, in garden, orchard and farm, produce a mul- 
titude of things that delight the housewife, sustain the workers, and 
add to the pleasure and comfort of all ages and conditions and in 
many articles the surplus becomes a staple commodity of commerce. As 
a land of milk and honey, Gentry County qualified from the earliest 
times. It is far more. It is a land of apples, pears and peaches ; a land of 
cherries and small fruits; a land of kitchen gardens; a land of rhubarb, 
horse radish, and piccalilli. There is scarcely any limit except the 
will of the gardener and the good pleasure of the cook, scarcely any 
break in the round of production of things pleasing to the eye, and de- 
licious to the palate. Parsnips are ready the minute the frost is out. 
Lettuce and young onions follow. Then comes the pieplant. Green 
peas are early. New potatoes and cream compete with young beets and 
butter. Strawberries are earliest of fruits, then the beans and early 
sweet corn. Tomatoes help to fill out the summer; apple sauce ditto. 
The autumn brings squash, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Vary these 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 283 

with milk, cream, butter, fresh eggs and young fries, buckwheat cakes 
and honey. This is "good old summer time" in Gentry County. 

We here present a complete report of the Gentry County Corn and 
Poultry Show for 1921. From the Albany Ledger of November 24, 1921. 

"Exhibitors and visitors alike at the Gentry Country Corn and 
Poultry Show held in Albany last week unite in declaring it to be the 
biggest and best exhibition yet given by the association. Especially 
was the display of poultry a surprise to the average visitor, as few of 
them realized birds of the quality shown are being raised in this county. 
The show was so successful that doubtless greater efforts will be put 
into future ones and have them bigger and better than the one this 
year. 

"In the corn judging contests by pupils of the public schools of the 
county and some high schools in adjoining county interest was shown. 
In the high school contests, Bethany, Maysville, New Hampton and 
Albany were each represented by two teams of four members. In the 
corn judging, Bethany carried off first honors, and in the stock judging 
Albany won first place. The grades of all teams ran close. Saturday 
was rural school day, and thirty-seven boys representing the various 
schools of the county were present to judge. Gentry County carried 
off first prize. 

"In the corn exhibits the following prizes were awarded : Boy's 
and Girls' Classes. — Best single white ear — 1st, Clayton Saunders, Al- 
bany ; 2d, Homer Williams, Albany. Best single ear yellow corn — 1st, 
Marshall Collier, Ford City; 2d, Carlos Spaht, Albany. Sweepstakes, 
single — Marshall Colllier. Best 10 ears of white corn — 1st, Clayton 
Saunders; 2d, Homer Williams; 3d, Wayne Rainy, King City; ^th, 
Frank Morris, Lone Star; 5th Curtis Broderick, Stanberry. Best 10 
ears yellow corn — 1st, Roy Barnes, Albany; 2d, Glen Allenbrand, Dar- 
lington; 3d, Cleo Blodgett, Albany; 4th, Carlos Spaht; 5th, Will Welch, 
Albany. Sweepstakes 10 ears — Clayton Saunders. Sweepstakes single 
ear — Marshal! Collier. 

"Men's Classes. — Best single ear white com — 1st, Clayton Saun- 
ders; 2d, Wayne Rainy. Best single ear yellow corn — 1st, H. R. Collier, 
Ford City; 2d, Billy Johnson, Darlington. Sweepstakes single ear — 
Clayton Saunders. Best 10 ears yellow corn — 1st, E. N. Clark, Darling- 
ton; 2d, Ross Allenbrand, Albany; 3d, Billy Johnson; 4th, Jesse John- 
son; 5th, J. W. Blodgett. Best 10 ears white com — 1st, Clayton Saun- 
ders; 2d, Wayne Rainey; 3d, E. N. Clark; 4th, L. H. Williams; 5th, 
Jesse Johnson. Grand champion single ear — Marshall Collier. Grand 
champion 10 ears — Clayton Saunders. 



284 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

"The poultry exhibit was the largest ever on display at a local 
show in this county. The wire cooping in which 385 birds were placed 
was so arranged that it made an attractive and convenient exhibit for 
the large crowds that viewed the display during the day and evenings 
in which the hall was open to the public. 

"Not only did the local people take an interest in the fine exhibit 
but there were visitors from every adjoining county and some from a 
greater distance. 

"There were 34 exhibitors and 26 breeds of birds, as follows: 
Barred Plymouth Rocks — John Welch, Albany, 2nd pen ; 2nd on cock. 
W. L. Brown, King City, 1st pen; 1st cock, 1st, 2nd and 3rd cockerel; 
1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet; 3rd hen. Mrs. A. L. Perry, Albany, 3rd on pen. 
Earl Summa, Gentry, 3rd cock; 1st, 2nd hen. Other exhibitors were 
J. W. Kerlin, Albany; Dewey Staton, Darlington; Paul and Leone 
Guess, Albany. 

"White Rocks — Mrs. S. R. Giles, Albany, 1st, and 3rd cockerel ; 
and 3rd hen. Mrs. O. C. Hankins, Albany, 2nd cockerel; 2nd pullet. 
Mrs. Carl Gillespie, Albany, 1st hen. 

"Buff Orphingtons — W. C. Campbell, Grant City, 1st pen; 1st 
cockerel ; 1st and 2nd pullet. Mrs. G. W. Lainhart, Albany, 3rd cock- 
erel. Mrs. H. A. Miller, Darlington, 3rd pullet. 

"Dark Brahmas — Dr. W. B. McCoy, Gentryville, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, old 
pen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd young pen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd, hen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet. 

"Black Langshans — Mrs. Carl Gillespie, Albany, 1st pen; 2nd 
cock. Mrs. G. W. Lainhart, Albany, 1st pen. C. J. Yarrington, Albany, 
1st cock; 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel. 

"Silver laced Wyandottes- — Mrs. Jennie Degginger, Albany; 1st, 
2nd pullet; 1st cockerel. Roy Felts, Darlington, 1st. 2nd cock; 1st 
and 2nd hen; 3rd pullet. 

Mottled Javas — Clarence Baldock, Albany, 1st cock; 2nd pen. 

"Black Minorcas — Steve Cassity, Darlington, 1st and 2nd pen. 

"Anaconas — J. H. Wolf, Albany, 3rd pullet. 
1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 1st, 2nd pullet. 

"White Wyandottes — Mrs. Carl Gillispie, Albany; 1st pen; 1st 
cockerel; 1st pullet; 1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 3rd cock. Mrs. Eugene Larmer, 
Albany, 3rd cockerel ; 3rd pullet. Mrs. Ross Allenbrand, Gentry ; 2nd 
pen, 2nd pullet. Earl Summa, Gentry, 1st, 2nd cock; 2nd cockerel. 

"Single Comb White Leghorns — Mrs. Carl Gillispie, Albany, 2nd 
cockerel, 2nd and 3rd hen. W. C. Brown, Bethany, 1st cockerel, 1st 
hen ; 1st pullet. 

"Buff Leghorns — T. E. Magee, Albany, 1st, 2nd pullet. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 285 

"Rose comb Rhode Island Reds — Mrs. G. W. Chenoweth, Albany, 
1st cock. Mrs. Emma Culp, Albany, 1st, 2nd cockerel; 1st, 2nd pullet. 

"Single Comb Rhode Island Reds — Mrs. Grey Gill, Albany, 1st 
cock; 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st hen; 1st, 2nd pullet; 2nd pen. Earl 
Summa, Gentry, 3rd cock; 2nd and 3rd hen. James S. Stecker, Win- 
ston, 1st pen ; 2nd cock ; 3rd pullet. Other exhibitors in this class were 
Volley Siddens, Albany; R. R. French, King City. 

"Rose Comb White Leghorns — Earl Summa, Gentry, 1st, 2nd, 3rd 
cock; 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet. 

» "Dark Cornish — Earl Summa, 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st, 2nd 3rd 
hen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet. 

"Black Breasted Red Game — Earl Summa, 1st cock ; 1st, 2nd ckl. ; 
1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 1st and 2nd pullet. 

"Bantams — Dr. W. B. McCoy, Gentryville, 1st cockerel; 1st pullet 
on Dark Brahams. Harlen Giles, Albany, 1st cock; 1st hen; 1st cock- 
erel, on Black Cochins. Roy Felts, Darlington; 2nd cock; 2nd hen on 
black Cochins. James Hacker, 1st cock; 1st and 2nd hen on Golden 
Seabrights. Roy Felts, 1st, 2nd, 3rd on White Cochin, Black Tail Jap- 
anese, Buff Cochin, Millfleur, Japanese Silken. 

A brief analysis of this report easily reveals its historic value. Such 
a shovi^ presupposes so much of past endeavors and implies so much of 
present interest . 

Twenty-six breeds of pure bred poultry attest the progress of this 
great industry throughout the country. It has taken labor, intelligence, 
and above all, years of time, to make such an exhibition possible. It is 
a sort of declaration that poultry products are of primary importance in 
our list of resources. Such success and diversity is only posiible in a 
region where eggs and chickens have been a large item in the farm 
income for generations. 

A patch of corn was the first farm crop produced by white men 
in the county. From that far summer of 1834 to the present time, corn 
has ever been a leader. The splendid Exhibition of 1921 manifests the 
constant interest in this great product. Highly significant is the fact 
that High School pupils, both boys and girls, from adjacent counties 
united with like pupils of our own county in the judging contests. 
Where such a crop is concerned, but little is left to chance. The crop 
begins with the selection of the ears for seed. Preparation of the soil 
is carefully planned; perfected planters are used, and the best style of 
cultivator is sought for. Intelligent care and regard for weather con- 
ditions are considered well worth while, until the crop is made. Back 
of the individual crop is the system of rotation largely followed as the 



286 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



result of multiplied experimentation. The farmers of the county wel- 
come and profit by all that science and agricultural colleges have thus 
far demonstrated. 



GENTRY COUNTY'S 1902 CROP. 



Corn 

Wheat 

Oats 

Hay 

Forage 

Broom Corn 

Clover Seed 

Grass Seed 

Tobacco 

Potatoes 

Vegetables 



Acres 

98,793 

1,515 

5,940 

45,210 

7,735 

60 



819 
890 



Product 

4,149,306 

30,300 

196,020 

76,855 

10,315 

32,000 

80 

6,670 

7,200 

98,280 



Value 

$1,306,030 

17,425 

50,965 

384,275 

51,575 

910 

440 

10,340 

720 

23,590 

45,360 

$1,891,630 



LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCTS. 



Kind 


Number 


Cattle 


45,460 


Horses 


13,173 


Mules 


1,375 


Asses and Jennets 


98 


Sheep 


18,710 


Swine 


69,027 


Chickens 


173,199 


Turkeys 


6,420 


Geese 


4,328 


Ducks 


3,028 


Swarms of Bees 


3,435 


Honey 


114,500 


Wool 


86,200 


Milk 


3,097,068 


Butter 


599,430 


Eggs 


1,004,460 


Total 





Value 

$1,477,450 

878,200 

103,125 

9,800 

62,365 

690,270 



156,940 
10,575 
14,315 
14,365 

201,495 
125,560 

$3,744,460 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



287 





1919 Number 


Value 


Total all crops 


Corn, Bushels 


1,834,558 






Ooats 


240,658 






Wheat 


403,576 






Hay and Forage 




1,140,024 




Potatoes 


13,741 






Vegetables 


164,296 
143,825 




Fruits and Nuts 




$5,344,754 
All Animals 




Number 


Value 


♦Cattle 


27,345 


1,701,350 




Horses 


11,218 


838,938 




Mules 


2,541 


352,953 




Sheep 


29,730 


379,073 




Swine 


41,112 


532,123 




Chickens 


310,608 






Other Poultry 


8,120 


328,775 




Dairy Products total value 


308,097 




Poultry Products total value 


695,018 




Wool 




84,257 


$4,140,592 



*Does not include city and town animals. 



Analysis of these tables shows some radical changes for the 17-year 
period. Among the crops — Corn and Irish potatoes have greatly dimin- 
ished in volume. Wheat from almost nothing has risen to third place in 
acreage. Oats have doubled in acreage. Vegetables have tripled in 
value. Hay and forage have practically held their own in acreage while 
vastly increasing in value. 

Among domestic animals — Cattle have diminished 40 per cent in 
number while slightly increasing in net value. Swine have decreased in 
both number and value about 25 per cent. The slight decrease in horses 
is overcome by the increase in value of mules. Sheep have increased 40 
per cent in number and 500 per cent in value. Chickens have increased 
80 per cent in number and over 100 per cent in value. Poultry products 
have increased in value about 150 per cent. Dairy products have in- 
creased over 50 per cent in value. Sheep, wheat and poultry have 
greatly advanced in volume. 

The assessed valuation of the county is now approximately $35.- 
000,000.00 — more than doubling in the last twenty years' period. 

An item of current history is taken from the Albany Ledger, Dec. 



288 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

1, 1921 : "Of all the big turkeys that were sold in this vicinity for the 
Thanksgiving trade, the largest so far reported is that which Frank 
Monger, from north of town, sold to W. A. Grace. The bird weighed 36 
pounds and brought 35 cents a pound, the total being $12.60. Some 
bird ! Some price ! 

These clippings speak for themselves. The King City article will 
show how our corn growers fared at the International Corn Show in 
1921. August 23, 1921. From the King City Chronicle — "At the State 
Fair now on at Sedalia, Gentry County became famous by winning prac- 
tically all the yellow corn blue ribbons, and being awarded two grand 
champion prizes. The thanks of the county is due to Messrs. Alva Mann, 
John Potter and Joe W. Boley, and others for producing the corn that 
won the prizes and has made this county famous. The report of the win- 
nings came in too late to give verj' extended comment, but we will give 
the winnings as they were reported to the Chronicle, by John Potter, 
for which he has our special thanks: Bushel Yellow Com — Alva Mann, 
1st; also Grand Champion on bushel. John Potter, 2nd; and Joe W. Bo- 
ley, 3rd. Ten Ear Yellow — John Potter, 1st; also Champion on ten ears. 
Sanford Shilder, 3rd ; Alva Mann, 5th. Single ear, yellow, men's class — 
John Potter, 1st; also Grand Champion on single ear. L. H. Williams, 
3rd; Joe W. Boley, 4th; Joe L. Boley, 5th. Ten ears yellow, young men, 
over 16 and under 20 — Pearl Mann, 1st; Bessie Potter, 2nd. Single ear, 
yellow — Bessie Potter, 1st. Ten ears, yellow, young men under 16 — 
Hervert Potter, 1st; Francis Boley, 2nd. Second ear, yellow — Frances 
Boley, 1st ; Herbert Potter, 5th. Ten ears, other than white or yellow — 
Francis Boley, 3rd. Single ear, other than white or yellow — Walter 
Pryor, 1st; also Champion. Ten ears popcorn — Alva Mann, 1st." 

Albany Capital, January 26, 1922 — "Those live corn specialists 
over in the south part of Gentry County just about swept the board on 
prizes at the Missouri State Corn Show at Columbia, during Farmers 
Week. Alva Mann and Joe Boley returned from the big meeting at Co- 
lumbia, last week, and reported the following corn prizes captured for 
Gentry County, in competition against the whole United States: On Bu- 
shel Yellow Corn — Joe W. Boley, 1st; Alva Mann, 2nd; John Potter 3rd. 
On 10 Ears Yellow Corn (men's class) — John Potter, 1st; Joseph L. Bo- 
ley, 2nd; Pearl Mann, 3rd; Joe W. Boley, 4th; Walter Prior, 5th; San- 
ford Shidler, 7th. On 10 Ears Yellow (boy's class)— Herbert Potter, 
1st; Francis Boley, 2nd; Dale Rainey, 5th; Wayne Mann, 7th. On 
Single Ear Yellow (men's class) — Joe W. Boley, 2nd; Sanford Shidler, 
3rd; Walter Prior, 6th. Single Ear Yellow (boy's class) — Frances Bo- 



I 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 289 

ley, 2nd. On 10 Ears White (men's class) — Wayne Rainey, 5th. Cham- 
pion 10 Ears Yellow (boy's class) — Herbert Potter. Sweepstakes 10 
Ears Yellow (men's class) — John Potter. In addition to winning the 
cash premiums and other prizes that went with the ribbons in all the 
above awards, the boys put Gentry County still more thoroughly on the 
map as the place where the best corn in the state is grown, and they are 
entitled to a lot of credit for the remarkable showing which they made 
in this new contest against the best corn in the land. 

Feb. 2, 1922- — In attempting to give a list of those who won corn 
prizes, at the recent state show at Columbia, The Capital last week 
omitted two of the Gentry County boys who carried away prizes: Dale 
Rainey won first in the Boys' Class on 10 ears White corn, and Wayne 
Rainey won first in the boys' class on 10 ears White corn, and Wayne 
Rainey took second prize (boys' class) on 10 ears of Calico corn. 

As far back as 1893 Gentry County began to make exhibition his- 
tory at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Missouri captured 400 
premiums, of which Gentry County won 75. Among them four firsts. Al- 
most a fifth of the state winnings came to our County. The AFoany 
Ledger of Oct. 31, 1983, puts it thus: "Citizens of Gentry County, are 
you not proud of the fact that with the world as competitor our county 
took four first premiums at the World's Fair, or, it captured every pre- 
mium it contested for. L. E. Shattuck took first premium on Merino 
sheep and first on largest fleece of wool produced. C. G. Comstock, first 
premium in Jack Show, and a Stanberry man first premium in book- 
keeper's contest. With these honors won at Chicago our citizens can go 
out through the wide world and say, 'I am a resident of the county that 
took more premiums at the World's Fair, than any other county on the 
map.' " 

Mr. L. E. Shattuck, of near Stanberry, before his early death in 
1894, had done much pioneer work in bringing the improvement of cat- 
tle, sheep and hogs to the attention of farmers and breeders. His Merino 
flock from the early '80's became a national asset of the highest order. 
He also brought in some of the very first pure bred short horn cattle and 
Berkshire hogs. The blue ribbon flock he started so long ago is still go- 
ing strong at the old stand. 

C. G. Comstock was an early enthusia.st for better mules and Here- 
ford cattle. Other early breeders were James Castor, Keef Judd and 
Calvin Spessard. 

The following list, for 1922, furnished by Mr. Saunders, County 
Agent, shows how the interest in pure bred stock has grown: 



290 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Poland China Breeders — A. B. Durbin & Son, King City, Mo.; E. 
G. Fisher, King City, Mo. ; L. C. Loest, King City, Mo. ; A. T. Robertson, 
Albany; Wm. Miller, Stanberry; Wm. Ketchum, Stanberry. 

Duroc Jersey Breeders — W. A. Melton, Albany ; Carl Gillespie, Al- 
bany; John Parman, Albany; J. H. Degginger, Albany; L. A. Saunders, 
Albany; Dan Gibson, Jr., New Hampton; Orlin Stephens, Gentry. 

Shorthorn Cattle — Charles S. Allen, Stanberry ; Frank Allen, Stan- 
berry; Melvin Gregg, Stanberry; A. T. Stockton, Stanberry; D. C. 
Thomas, Stanberry; W. A. Melton, Albany; J. H. Degginger, Albany. 

Aberdeen Angus Cattle — L. C. Loest, King City; A. T. Robertson, 
Albany; Robert Larmer, Stanberry; Dr. R. R. Dunshee, Stanberry. 

Hereford Cattle — Carl Gillespie, Albany; J. M. Slagle, Ravenwood. 

Jersey Cattle Breeders — John Doyle, Albany; Mrs. Mary Culver, 
King City. 

Holstein Cattle — Gust Spaht, Albany; Casper Gantz, King City; 
Orlin Stephens, Gentry. 

Feb. 17, 1921. "With Poultry Experts — Mr. and Mrs. Mose Green's 
Shelternook Farm, north of Albany, is gaining wide reputation with 
poultry breeders over the United States. The Shelternook Dark Brown 
Leghorns have won just about all the prizies in the big shows at Kansas 
City and other places, in competition with the best birds in America, 
and the success of Mr. and Mrs. Green has attracted the attention of 
poultry growers throughout the land, and has also reached government 
oihcials in such a way that they want Shelternook methods to become 
of value to soldiers who are taking up the poultry branch of vocational 
training. 

"Last Sunday J. H. Wolfe arrived in Albany, and has gone out to 
the Green home to spend a year studying the Dark Brown Leghorn 
birds and the extensive manner in which they are being produced at 
Shelternook. Mr. Wolfe's home was at Sedalia, Mo., prior to his call to 
service in the world war. He sustained health disabilities in the army 
and was sent at government expense the past year to the Kansas State 
Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kan. He wanted to specialize in 
poultry, and so the government has now sent him to spend the coming 
year studying methods at the Green farm, north of Albany, as it is rec- 
ognized that there is no better authority on Dark Brown Leghorns in 
the United States than Mr. and Mrs. Green, whose birds from Shelter- 
nook have swept the ribbons and prizes wherever they have been placed 
on exhibition the last few years. 

Fine Grasses for Fair — Capital, July 28, 1904 — "J. P. McCammon, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 291 

Ed. S. Gibbany and W. F. Sager, the committee appointed by the county 
court, last Saturday forwarded to St. Louis Gentry County's last install- 
ment of grasses to be entered in the World's Fair contest. In the con- 
signment sent last Saturday were some as fine grasses as were ever 
gathered in Gentry County, or, probably, in any county in the United 
States. One bunch of red clover, grown by John Dale on Sampson Creek, 
measured 82 inches in length. Two bunches of the bluegrass measured 
67 inches in length — one bunch having been grown by R. T. Canaday 
and the other by Frank Hicks. Frank Seamands entered a bunch of al- 
falfa over 6 feet in height. A bunch of timothy 6 feet 4 inches in height 
was furnished by S. R. Williams and there were several other bunches 
a close second. In addition to the foregoing, there were numerous other 
bunches of grass that spoke eloquently of the richness of Gentry County 
soil, and it was the opinion of all who saw them that this county ought 
certainly to capture some prizes on grasses at the Fair." 

Stanberry Democrat, Oct. 30, 1903: "We are informed that Gentry 
County was "in it" at the Kansas City stock show. C. Folgate won first 
prize with one of his fine Duroc-Jersey hogs. He sold this prize winner 
hog for $300. This was the highest price paid for any hog during the 
show. 

Profit in Cattle — Albany Capital, March 9, 1922 : "J. M. Slagle, 
the Hereford cattle man, was down from the northwest corner of the 
county last Saturday, and called to place advertising of a couple of ani- 
mals he had for sale. Mr. Slagle returned last Thursday from the 
Round-Up sale at'Kansas City, in which sale he marketed two yearling 
Herefords for $570. In the spring of 1917 Mr. Slagle bought a Hereford 
cow from a down-state herd. This cow has since brought him five calves. 
He has sold four of them for $1,260, and still has the cow and one calf 
left. J. M. feels absolutely confident that there is still a good profit in 
the game for the farmers and breeders who raise and feed good live- 
stock, and who pay proper attention to the rotation of crops and the up- 
keep of their farms. The appended complete report of a recent "Pig 
and Calf Show," illustrates present activity. 

Tri-County Calf and Pig Show — Albany Ledger, Sept. 29, 1921: 
"Probably the most interesting community affair ever held in King City, 
was the calf and pig club show of last week. Thirty-one boys and four 
girls brought out 144 pigs and 10 baby beeves. The boys and girls had 
spent almost one year of consistent effort and their labors were amply 
rewarded in the large cash premiums and the satisfaction of having ac- 
complished something worth while. Everyone is interested in the boys 



292 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and girls, and there was intense interest all through the show. Nothing 
has been quite so satisfactory as the club work in this community, and 
it will be continued from year to year. 

The Commercial Club of King City is to be highly commended not 
only for the large amount of cash and the ideal accommodations which 
they so freely gave, but for the personal interest which every business 
man of King City took in the show. 

The quality of the animals shown was so high that although there 
were eleven places in some of the classes, yet many animals worthy of a 
first place in some shows had to go without a ribbon. Carl Gillespie, of 
Albany, and Harry Messick, of Bolckow, did an excellent and satisfac- 
tory job of judging. 

In the class for best boar, Theron Sweat, of McFall, took first on 
probably the most outstanding pig in the show. In the class for the 
best barrow, Cary Berry, of King City, took first on an excellent indi- 
vidual. In the class for best gilt, William Danbury, of King City, took 
first. This was certainly a great class, there being 41 competing. The 
best litter of four pigs was exhibited by Theron Sweat. 

In the baby beef class an excellent array greeted the judges. First 
place went to Lucille Loest, daughter of L. C. Loest, of King City, on pre- 
sumably the best show heifer ever exhibited in Gentry County. Mr. 
Loest is a breeder of excellent Aberdeen-Angus cattle and this heifer, 
while not a pure bred heifer, shows the value of the use of high class 
pure bred sires of the correct type. Miss Loest not only won the $30 
cash prize contributed by the Commercial Club but also $25 in cash and 
a gold wrist watch valued at $25, contributed by the Aberdeen-Angus 
Breeders Association of Chicago, making a total of $80. She will show 
this calf at St. Joseph in the baby beef show October 3, 4, 5, where she 
confidently hopes to take first place. Charlotte Loest's calf was placed 
2nd ; Thelma Cummings', 3rd ; Glenn Boone's, 4th ; Loren Holeman's 
5th; Ralph Justice's 6th; Fred Justice's, 7th; Donald Martin's. 8th; 
George Dierenfeldt's, 9th; Carl Loest's, 10th. All of these calves will 
go to the St. Joseph show next week, also Forest Slagle and Wilma 
Harkrider, north of Alanthus, will send two choice Hereford calves. 
Clayton Saunders, of Albany, will also take one Hereford calf. Five of 
the best calves sent from this county will have all of their expenses paid 
by the Stock Yard Company. And all expense of the boys and girls who 
exhibit the calves will also be paid. 

Many new membei's have already signed up for the work next 
year in the Tri-County club at King City, and there will, without doubt, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 293 

be at least three times as many enrolled for 1922 as we had this year. 
There is no work that is so far-reaching and so satisfactory in everj^ 
way as the boy and girl club work, and Stanberry and Albany and other 
communities in the county should take up this work for next year. 

"L. A. SAUNDERS, County Agricultural Agent." 

Horses — Horse breeding has been an important industry from early 
times. Thirty years ago there were weekly horse sales in the county 
seat, well advertised and attended. The farm type of today is much more 
blocky, and more powerful. The automotive development of the past 
dozen years has not greatly disturbed horse production in the county, 
except to increase the interest in mules. 

The second great farm product of the county is hay and grass, as 
follows; Timothy and clover mixed, 18,000 acres; blue grass, for seed, 
13,000 acres; timothy alone, 6,000 acres; alfalfa, 2,000 acres; clover 
alone, 1,500 acres. The annual production of blue grass seed exceeds 
150 tons. The figures given are official, and accounts for about three- 
fifths of the county acreage. The large balance is in some form of pas- 
ture, and the proceeds appear in stock and dairy income. Given time, 
and almost any of our land will become set with blue grass. Perhaps no 
other natural characteristic is so great an asset. Blue grass is "a thing 
of beauty and a pasture forever," almost. 

The annual wheat crop is nearly a half million bushels. 

Animals not reckoned in above estimates, owned in towns: Horses, 
500; milk cows, 500; young cattle, 500; swine, 1,000. 

Vegetables and fruits imply small acreage. The county's income 
from these sources average a third of a million yearly. 

Gentry county in common with northwest Missouri is very free from 
cattle and horse plagues. While swine are not so exempt, hog cholera 
has never been frequent or malignant. 

In conclusion it may be said that Gentry county has met and en- 
dured the slump of 1920-21 with admirable courage and patience. In 
this time of stress, poultry products and dairy products have saved many 
of our people from hardships and defeat. 

If Gentry Were My Native Land. 

It would induce a steadfast pride. 
And I would never need to hide, 
When those of any country side. 
Were boasting what their own supplied. 
If Gentry were my native land. 



294 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

I might, marooned, be far away. 
Compelled indefinitely to stay, 
Spme elsewhere active part to play, 
Yet would my heart return for aye. 
If Gentry were my native land. 

I would myself discussion raise, 
And Gentry County I would praise. 
And count the gifts she brings and lays 
Before her children, harvest days. 
If Gentry were my native land. 

And I would praise her gallant youth. 
And make it always plain — forsooth 
I was but telling half the truth. 
And call my elsewhere home a — booth. 
If Gentry were my native land. 



CHAPTER XII. 



CIVIL WAR PERIOD 



OPINIONS DIVIDED— POPin.ATION MADE UP OF NORTHERNERS AND SOUTHERNERS- 
DEVELOPMENT RETARDED— FEDERAL CONTROL MAINTAINED. 

The period from 1860 to 1865 in Gentry County deserves histor- 
ical mention in that it greatly affected social relations, and greatly re- 
tarded material development. As has been seen, the earliest settlers 
were largely from Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. They brought 
with them the convictions prevalent in the states from which they 
came. These convictions could not be set aside in a day — at the result 
of a national election. 

Possibly by 1860 an almost equal number from Pennsylvania, Ohio 
and other northern localities had become citizens of the county. 

The result was inevitable. Gentry County in many respects was 
a border county. With two sets of utterly opposed convictions contend- 
ing for supremacy. When the issue was forced upon the people, 
friends were separated, and households sometimes divided. It is far 
from the present purpose to single out any individual — to accuse or to 
justify any action or any policy pursued. It is enough to speak of the 
general effect. A divided people cannot be a happy people, neither 
can they be prosperous and progressive. There was little of the tragic 
and heroic, much that was irksome and disquieting in the continual 
conflict of convictions. Social life and community interests were 
greatly hampered. Agriculture and all industry suffered accordingly. 
Instead of a generous surplus, the county ceased to fully supply its own 
needs for both man and beast. 

The situation was aggravated by several dry, or semi-dry seasons. 
Gentry County citizens sometimes gathered up empty sacks and went 
"a-buying." 

Federal control was maintained without serious opposition and all 
classes welcomed peace when it came. Most of the wounds were 
quickly healed. The scars received less and less notice. In a few years 
a united people were forging ahead. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



RAILROADS AND HIGHWAYS. 



AGITATION FOR RAIIAVAYS BEGINS— FIItST ROAD IN THE COTNTY— THE WABASH- 
LEON, MOl'NT AVER AND SOl'THWESTERN— STATIONS IN THE COrNTY— HIGH- 
WAYS— JEFFERSON HIGHWAY— HARD SURFACE ROADS. 

Agitation for railways began with the first recovery after the Civil 
War. Elections were held and bonds voted. But the earlier projects 
failed and the bonds could not be used. 

The first road into the county was the St. Joseph and Des Moines 
railroad. This line, which is a branch of the Chicago, Burlington and 
Quincy Railroad, was completed from St. Joseph to Albany in Septem- 
ber 1879. The citizens of Gentry County donated, in money and mate- 
rial towards the building of this road through the county, about the sum 
of $20,000.00, and in addition thereto, the depot grounds and right of 
way, the latter costing about $1,000.00. This road was formerly called 
the "Narrow Gauge." 

Council Bluffs and Omaha Division of the Wabash, St. Louis and 
Pacific Railroad, now known as the Wabash Railroad, was completed in 
the fall of 1879, and passes through the county centrally, giving dii'ect 
connections with St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Council Bluffs. 
The land owners along the line of the road donated the right of way, 
excepting a few tracts, which cost the company about $3,000. 

The Leon, Mount Ayr and Southwestern Railroad, which is a branch 
of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, was finished to Al- 
bany in September, 1881. The people of Albany donated the right of 
way from Bethany, Harrison County, Missouri, to Albany, which cost 
them about $8,000.00; they also donated the depot grounds at Albany. 
This road forms a connection at Albany with the St. Joseph and Des 
Moines Railroad, which was purchased of the original owners and build- 
ers, by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company, in the 
latter part of 1880, making a continuous line from St. Joseph to Chicago. 

The St. Joseph and Des Moines Railroad has four depots in the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 297 

county, at the following places: Albany, Darlington, Millen, and King 
City. The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, at McFall, Evona, McCurry 
and Stanberry. 

In 1906-07 the Grant City Chicago, Burlington & Quincy extension 
was built from the north line of the county to Albany Junction, two 
miles southwest of Albany. 

Highways. — Roads and bridges of Gentry County are under town- 
ship supervision, except important river bridges and their approaches, 
which are installed and maintained by the county court. 

The major part of the surface of the county has good natural drain- 
age, which simplifies the building and maintaining of the common 
graded highway. Gentry County has between two or three hundred 
miles of such roads with needed bridges. The county bridges are good 
and well kept and the various townships average well in building and 
maintaining their local bridges. The county has a fairly sufficient sys- 
tem of highway service, well distributed. 

During the hard road agitation of 1919-20, the Jefferson Highway 
was mapped through the county, entering on the south at King City; 
thence north through Stanberry; thence east through Albany; thence 
northeast to the county line. This gave townships the following mile- 
age: Jackson Township, 8.58; Cooper Township, 8.17; Huggins Town- 
ship, 4.35, and Athens Township, 10.46. In support of this project Jack- 
son Township voted $85,000.00 bonds, Cooper, $85,000.00 and Athens, 
$100,000.00. 

The first contract for a completed hard surface road was let Apr. 
11, 1921, to the E. S. Kelley Construction Company of Eureka Springs, 
Ark., for six miles of finished road in Cooper Township for $82,020.00. 

On this project the grading and bridging are complete, and over 
four miles of hard surface have been finished. The material used is 
sand and grit. Jackson Township has completed the grading and bridg- 
ing of the entire 8.58 miles. 

In the early summer of 1921, Athens Township let the contract for 
the completion of that part beginning just north of Albany, east to the 
county line, 6.26 miles. This section has been completed. The material 
used is excellent gravel from local pits; a material that can hardly 
be excelled. It is an admirable mix of 20 to 30 sizes, with proper pro- 
portion of small stuff. Close packing and adhesive under traffic — the 
next thing to cement. While this particular gravel is new to road sen^- 
ice, there is reason to believe that it will not grind into dust to any ex- 
tent, during dry summer heat. 



298 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Long dry spells and windy days are the worst enemies of gravel 
roads. Crude oil is the best protection, but the better the gravel the less 
the crude oil required. In a matter as far reaching as hard surface 
roads, it is natural to hope that first experiments should prove encour- 
aging. Every strip of successful road hastens the building of other 
strips. 

An improved road from the county seat to Evona is under way, 
much of the grading being already complete, and the financing for hard 
surface is up for discussion. 

Land owners are more and more taking the view that money spent 
for good roads is not a tax, but that it is money spent for permanent im- 
improvement. In other words it is an investment. The same is true of 
drainage, and is perhaps more apparent, since worthless land is often 
reclaimed and given a value much beyond the cost of draining. The 
principle is the same; good roads make good land still more valuable. 

Gentry County never had any great proportion of swamp land. 
Nevertheless, a large drainage undertaking is now nearing completion. 
It has to do with straightening the river courses. It begins near the 
north line of the county, and embraces the three forks of Grand River, 
east, middle and west forks and follows the main river as far as Gentry- 
ville in the southeast of the county. The total cost of the improvement 
will be nearly $200,000.00. 

The assessment of benefits is worthy of most careful consideration. 
The benefits of drainage are largely local and direct, while in the mat- 
ter of hard roads, the benefits are both direct and general. The gen- 
eral benefits increase with the number of miles connected. A single 
strip of four miles is scarcely a general benefit, but a well planned sys- 
tem of roads for the whole county will develop a widespread general 
benefit. It will raise the average level of land values in all localities. 
The i-emotest farm in the county will be benefited. Once these princi- 
ples are understood and equitably applied, assessments cease to be a 
bugbear. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



SCHOOLS. 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS— TEACHERS INSTITUTE— HIGHER STANDARDS— HEALTH WORK IN 
SCHOOLS — TEACHERS ASSOCIATION — CONOLIDATION — PALMER COLLEGE — 
NORTHWEST MISSOURI COLLEGE;— CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE. 

Public Schools — The chapter on the public schools of the county 
should prove interesting for the good reason that history is now "a mak- 
ing." 

Earle C. Duncan is county superintendent of public instruction. 
The office became effective in 1909 when George L. Grey became the 
first superintendent. Charles Allen was next in office, followed by Eg- 
bert Jennings, whose term was filled out by his sister. Miss Gretchen 
Jennings, which brings us to 1919 when Mr. Duncan took office. 

By the year 1886, the high school had become pretty well differ- 
entiated from the school of all grades. The annual Teachers' Institute 
of three or four weeks of instruction, lectures or class work, had become 
established. These Institutes closed with two days of examinations. For 
a time attendance was optional, but was later made obligatory upon all 
who wished to teach. This system continued under efficient commission- 
ers until about 1900. The commissioner was chairman of the board of 
examiners, assisted by one appointee of the state, and another of the 
county. 

In 1901 the Teachers' Institute was dropped, and three examining 
periods were set for each year. A variety of conditions were imposed on 
candidates for certificates. In certain branches teachers were allowed 
permanent credits of record, exempting them from further examina- 
tions in these specified lines. Summer schools under state management 
took the place of the county institute, and though attendance was not 
obligatory, the inducement of "approved grades" maintained a good at- 
tendance. 

The office of county superintendent is one of wider responsibility 
than the former office of commissioner. The outgrowth of a general for- 
ward movement which began to manifest itself about 1910. 



300 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

In 1911 and 1912 the general level of teachers' salaries was raised 
about $5.00 a month for each year. More money should mean better 
teachers, and it so proved. In 1911, there were ten teachers with nor- 
mal diploma certificates. In 1921 there were 34 such teachers. During 
this ten-year period the trail of the third grade certificate has been con- 
stantly downward. The trail of "approved schools" during the same 
period started with two for the county, advanced to six in 1917; to 16 
in 1920; to 23 in 1921 and to 31 in 1922. Thus keeping pace with 
teacher qualifications. 

Another chart showing the steady upward trend in instructive ad- 
vancement, shows that in 1911, 35 teachers had had four years high 
chool training: in 1916, 52 teachers; in 1919, 120 teachers. 

The quotation below is from the 1921 Missouri public schools re- 
port. It proves that Gentry County is thoroughly alive : "Several exten- 
sion courses will be held for Gentry County teachers again this year. 
The State Teachers College, Maryville, held two in the county last year. 
We are having some meetings to discuss better methods and I am send- 
ing out some lesson plans. We are also making arrangements with the 
State Teachers' College, Maryville, for a survey of the county. We have 
a bunch of real teachers in the rural schools this year. Eighty of our 
teachers were in summer school last summer." — E. C. Duncan, Supt. 

"Better Schools" in Gentry County, quoted from State Report 1921 ; 
"The Gentry County Plan began at the August meeting, held in Albany, 
Mo., in 1921. The teachers in attendance were asked to write a list 
of improvements worth while and needed in the schools of the county. 
The results of the questionnaire were tabulated and divided into major 
and minor groups, and a plan of approval woi-ked out." The groups as 
tabulated and divided, relate largely to physical conditions, the produc- 
tion of better environment. When a school has attained three of the 
major requirements and two of the minor, the superintendent issues a 
certificate of standing as a "Better School." It has been a decided suc- 
cess. Up to March 25, 1922, sixty schools of the county have won the 
certificate. 

The total expenditures for the county school system in 1910 were 
$67,000.00; in 1913, $75,000.00; in 1916, $115,000.00; in 1921, 
$175,000.00. 

The following from the 1921 state report belongs to Gentry County, 
and is self explanatory. "We have been selected by the Southwest Divi- 
sion of the Red Cross as a demonstration county for health work. Wc 
are furnishing the schools with a project each month. The project for 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 301 

November is to build two pieces of playground equipment. Other pro- 
jects will be posters for the care of the teeth; posters on the school 
lunch; short talks (for oral expression), by the pupils on health play 
and health booklets. The county nurse and the Red Cross secretary are 
assisting in this work. Earle C. Duncan, Sup't. Gentry County." 

During the winter of 1922 a general poster contest was staged in 
Albany, over 300 posters were on the exhibition, representing a multi- 
tude of ideas relating to the individual self-care of the pupil. 

Gentry County people are proud of their schools and wide awake 
to the advantages they offer. The enrollment in the high schools of 
the county jumped this year from 500 to 600, and there are more mem- 
bers of the freshman class this fall than there were eighth grade grad- 
uates this spring. 

The Gentry County Teachers have more than a 100 per cent enroll- 
ment in the Missouri State Teachers Association. There are only 136 
teachers in the county, while there are 151 members of the state assoc- 
iation. The explanation is that a number of students of Palmer College 
have become members of the association and several school board mem- 
bers have also joined. It is the third consecutive year that their enroll- 
ment has been more than 100 per cent. 

The county has 71 rural schools, almost half of which are approved. 
There are seven high schools, at least one of them easily accessible to 
students in every township, except two. 

One of the high schools is a consolidated school, strictly rural, 
which, opened this year with an enrollment of fifty. It is known 
as Consolidated School Number 1. It is almost equidistant from Al- 
bany, King City, Pattonsburg and Maysville, having a rural territory 
with a radius of about 15 miles. The nearest railroad is at McFall, six 
miles away. 

The school is being conducted now in what will later become the 
"teacherage." The patrons have voted bonds and have $20,500 with 
which they will build a modern building on ten acres of Gentr>' County's 
prettiest land. When the building is completed, the teacher will occupy 
the residence where classes are now being held. 

Consolidated District Number 1 is the largest strictly rural high 
school in Northwest Missouri. It now offers a three year course, which 
will be extended next year to four years. It will then be a fully ac- 
credited first class high school. 

When the new building is completed the smaller schools will be 
closed and the pupils there will be transported to the central schools in 



302 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

wagons. Two other schools in the county already transport their pupils. 
Four wagons are used at Darlington and six at McFall. 

McFall also has a consolidated school and is also building a new 
building, which will be completed about Dec. 1st. That the transpor- 
tation of rural pupils is not an excessive burden to the taxpayer was 
demonstrated at this school last year, when the school levy was only 
$1.30, which was lower than the levy of any other first class high school 
in the county. 

That the boys and girls of the farmer are beginning to appreciate 
the opportunity offered them for a high school education is demon- 
strated in the enrollment figures. There were 226 eighth grade grad- 
uates this spring and 227 enrolled as freshmen in the various high 
schools this fall. 

During 1921 two enthusiastic track meets were held. The first 
was at King City, and the second at Albany. The next one is to be held 
at Stanberry. The stimulating effect of these events is already mani- 
fest. Youth is eager for endeavor, and delights in achievement. 

Palmer College. — As one of the early institutions of learning of the 
State of Iowa, what is now Palmer College had its beginning under the 
organization of Revs. Josiah P. Watson and D. M. Lines. The institu- 
tion, first located at LeGrand, Iowa, was granted a charter, in April, 
1865, under the name of The Le Grand Christian Institute, and began 
operating in October of that year. In appreciation of a gift of $30,000, 
from the Hon. F. A. Palmer, of New York, toward the first endowment 
fund started by the college, the institution was renamed Palmer College, 
in 1897. 

In June, 1912, the college was moved to Albany, Mo., and the in- 
terests of Kansas Christian College, of Lincoln, Kan., consolidated with 
it. By conditional donation from the Albany Chamber of Commerce 
the college came into possession of the plant of the former Northwest 
Missouri College. The building was partially remodeled, the campus 
considerably enlarged, a fine girls' dormitory erected and a president's 
home secured, bringing the total value of the plant and its equipment 
up to about $225,000.00. The campus proper, includes 14 acres. The 
institution has dormitory accomodations for 64 students in modernly 
equipped dormitories. The larger number of students either live in the 
community or board in the town. The college is also equipped with 
gymnasium, swimming pool, athletic field and tennis courts. 

During the World War, the faculty and student body were so de- 
pleted by the demands of the country that the work of the institution 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 303 

had to be temporarily suspended. It was reopened in 1919 under the 
presidency of Dr. F. G. Coffin, of Albany, New York. 

The college is under the direction of a Board of 15 trustees, elected 
by the Western Christian Convention and presided over by a faculty of 
18 instructors. In addition to the regular college year, two summer 
schools are maintained. One is a school of religious education for 
which specialized instructors are imported from different sections of 
the country. The other is a summer school for teachers, offering an eight 
week's course of specialized instruction. 

The student enrollment in the various departments, not exclusive 
of duplicates, is 232 (year 1922). This number does not include the 
enrollments of either of the summer schools. 

Courses are offered in collegiate work, academy, domestic science, 
commerce, science, piano, orchestral instruments, voice, expression, an, 
Bible, etc. The courses are coordinated with the University of Missouri 
and all work done in the institution fully accredited by the university. 
Teachers' certificates are granted upon satisfactory completion of 
courses. 

The maintenance of the school is secured through tuition, gifts, and 
endowment. While the trustees are elected by the Western Christian 
Convention, the trritorial official body of the Christian Church (not 
Disciples), the college is non-sectarian. Instructors are employed and 
students admitted without regard to church affiliations. The city of 
Albany cooperates in promoting the interests of the school. 

Northwest Missouri College. — This institution was founded under 
the fostering care of the M. E. Church, South, in 1891. 

It was made possible through the benevolence and enterprise of 
Albany's leading citizens, who provided a splendid campus of nine 
acres, and secured subscriptions up to ten thousand dollars for immedi- 
ate construction. 

Within two years under Prof. W. H. Pritchett, Northwest Missouri 
College was successfully launched. Its aims were of the best. The 
instruction given, and the care devoted to the welfare of students were 
always high type work, and for years, the generation of that period 
availed itself of the splendid privileges thus provided. 

The college continued with varying activity until 1909, and was 
much appreciated. 

Early in its experience it became evident that there must be a very 
substantial guarantee committee. At first the guarantors were numer- 
ous and the burden grew and the committee diminished. It was finallv 



304 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

proven that Northwest Missouri College could no longer continue. The 
guarantee committee paid interest and other expenses necessary to 
keep the debt afloat out of their own funds. 

By reason of removals and for other good reasons the responsible 
members became fewer. From 1909 onward it was a question what to 
do with the property and how to meet the debt. Several propositions 
came up to turn the property to other uses and salvage what was pos- 
sible. Some took the position that the property represented large origi- 
nal donations that were given for education, and therefore the property 
should be held for that purpose. It was a continual personal expense to 
these few, but they paid and held on. 

There was rejoicing when in 1912 their persistence was rewarded 
and they were able to turn over sufficient property to induce and justify 
the opening of Palmer College. 

Central Christian College — Central Christian College was the out- 
growth of a liberal offer from three citizens of Albany. Dr. G. W. 
Stapleton, Dr. M. M. Campbell, and T. N. Rigney, to the educational 
hopes of the Christian Church. For college purposes, they offered 
to donate a tract of land situated in the South of Albany at the terminus 
of Park Street, and also a one-fifth interest in 100 acres lying adjoining 
the original plat of the city and nearly surrounding the college site. 

This generous gift was gratefully accepted by the representatives 
of the church in convention assembled, and a committee at once 
appointed to collect necessary funds for the building. The citizens of 
Albany made liberal donations, thus making it possible to incorporate 
and begin preparations for building. 

Central Christian College was incorporated in April, 1892, and 
the contract for the building was given to Hawk Brothers of Albany. 
The brick work was done by Meek Bricklaying and Contract Company 
of Chillicothe, Mo. 

On Aug. 10, 1892, the cornerstone was laid with impressive cere- 
monies, conducted by F. V. Loos of Liberty, Mo., assisted by J. A. Will- 
iams of King City, Mo., and other leading ministers. In November of 
the same year the College was opened and on January 8, 1893 the build- 
ing was dedicated to the cause of Christian education. The first presi- 
dent was Prof. E. J. Gantz, and during the first year 169 students were 
enrolled in the collegiate and normal departments. 

During the ten years' existence of the college, scores of educated 
young men and young women went forth from its doors better fitted to 




PALMER COLLEGE, ALBANY 




\1K\\ I ROM .sol 111 MlJl. ol I vl.K. > 1 AM'.ICRRV 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 305 

take up life's duties. Thus is a measure were repaid those who contributed 
largely to its support. 

In 1903 the building was purchased by the city and converted into 
a ward school, and now it is also used by students in the vocational agri- 
cultural and home economics classes of the high school. 



CHAPTER XV. 



LODGES, SOCIETIES AND CLUBS. 



MASONIC LODGES— THE EASTERN STAR— INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS- 
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION— CIVIC CLUB— LADIES LITERARY 
CLUB— DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— P. E. O.— CHAMBER OF 
COMMERCE. 

Masonic Lodges. — Many changes have occurred during forty years. 
Better roads and auto cars have had much to do in the change of social 
centers, small communities are no longer isolated. New and more con- 
venient groupings come about by natural selection. The fact of wor- 
thy note is this: The fraternal spirit is continuous, a constant element 
in civilization, an evidence of life and vigor and an indication of true 
prosperity. 

The Masonic order was first in point of time, dating back to early 
pioneer days. It led the way, and has grown as the population has in- 
creased. Its history is well known, its position established. 

The Masonic fraternity, with eight lodges and over 600 members in 
the county, has from the beginning held a well defined place in the 
social and intellectual growth of Gentry County citizenship. 

Since 1849 when Gentryville Lodge No. 125 was organized, many 
efforts at different points have been put forth, all of them serving a good 
purpose, but not all of them permanent. 

The present lodges are as follows: Athens No. 127, 147 members, 
Albany; Alanthus No. 252, 45 members, Wilson Township; Jacoby No. 
447, 47 members, Darlington; Berlin No. 378, 48 members. Miller Town- 
ship; Ancient Craft No. 377, 106 members. King City; Havana No. 21, 
31 members, McFall; Gentryville No. 125, 51 members, Gentryville; 
Stanberry No. 109, 180 members, Stanberry. 

The Eastern Star. — The Order has five flourishing chapters in Gen- 
try County. At Gentryville, Stanberry, King City, Darlington, and at 
Albany. 

The Albany chapter now has 182 members. Officers as follows: 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 307 

W. P., Mr. Allen Bare; W. M., Mrs. Pearl Barger; A. M., Mrs. Slate 
Bassler; Sec'y-. Mrs. Pearl Bare. 

Albany Chapter, Order or the Eastern Star, was organized and re- 
ceived charter dated Aug. 11, 1875, and in which was named as officers, 
Henrietta Daniels, Worthy Matron ; John T. Daniels, Worthy Patron ; 
and Sarah Jane McCammon, Associate Matron. The charter list shows 
at organization the names of 20 sisters and 25 brothers, who after a time 
failed to meet and charter surrendered. 

The Order of the Eastern Star was again organized at Albany, with 
charter dated April 30, 1894, as Esther Chapter, No. 13, O. E. S., and 
naming in the charter as officers: Mrs. Sarah E. Eader, W. M.; Joshua 
B. Thomas, W. P.; Miss Bash McCammon, A. M., and the following 
named were selected to complete the organization as follows, to-wit: 
Alice Larkin, Cond. ; Lillian Lainhart, A. Cond. ; Mary McCammon, Sec. ; 
Etha Reid, Treas. ; Lou E. Clark, Adah ; Emma Roberts, Ruth ; Gail Sulli- 
van, Esther; Sallie Cassity, Martha; Lillie E. Case, Electa; Matilda Luns- 
ford. Warder; and had a membership of 14 sisters and 14 brothers, a 
total of 28. 

The following have been duly elected and served as presiding of- 
ficers: 

1895 — Miss Bash McCammon, W. M.; Joshua B. Thomas, W. P. 

1896 — Mrs. Alice Larkin, W. M. ; Chas. V. Larmer, W. P. 

1897— Mrs. Lou E. Clark, W. M.; J. E. Sims, W. P. 

1898 — Mrs. Lillian Lainhart, W. M.; Sam W. Clark, W. P. 

1899 — Mrs. Kate Larmer, W. M.; F. P. Marsteller, W. P. 

1900— Mrs. Emma Roberts, W. M.; Wm. T. Lunsford, W. P. 

1901 — Mrs. Joie Thomas, W. M. ; Geo. A. Howell, W. P. 

1902 — The present officers are: Mrs. Lou Moore, W. M.; Miss Be- 
atrice Thomas, A. M.; Marvin O. Mothersead, W. P. 

The chapter now has a membership of 71 sisters and brothers and 
is in a flourishing condition socially and financially and has ever been 
noted for its charity. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — Next in order of time came 
the L O. O. F. fraternity — an average of 10 years later, meeting* the 
same needs, having the same general purpose, and affording optional 
affiliations to the individual. Thus inducing a spirit of friendly rivalry 
to the benefit of all concerned. 

The Odd Fellows are now prosperously organized in the following 
centers: Albany, Stanberry, King City, McFall, Darlington, Lsland City. 

The Rebekahs, Auxiliary, have lodges at Albany, Stanberry, King 
City and McFall. 



308 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Women's Christian Temperance Union. — While the earliest facts 
are not available, the W. C. T. U. is known to have been well organized 
and in active work in Gentry County as early as 1890. It is the nature of 
such work that its activity should vary as demands for special efforts 
and opportunities presented themselves. 

However, the ladies of Gentry County have proven their persever- 
ance and versatility. When blocked from direct temperance work, they 
took up cognate work, such as "Child Welfare," "Women in Industry," 
"Sabbath Observance," "Health and Morality," and "Scientific Tem- 
perance Instruction," thus helping always to create that nation wide 
public sentiment which finally resulted in prohibition. 

It is interesting to note that the W. C. T. U. ladies were making 
comfort bags for the sailors of our own navy long before the World 
War, popularized such work. 

From 1904 and onward, the whole county quickly became organ- 
ized and an ever increasing activity has been manifested. 

The World War brought prohibition and for a time merged the 
work of the W. C. T. U. in the general struggle. But "Those Women" 
did not quit. The enforcement of law is as important as getting the 
law. Education must be maintained. Child welfare, health and moral- 
ity, still invite the attention and reward the efforts of this great society. 
In reviewing thirty years of work in Gentry County, one feels it has 
been worth while to have counted one in the ranks of such a union. 

The appended clipping discloses present activity. 

Gentry County has not, throughout its history, been a greatly saloon 
ridden county. And yet temperance has always been a vital issue. The 
W. C. T. U. has ever been fighting, or rallying for the next conflict. The 
organization has been noted for three things: 

First, giving aid and comfort in every local option or special cam- 
paign. 

Second, keeping the educational features of temperance at the 
front. 

Third, giving cordial assistance to any and all civic efforts in the 
interests of community welfare. 

It is now vigorously active — striving to make national prohibition 
effective and permanent. 

The Civic Club of Albany. — As it is generally known, the Civic 
Club is an organization to work for the improvement of the town, in any 
way it can help. It is composed of women who are interested in the wel- 
fare of Albany and who are willing to give of their time and energy 
in accomplishing things. The club has a creditable membership but the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 309 

officers are anxious to enlist the co-operation of all women. The club 
has recently been made a member of the State Federation pf Women's 
clubs. The members have made a slogan, "Keep-a-Goin' " for the com- 
ing year. 

Among some of the accomplishments of the club might be men- 
tioned the following: They have looked after several classes of charity, 
have sent flowers and other things to the sick and shut-ins; gave gold 
medal to girl winner in athletics last spring; erected and kept in condi- 
tion flower boxes at court house and planted flower beds in court house 
yard ; erected big signs advertising "Albany — Home of Palmer College," 
furnished rest and lunch rooms for women ; brought some fine iron seats 
for the court house yard; helped in general clean-up days; served two 
dinners for community meet at Palmer college work day, sent two dona- 
tions to Near East Relief fund. Other things might be mentioned. 

The following are the present officers of the civic club: president, 
Mrs. D. O. Kent; 1st vice-president, Mrs. J. N. Barger; 2nd vice-presi- 
dent, Mrs. Gus Stevens; recording sec'y-, Mrs. C. E. Ernst; correspond- 
ing sec'y-. Mrs. J. H. Degginger; treasurer, Mrs. E. A. Kent. 

The Ladies Literary Club. — The Ladies Literary Club, formerly 
called the "Married Ladies Tea Club" was organized in October 1892, 
with the following named ladies as charter members: Mrs. J. W. Whit- 
ten, Mrs. T. H. Lainhart, Mrs. Carrie Cranor, Mrs. R. S. Floyd, Mrs. Ma- 
mie Hubbard, Mrs. Ida Wood Stevens, Mrs. C. V. Larmer, Mrs. Flora 
Humphrey, Mrs. Dora Crockett, Mrs. J. H. Markley, Mrs. Mary J. Doyle. 

Its objtct is the cultivation of intellectual, artistic and social life of 
its members and to promote public welfare. 

In 1902, the club joined the Federation of Women's Clubs. 

This club has been interested in philanthropy, and in the advance- 
ment of higher education. Prizes for essays on specified subjects have 
been awarded to students. Child welfare and health reforms have also 
been promoted. 

The Ladies' Literary Club was largely instrumental in securing the 
Carnegie Library for Albany. Besides procuring some books, the pic- 
tures and other works of art were placed in the library building by ladies 
of the Literary Club. 

The present officers are: Miss Elma Hendley, president; Mrs. Lon 
E. Clark, secretary; Miss Emily Stapleton, corresponding secretary; 
Mrs. Nannie Mothersead, treasurer. 

Virginia Daughters Chapter D. A. R. — This organization, as is well 
known, is devoted to patriotic and historical purposes. The Albany 



310 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

chapter was founded in December 1912, receiving from the national so- 
ciety the number 1193. 

The revolutionary ancestors of the charter members of this chap- 
ter were, with but few exceptions, residents of Virginia. Therefore, 
"Virginia Daughters" was adopted as the chapter name. The following 
is a list of the charter members: Mrs. Anna Bell Stapleton; Mrs. Mary 
J. Doyle; Mrs. Jno. E. O'Hara; Mrs. Leora Peery; Mrs. Luella Graham; 
Mrs. Celesti Smith; Mrs. David Ella Patton; Mrs. Norcissa Dawson Wil- 
hite, deceased; Mrs. Kate Dawson Hotaling; Mrs. Leona S. Austin; Mrs. 
Grace P. Forbis ; Mrs. Narcissa Holdin ; Mrs. Winifred Doyle Adams, 
deceased; Mrs. Neva Green Etter; Miss Nancy E. Peerj-; Miss Elma 
Hundley; Miss Geneva E. Peery; Miss Lulu Hundley; Miss Lucy L. 
Peery; Miss Ada Bell Stapleton; Miss Sara Emily Stapleton; Miss Mary 
McCammon; Miss Louise Trent Peery; Miss Margaret Anne Stapleton. 

During the World War, Virginia Daughters were zealous in all 
the special activities known as "United War Works." The chapter gave 
efficient, untiring managers to several county departments. One thou- 
sand dollars was given to Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. work. A French 
orphan was adopted and contributions were given for the restoration 
of Tiltoloy, a French village and contributions made to the $100,000.00 
3rd Liberty Loan subscribed by the national society. 

Also individual members bought $25,000.00 Liberty bonds, and 
adopted three French orphans. 

The service flag of the Virginia Daughters contains nine stars of 
blue, and one of gold, the latter in memory of Lieut. Geo. Donald 
Holden who was fatally wounded in battle. 

P. E. O. — The P. E. O. Sisterhood was organized in 1869 by seven 
college girls. It is national in its scope and has ever stood for progress, 
education and opportunity. As a culture society, it embraces self-im- 
provement in various forms. 

Chapter P. Stanberry, Mo., organized Jan. 24, 1901, was the first 
P. E. O. Society in Gentry County and during the years since then the 
society has been a source of inspiration to its members. 

Chapter A. N., Albany, was organized in November, 1905. Charter 
members were Mesdames G. W. Doyle, J. W. Peery, Wm. O'Hara, 
R. L. Whaley, T. H. Hunt, T. S. Bishop, W. P. Stapleton, W. C. Hol- 
man, W. M. Wilson, Misses Nannie Peery, Flora McCammon, Ada 
Stapleton, Mary McCammon and M. V. Stewart. 

Christian education is one of the cardinal principles of the P. E. O. 
Sisterhood and the chapters of Gentry County have given largely to an 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 311 

Educational Fund of the society and chapter, and has contributed to the 
fund for the equipment of Palmer College. 

During the World War the ladies of the P. E. O. joined with the 
Red Cross and other organizations in the different lines of war work. 

Chapter D. E., King City, was organized May 29, 1919, with 13 
charter members. Political honors have been bestowed upon two mem- 
bers. Mrs. Anna S. McKnight is chairman of the Women's State Demo- 
cratic Committee and Mrs. Ida B. Parsons is a member of the State 
Executive Committee. Mrs. Mary E. Stringfield a charter member of 
chapter A Unionville, the first P. E. O. chapter organized in the state 
is now a member of chapter D. E. King City. 

Albany Chamber of Commerce. — The Albany Chamber of Com- 
merce was organized Feb. 8, 1921, with a membership (original) of 
thirty-five progressive and representative business men. In a rather 
intensive campaign a few weeks later the membership was increased to 
82 members, and later additions swelled the number to over a hundred. 

In the year 1921 there were really no things of great magnitude 
accomplished. However several projects were put over that were of 
some consequence. Among those things that tended to help Albany and 
the community and make it a better place in which to live were : A cash 
donation was made to Palmer College to the amount of $2,000; an ath- 
letic field which cost approximately $800 was completed ; a temporary 
sidewalk from the D. D. Kingsborough property west to Clark Street 
on the way to the Burlington Station was completed ; in the annual Clean- 
up Day the Chamber of Commerce worked in co-ordination with the 
Civic Club to make that worth-while project a success; eight of the lead- 
ing roads out of Albany were marked within a radius of ten miles; sev- 
eral large signs were put up on the main highways advertising "Albany 
— The Home of Palmer College" ; a tourist camp ground, with all con- 
veniences for mortorists passing through our city, was located on the 
South school campus ; a movement for the re-opening of the Wabash Sta- 
tion at Evona was agitated by the Chamber of Commerce; we helped 
Palmer College provide for their guests at commencement time and the 
ten-day School of Religious Education; we worked in conjunction with 
the high school in promoting good sportsmanship in athletics by giving 
several gold medals to the high-point winners in track meets last spring; 
the organization made up about a thousand dollars for the maintenance 
of the best band in this section of the state ; rooms and enertainment were 
provided for the boys and girls from other towns who entered the song 
and declamatory contests held in the Palmer College Auditorium last 



312 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

spring ; three most successful Community Days for the grading and finish- 
ing of the College Athletic Field were held ; cash prizes in the Junior 
Red Cross were offered by the Chamber; a committee was sent to Jeffer- 
son City recently to look into the matter of rock roads for Gentry County. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



WORLD WAR. 



GENTRY COUNTY RESPONDS— TWENTY-NINE GOLD STARS—A LIST OF EX-SERVICE 
MEN FROM GENTRY COt'NTY— NECROLOGY— RED CROSS AND OTHER ORGANI- 
ZATIONS— BOND SALES. 

Gentry County furnished nearly 700 men for military service in the 
World War. Of this number fully one-third volunteered before the se- 
lective draft became effective. 

This spontaneous offering for foreign service was due in part to the 
earnest, inspiring words of President Wilson, but perhaps for the greater 
part to the innate sense of right a'nd justice which is the inestimable pos- 
session of our citizenship. It was due also, in lesser part, to reaction 
from the intense German propaganda. American youth despise the 
sneak. 

During the years of the war before the entrance of America, Ger- 
man methods had become known and despised by all nations. In our 
nation where general information is so widely distributed, the impulse 
to fight is not born of prejudice or of blind hate. It springs from knowl- 
edge — from a settled conviction that the fighting ought to be under- 
taken and produces an intense determination that it shall be fought 
through to final victory. 

It was this intelligence, this conviction and this determination that 
made the A. E. F. the swiftest and deadliest fighting engine ever as- 
sembled. The highly trained, but less intelligent German masses crum- 
bled before it. 

Gentry County had her part. Of the millions engaged, the average 
death rate was two per cent, but Gentry County has four gold stars to 
the hundred. 

The roster of our soldiers is practically complete, as nearly so as it 
can be given. Likewise the tribute to each of the 29 who gave "the last 
full measure of devotion" is as nearly accurate as painstaking care can 
make it. 



314 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



A permanent and appropriate monument is projected to preserve 
their hallowed memory. 

The following is a list of ex-service men from Gentry County: 



Courtney Alexander 
Jasper Adams 
John A. Atkins 
Harry L. Adams 
Jos. Thos. Arnold 
Leslie V. Allen 
Clarence W. Adams 
Lena Chas. Allenbrand 
Thurman Allen 
Joseph Archer 
Chas. V. Adams 
Emert Akes 
Elbert Adams 
Wm. E.Arnold 
Wm.L. Asher 
Harry Armstrong 
Oscar D. Adams 
Ed.CarlAllis 
Roscoe Akes 
Thos. Alsburry 
Clinton Allen 
Olizie Anderson 

GoldaA.Burk 

Leo Ballard 

CleoA.Baldock 

Orville Baxter 

Jas. Harold Besinger 

Chas.H.Bechtel 

Wm. Boley 

Jas. Walter Boner 

LeroyC.Bush 

Leonard Burton 

Marion E. Brant 

Andra Black 

RollieBoulting 

Jennings B. Botts 

Arthur C. Bull 



Amos S. Burton 
Eli V.Baxter 
JohnE. Bounds 
Wm. Edwin Boatright 
Elmo B. Baird 
Samuel Brock 
Orva Ray Barns 
Geo.L.Babb 
Fred Berry 
VenaR. Birbeck 
Wm. Clifford Berry 
Bryant Boulting 
Jas. C. Bunnell 
Herbert A. Brown 
James B. Burroughs 
Graven Bratcher 
Thos. H. Butt 
Harley Goss Beets 
Arthur Eberts Baber 
Floyd Bagnell 
Sam. W.Baxter 
Geo. D. Bowman 
John H. Bremer 
A.S.Bliesh 
Joe Baird 
Thos. A. Burton 
Chas. C. Bishop 
Henry W. Beachler 
Robert O. Brewer, 
Jas. Doak Berry 
Guy Baker 
Chas. M. Bulla 
P. S. W. Burgin 
Dale Brown 
Cleo Barber 
Clyde Black 
Bert. S. Barber 
Arch Burkhart 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



315 



Henry Bell 
Jasper Bryant 
Jas. C. Batson 
Robt. Birbeck 
H. Victor Berry 
G. Cleo Bowser 
Ward Boston 
Chester Burks 
Lloyd Britten 
Walter Bottorf 
Chas. E. Bentely 
Wm. Lewis Bare 

Wm. Whitton Crockett 
John Childers, Jr. 
Ray N. Canaday 
Orval Cooper 
Elza Collier 
Theo. Caster 
Oscar E. Cook 
Jas. E. Caster 
Fred Chalders 
Lloyd Cook 
Jos. M. Crouse 
Leslie Caster 
Claude Carter 
Hubbard Cotton 
Floyd Campbell 
Jack Childers 
Wm. E. Colville 
Russell Jay Cameron 
Geo. Chowning 
Jas. Jefferson Clark 
Ira Walter Cook 
Wm. K. Callow 
Otho A. Crawford 
Owen Cousins 
Crawford Curtis 
Jas. M. Chittim 
Dewitt Campbell 
Roy Chapman 



Chas. Campbell 
Leonard Cookley 
Herschel Cooper 
Weedson Canaday 
W. H. Carter 
Paul Consoliver 
Clyde Chadwick 
Homer Cure 
Oliver Crockett 
Harold E. Conrad 
Homer Cure 
Chas. A. Cobb 
David D. Cranor 
John D. Cottrill 
Lewis Chittim 
Dan Consoliver 
Lloyd Cox 
C. L. Cummins 
Albert L. Christian 
John H. Carpenter 
John M. Chittim 

Orin Denny 

Geo. R. Dye 

Olizie E. David 

Gibbon Durbin 

Carl E. Davis 

Sam. B. Dresback 

O. Burl Duckworth 

Ed. B. Derks 

Roy R. Dunshee 

J. H. Degginger 

Roy Duncan 

Jesse Waynd David 

Roy David 

John Dowie 

Benj. E. Despain 

John S. Dills 

Tracy E. Dale 

Wm. Callie Davidison 

Volley Dorsey 



316 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Earle Duncan 
Ottis T. Dills 
Jno. Elvis Dalbey 
Jno. R. Doyle 
Wilbur F. Duncan 
George Duckworth 
Luther DeMoss 
H. G. Dakan 
H. Cliff Doolin 
Chas. Geo. Davis 
Frank M. David 

Paul England 
Floyd Evans 
Cleo Evans 
Harry T. Elder 
Emmett Evans 
Delno Eslinger 
Tony T. Elliot 
Ross W. Edmondson 
Thos. Ora Eads 
Jas. C. Edmonds 
Clem Evans 
Leslie Elam 
Frederick Elder 
Lee Etter 
Morris D. Elder 
Paul Elder 
Paul Evans 

Thos. B. Freed 
Olen Frizzell 
Jos. E. Farthing 
Clarence Frederick 
Sam F. Fountain 
Levi Fisher 
Geo. Fite 
Cleo J. Flowers 
Clyde C. Fore 
Claude Frans 
J. P. Ferguson 



Melvin Floyd 
Otta S. Farthing 
Van J. Faden 
Wm. Tell Freed 
Geo. Ferrell 
Roy Funderburk 
Oda B. Fuller 
Shawnon Fore 

Harry Gordon 
Homer Gillespie 
Frank Gordon 
Ed. C. Griffith 
Henry Gall 
Glenn Gilleland 
Solon Groom 
Harvey Gillet 
Jesse Good 
Wade Good 
Paul Gibbany 
A. M. Gannaway 
Morris Green 
Orval Green 
Wm. E. Gladstone 
Leslie Gray 
Howard Gill 
Jos. C. Gilbert 
Norwood Giles 
Rusell Gill 
Elmer Gage 
Walter Griffey 
Lee Gilbert 
Roy E. Good 
Chas. F. George 
Lee M. Graham 
Albert Garmon 
Jesse O. Grace 
Claud Green 
Roy Good 
Albert Guerin 
Geo. Gall 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



317 



Dale Gray 
Geo. Golder 
Fielding Graham 
Jas. Thos. Gillespie 
Jesse E. Grace 
Jno. Guy Gibson 
Lester C. Gartin 
Robt. E. Giles 
Allen Goodman 
Ivil Giles 
Clyde D. Green 
James Gregory 
Cleo Gregg 
Geo. J. Gladeston 
Geo. Griffey 
Huse Glasco 
John L. Grantham 
Robt. L. Grantham 
Paul Gregory 

B. Hyten 
Orval Hall 
Y. W. Harrod 
Phillip Henderson 
Mark A. Hopkins 
Leonard Harrod 
David E. Harden 
Donald Holden 
Wm. Guy Harden 
Oliver Hutchcraft 
Clarence Hughs 
Clinton Houstin 
Daniel Haack 
Pearl Hawthorne 
Bert W. Hill 
Roy L. Hall 
Wm. Hanley 
Edgar M.Hall 
W. W. Heckinlively 
Paul Harvey 
Geo. W. Hall 



E. R. Hardwick 
Jno. Howery 
Geo. B. Hartman 
C. F. Heintz 
C. S. Hopper 
Thos. J. Handly 
G. F. Heckinlively 
Leo Moots Henderson 
Claude Hazelwood 
Walter H. Hyatt 
Jno. E. Higginbotham 
Earl Hathavi'ay 
Wm. F. Heaton 
Frank Hamilton 

C. L Hay 
Luther Hager 
Thos. C. Holden 
Ed. W. Henderson 
Verno Casper Humphery 
Ray Hartman 

Hugh Hinore 
Geo. F. Howell 
Chas. M. Hulet 
Ernest Hardin 
Chas. L. Hulet 
J. M. Harden 
Lester Lee-Hawthorne 
Roy S. Hinkley 
Wm.E. Hulet 
A. Newton Hull 

Hobart Ireland 

Clyde Jongon 
Clifford E. Jones 
Clifford Jones 

D. F. Jameson 
Roy Jennings 
C. H. Jenkins 
J. A. Johnson 
H. B. Justice 



318 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



A. F. James 

F. H. Jameson 
Fred James 
Fred Jameson 
S. E. Johnson 
Glenn Jolly 

Roy Newton Jolly 
Stephen Jones 
William Jones 
Clyde Jonagon 
Jas. E. Jennings 
Del Jenkins 

James S. Knisley 
Bryon Knisley 
Fred E. Kemp 
Harry Kelley 
Eldon Kingsborough 
Clyde Kinman 
Geo. Kingsborough 
Ferris Keyes 
Wm. F. Kier 

G. B. Kosman 
Roy J. Kirk 
Robert Kier 
Owen Kurtright 
Walter L. Kier 
Benj. Kyger 
Fitzburgh Kerfoot 

B. Joe. Kelly 
Henry Kirk 

Ray B. Lykins 
Harry S. Lupfer 
Lykins Elmer 
Ralph Leonard 
L. E. Lewis 
Fi-ed Lynch 
Wm. R. Lovall 
A. G. Lewis 
T. Earl Longstreth 



J. F. Lajoie 

Milton Levy 

Emery Lykins 

Paul Liggett 

Lowell Lawrence Livergood 

Delno Lawter 

Forrest Larmer 

Leon Lane 

A. M. Leonard 

Sam. E. Logsdon 

W. J. Lainhart 

Reece Liggett 

Albert Lynch 

Robt. E. Lee 

Hallie Leith 

Chas. O. Lane 

Elmer Lane 

Wm. C. Lane 

James Lemaster 

Chas. A. Lindley 

Sam. M. Levy 

Chas. L. Lawrence 

Harold Lamb 

Edward Lindsay 

Jacob Miller 
Geo. Murray 
Porter Mothersead 
Jno. Milstead 
C. R. Miller 
Benj. Martin 
G. A. Manring 
E. H. Morrison 
L. E. Miles 
Jas. R. Mullholland 
J. W. Mendenhall 
A. Madera 
W. E. Mitchell 
Robt. H. Malson 
Robt. B. Martin 
Fred L. Miller 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



319 



Merritt Miller 
C. R. Miller 
Jno. W. Matney 
Otsa Misemer 
L. S. Myers 
Alva Martin 
Jno. Miller 
J. D. Miller 
W. R. Millan 
Robt. Miller 
Herschel G. Myrick 
Arch J. Murphy 
Roy E. Malson 
Wade Moody 
Jay Walter Malson 
Wm. O. Myers 
Leon Mayer 
Carl V. Miles 
Fred Meyers 
Ray E. Murphy 
Raymond Malson 
Alva Moberly 
Raymond Martin 
Evert G. Morrison 
Adolph Mayer 
Ray S. Moran 
Malcolm Moody 

Otto McDaniel 
Chas. McCarty 
Wm. H. McCarty 
Chas. R. McCarty 
Melvin McGinley 
Rob't McVey 
Reuben McCampbell 
Emery McCampbell 
Chas. McConkey 
Clyde McMillen 
Sam McDowell 
Alfred McVay 
Wm. Glenn McQuire 



W. E. McCampbell 
Jas. Edgar McCary 
Earl McNesse 
Clifford McElvain 
Ray McQuire 
Chas. R. McDaniel 
Jas. McConkey 

Buford Newman 
H. E. Newcomer 
Walter Neidig 
Orville F. Norton 
Roy Noonan 
Charles Newell 
Chas. E. Needles 
Geo. Norris 
Ed. G. Neal 
Emmett Roy Noble 
Jno. Newman 

Wm. O'Neal 
Jos. Oshel 
Jno. P. Osborn 
Walter E. Osborn 
Jno. Joseph O'Malley 
Gartha R. Osborn 
O. A. O'Bannion 

Erna G. Peery 
Jno. Jopplewell 
Benj. Prior 
O. C. Parker 
Otto Patterson 
Clarence Poe 
Thos. Patton 
John M. Pennebaker 
Orville S. Parman 
Rufus Peery 
Herschel Price 
Roy E. Peasley 
Bud O. Phinney 



320 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Marvin Price 
Wm. Pittsenbarger 
James L. Pierce 
James Park 
Jas. Harvy Pence 
Jno. Piper 
Jas. Pierce 
Wm. Patee 
Benj. L. Peery 
Walter Patton 
Willard Persinger 
Virgil Patton 
Lorin W. Price 
Kern C. Pike 
James Mike Price 
Estell Pulisfer 
Lloyd Patton 
Clarence Peery 
Thos. Peery 
Homer Phillipps 

Jno. F. Quigley 
Edgar F, Quigley 
Walter Quigley 

F. S. Rodgers 
V. C. Rogers 
T. W. Rigney 
Wm. Robinson 
T. Rainey 
H. L. Ross 
Jno. A. Rigney 
Wayne Rainey 
Or\alle N. Rust 
Melvin Ruch 
Homer Robertson 
V. H. Rigney 
Homer Rouse 
James Rader 
Lewis F. Ray 
Oscar F. Riley 



Cecil Rice 

Wm. E. Ripley 

Silvan Reed 

Woodson Rhodes 

Orville Ragland 

F. Rowlett 

O. Royston 

Chas. Runyan 

W. H. Royston 

Grant Ross 

Herbert Dwithe Reams 

Brady Ross 

Clifford Rucker 

D. W. Ragland 

J. E. Rucker 

Shelton L. Rose 

Norest Riley 

Roscoe Rice 

Thos. Robison 

Henry Ross 

Marion C. Roark 

Clifford Ross 

Sheldon Rose 

Graver C. Rogers 

W. R. Rudkin 

Roy M. Riche 

L. Marion Rose 

H. Royston 

Cecil Royston 

L Robertson 

Clif. Rucker 

Myron Rybolt 

Ollie Redmond 

Jerry Royston 

Jas. Caster 

Harvey Romesburg 

L. P. Richmond 

R. F. Runyan 

R. B. Scott 
Paul Stokes 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



J21 



Leonard Stam 
Jas. Lowery Smith 
Jno. R. Smith 
Wm. L. Stokes 
Chas. G. Sharp 
Harry Sampson 
Wm. G. Stevenson 
Lloyd Marion Summa 
Evert Salsman 
Geo. V. Smith 
Orvey Smith 
Fred C. Sharp 
Chas. E. Stam 
W. Stephenson 
J. L. Scarborough 
Olin Steiman 
A. R. Sill 
L. S. Storer 
G. S. Shanabarger 
R. M. Sinks 
G. A. Sealey 
A. C. Stegman 
Altice Searcy 
Curtis Shelby 
Russell H. Stegman 
W. M. Smith 
Jas. V. Seals 
A. K. Smith. Jr. 
G. V. Smith 
Lester H. Smith 
Geo. Spiking 
Clyde E. Shearer 
Jas. W. Stephens 
Reece Homer Smith 
Boyd Smith 
Wm. Lloyd Smith 
Lee Smith 
Raymond Sager 
Homer Ray Summa 
Walter K. Smith 
Charles A. Shrike 



Jack Stapleton 
Guy O. Smith 
Gartha E. Smith 
Sanford G. Shilder 
John B. Scott 
R. L Sharp 
Wm. H. Siddens 
Orby Searcy 
W. B. Sampson 
Fielding Stapleton 
Albert. Steinman 

L. E. Turner 
Luther Taylor 
Wm. H. Terry 
E. L. Toombs 
C. L. Turner 
Jno. G. Twist 
Bessell H. Trailkill 
Benj. R. Treasure 
Jno. C. Townsend 
Arthur Tibbetts 
Newton Rolla Tunks 
Wm. M. Todd 
Claude Tennant 
Claude Tunnell 
Arelious Taff 
P. E. Turner 
John Tatum 
E. Lee Tipton 
Chas. B. Tresaure 
Cecil P. Townsend 
Ray Trapp 
Wm. Thompson 
Ira 0. Taylor 

John F. Uhlig 

Geo. Vaughn 
Arlis B. Vogt 
Carl Vanhoozier 



322 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 



Frank D. Veal 

Frank Woods 
Fred Willett 
Jasper Weese 
William Willis 
Harry Whitmore 
Wm. R. Williams 
Andrew Weese 
Belden Wilson 
W. C. Wright 
Leander Weese 
Barney Weese 
Manuel Wheeler 
Chas. A. Waldo 
A. K. Wilson 
Or\'ille Wright 
S. Jno. Wagers 
Paul B. Wilson 
Gordon A. Ward 
Max W. Williams 
Ernest R. Walker 
Glenn D. Washburn 
Earl Walker 
Enisley J. Wyatt 
Garvin Whitley 
Ottie Wall 
Ralph Weaver 
Arthur Ward 

Thie following is a list of 
service during the World War 
Elbert Lewis Adams 
Harwood Canaday 
Jesse Wayne David 
Ray David (Nodaway Co 
Frank Wilbur Duncan 
Roy P. Duncan 
Roy P. Duncan 
John Dowie 
Claude Frans 



Peery Wright 
E. A. Wood 
Errett Williams 
J. F. Wilson 
Orval Ward 
C. G. Woolen 

E. E. Wilson 

F. S. Whited 
Geo. E. Wooding 
L. E. Weaver 
Cecil Wilson 
Thos. H. Walker 
Lloyd L. Welck 
Shattuck Wilson 
Arthur E. Walker 
Wm. H. Wall 
Wm. Dale Wayman 

Alva Yarrington 
J. E. Yarnell 
Miles Yount 
Edgar Yount 
Raymond Yeater 
Claude Young 

Frank Zentz 
Sam Zumwalt 
Clif. Zumwalt 

Necrology. 

men from Gentry County, who died in the 

Donald F. Holden 
Wm. Earl Hulet 
Harry T. Elder 
.) David Ed. Hardin 

William Hutchcraft 
B. Hyten 
Harold Lamb 
Hallie Leith 
James LeMaster 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 323 

Porter Mothershead Raymond Sager 

John Joseph O'Malley Clifford Zumwalt 

James R. Park Edward T. Lindsay 

James Rader Cecil A. Rice 

Homer Rouse John Matney 

Clarence D. Tunnell John Gyer 
Guy Oren Smith 

Red Cross and Other Societies in the World War — The response of 
any people to patriotic demands in time of war is a good standard by 
which to measure their true worth. The World War called for three 
things: Men, money and relief work. 

Volunteer relief work began with the war. The W. C. T. U. waited 
for no call except the needs of the soldiers. So with many smaller socie- 
ties. They went at once to the work of relief. Almost every community 
had examples of this activity. All over the county people wanted to help. 

The call for a Y. M. C. A. drive to raise $5,000.00 for war work 
was apportioned out to the various subdivisions of the county and was 
quickly over-subscribed. The response came promptly from all parts of 
the county. 

When all these activities were merged, and placed officially in 
charge of the Red Cross. The scope of the work was not at once under- 
stood. It took some time to realize the need of complete organization 
and proper co-ordination. 

With Victor Twist as president. Rep. J. W. Mays, secretary and 
Mrs. Mary O'Mally at the head of the Woman's Department, the Red 
Cross soon came into fullest efficiency. Co-operation became universal. 
Thirteen branches were scattered over the county. The membership rose 
to 5,000. Almost every citizen, man or woman, offered something — 
wanted a part. 

As well as money, many men and women devoted all possible spare 
time to some form of relief work. Albany held a sale with proceeds of 
$3,000.00. King City's sale produced $4,000.00. Some $10,000 were 
turned into the general treasury. 

There follows a list of Red Cross branches in Gentry County: Al- 
bany branches, Stanberry, King City, McFall, Darlington, Lone Star, Si- 
loam, Gentryville, Gentr>\ Willow Row, Pleasant Valley, Huggins and 
Ford City. 

The following is a list of articles shipped: Hospital bed shirts, 
3,347; wash cloths, 1,201 ; handkerchiefs, 1,499; sweaters, 1.217; band- 
ages, 9,843; helmets, 246; wristlets, 461; gun wipes, 111,765; socks, 



324 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

2,336; pajamas, 1,532; napkins, 656; gauze compresses, 19,843; under 
garments, 1,479; miscellaneous, 901. 

Such volume and variety of results, spread over the county, re- 
quired a vast amount of supervision in almost endless detail. This part 
of the work was in addition to money given or garments made. It was 
cheerfully volunteered and faithfully carried through — an abiding tes- 
timony to the unfailing spirit of sympathy and effective helpfulness so 
general throughout the whole of the county. 

When the war closed and its immediate consequences had been ar- 
ranged for, Gentry County citizens did not suffer the Red Cross work to 
lapse. With G. M. Peery, as chaii-man of the County Chapter and Miss 
Elma Hundley as secretary, the work of the Red Cross has been made 
permanent. 

Miss Gladys Blume, R. N., has been engaged as Public Health 
Nurse and is now in her third year, salary and expenses are paid by the 
Red Cross organization. 

Miss Blume's position is thus defined: The Gentry County Chapter 
of American Red Cross has secured the services of a Red Cross Public 
Health Nurse. 

Duties — (1) To give skilled nursing care through short visits to the 
patient. (2) Actual demon.strations at the bedside. (3) Instruction in 
the care of the patient and in those laws of hygiene necessary to the pro- 
tection of the family and community. (4) Visiting and examining school 
children. (5) Teaching classes in "Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick." 

The nurse does not stay in the home of the patient, but spends one 
or two hours a day in the home, giving whatever care may be indicated 
or whatever treatment may have been ordered by the doctor and teach- 
ing the family how to care for the patient until her next visit. She always 
works under the direction of a physician. 

In general the organization throughout the county is a continua- 
tion from the war period. The interest continues. In two of the south- 
west district conventions Gentry County has had the largest delegation 
in attendance from any county, except the county in which St. Joseph is 
located. 

The work is largely among the children of the graded schools, and 
makes for better citizens. And the county is earnest in its support. 

The efficient work which has been done by Gentry Red Cross Chap- 
ter the past year has attracted the attention of the officers of the South- 
west Division, at St. Louis, as well as of those at eastern headquarters, 
and as a result this county has been given the distinction of being made 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 325 

one of two counties in Missouri for the demonstration of Junior Red 
Cross work. 

Bond Sales — The banks of the county cheerfully undertook the 
placing of United States securities. They responded to every call, and 
during the war period an aggregate of about $2,000,000 was sold in the 
county. The people met the various calls with a commendable spirit of 
determination to see things through in matters financial. 

To this should be added the many thousands in small items han- 
dled by the .post-offices. The total number of contributors cannot be 
known, but the response was very general, and in many cases, generous 
beyond the means of small investors, who, once the war was over, they 
were compelled to part with their stamps and small bonds at a heavy 
discount, but to their lasting honor let it be said that when the need was 
greatest, they more than did their share. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 



COUNTY COURT JUDGES— PROBATE JUDGES— CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT— CLERKS 
OF COUNTY COURTS— CIRCUIT AND COUNTY ATTORNEYS— SHERIFFS— COLLEC- 
TORS— ASSESSORS— TREASURERS— JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT— REPRE- 
SENTATIVES— COUNTY SURVEYORS— SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS— CORONERS- 
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

County Court Judges. 

Michael Maltsberger, William Steel, Samuel Collins, appointed in 
1845. 

Michael Maltsberger, John C. Williams, William A. Childers, 
elected for four years. 

In 1849 Joseph Hawkins was appointed by the governor to fill va- 
cancy occasioned by the resignation of Michael Maltsberger. 

Joseph Hawkins, Phillip Messimer, P. R. Cadle, elected in 1850. 

James M. Howell, Peter Price, Adam Black, elected in 1854. 

By virtue of an act of the legislature of 1854 and 1855 three justices 
of the county court were reuired to be elected at the general election in 
1856, one to hold the office for six years, one for four years and the other 
for two yars, at which election Enoch Liggett, Robert Boggs and J. G. 
Wright were elected, in 1856. 

In 1860 Enoch Liggett, Robert Boggs and J. G. Wright composed 
the county court. 

Enoch Ligget, Jesse Gay and Jacob Jones, in 1862. 

Enoch Ligget, Jacob Jones and George W. Needels, in 1864. 

George W. Needels, Jacob Jones, John J. Ross, in 1866. 

J. T. Brown, John Huggins, Charles Lowery, in 1868. 

John Huggins, Thomas J. Brown, John Hall, in 1870. 

Thomas J. Brown, John Hall, John P. Lilley, in 1872. 

John Hall, John P. Lilley, Elisha Cameron, in 1874. 

Dimmon Dorsey was elected, but died before entering upon the 
duties of the office, and Cameron was appointed to fill the vacancy. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 327 

Logan Peery, John P. Lilley, Jacob Kessler, in 1876. 
Samuel Jordan, R. H. Davidson, Albert J. Clark, in 1878. 
Thomas J. Stockton, James H. Campbell, Samuel Jordan, in 1880. 
Thomas J. Stockton, J. H. Campbell, J. E. McGuire, in 1883. 
K. McKenney, J. H. Mitchell, E. M. McLeod, in 1885. 
K. McKenney, E. O'Malley, L. C. Norman, in 1887. 

F. C. Norman, A. N. Vance, Ambrose Jennings, in 1893. 

A. L. Garrett, H. R. Jameson, Wm.. M. Pryor, in 1895. 
W. F. Conley, H. R. Jameson, Wm. M. Pryor, in 1897. 
W. F. Conley, A. C. Gartin, F. J. Howell, in 1899. 

W. F. Conley, A. C. Gartin, J. S. Hazen, in 1901. 
Eli Robertson, T. T. Pratt, John Madera, in 1903. 
Eli Robertson, T. N. Rigney, George Rose, in 1907. 
Eli Robertson, T. N. Rigney, B. M. Ross, in 1909. 

B. M. Ross, J. M. Parnam, J. S. Hazen, in 1911. 

B. M. Ross, J. M. Parnam, S. H. Dresbach, in 1913. 
T. N. Rigney, D. L. Bratcher, S. H. Drisbach, in 1915. 
T. N. Rigney, D. L. Bratcher, Geo. W. Rose, in 1917. 
T. N. Rigney, Orville Brovi^n, Geo. W. Rose, in 1919. 
T. N. Rigney, Orville Brown, Lester Hawthorne, in 1921. 

Probate Judges. 

George W. Lewis, elected in 1849, and in 1855, re-elected for the 
term of six years. 

James M. Howell, elected in August, 1861, for six years, but after- 
wards resigned, and Charles G. Comstock was appointed to fill the va- 
cancy in May, 1862. 

H. M. Rice, elected in November, 1862, who held the office until 
June, 1866, when he resigned, and Isaac P. Caldwell was appointed to 
fill the vacancy. 

Calvin B. Hinkley, elected in November, 1868. 

Caleb S. Canaday, elected in November, 1872. 

Joseph B. Kingsborough, elected in November, 1876. 

William G. Williams elected in 1880. 

W. B. Mastin elected in 1883. 

J. W. Sullinger, elected in 1885. 

Jasper Cox, elected in 1895. 

J. T. S. De Bord, elected in 1903. 

J. A. Judd, elected in 1907. 

G. P. Adams, elected in 1915. 



328 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Clerks of the Circuit Court. 

Elijah P. Powell; Robert E. Dougherty; James 0. George; A. G. 
Whitton ; Charles G. Comstock ; James West; Archibald B. Ross; Joshua 

B. Thomas; J. B. Thomas, 1882; J. S. Williams, 1893; D. S. Flowers, 
1895; H. J. Peery, 1903; J. S. Hawthorn, 1911; Ed E. Birge, 1915 to 
present time. 

Clerks of the County Court. 
George W. Birch; Calvin B. Hartwell, appointed to fill vacancy; A. 
G. Whitton; James R. Cunningham; William B. Castor; Bart H. Wat- 
kins; John T. Daniel; William B. Whitley; G. T. Patton, 1883; J. F. 
Wood, 1893; R. B. Coffey, 1895-97; C. M. McNeese, 1899-1903; Wm. E. 
Teel, 1907-13; C. H. Mothershead, 1915-21. 

Circuit and County Attorneys. 

Isaac N. Jones; Lawrence Archer; James Craig; Jonathan M. Bas- 
sett; William G. Lewis, two terms; Thomas H. Collins; B. K. Davies; 
Thomas Collins. 

The legislature at its session of 1870-1871 abolished the office of 
circuit attorney and substituted in its place the office of prosecuting at- 
torney of each county. 

Charles H. Goodman was the first elected under the present law 
and held the office two terms. Joseph L. McCullough was elected in 
1876 and served two terms. Ebenezer H. Wood, George W. Lewis, Wil- 
liam M. Albin, Charles G. Comstock, Isaac P. Caldwell, Charles O. Pat- 
ton and Wallace Hubbard; J. W. Witten, 1883; J. H. McCarty, 1885; 
S. H. Benson, 1887; Wm. F. Dalby, 1893; J. A. Showen, 1897; S. H. 
Benson, 1901; C. E. Gibboney, 1907; J. B. Wayman, 1909; E. C. Lock- 
wood, 1913 ; D. D. Reeves, 1915 ; F. J. McCaslin, 1917 ; C. E. Ernst, 1919, 
to the present time. 

Sheriffs. 

James M. Howell; Elisha Cameron; George W. Birch; Thomas 
Kier; William B. Shoemaker; H. M. Rice; Frank Barkley; James B. 
Scott; Elisha Cameron; Henton Gibbany; James H. Gillispie; John 
Thompson, 1883; Wm. S. Jennings, 1885; Joseph A. Ross, 1887; B. B. 
Harrison, 1889; J. A. Ross, 1893; G. W. Reed, 1895; P. H. Buckley, 
1899; J. T. Jennings, 1903; W. G. Carmack, 1907; J. A. Ross, 1913; C. 

C. Fee, 1917; Dale Brown, 1921. 

Collectors. 

Robert M. Cammon, 1872, re-elected in 1874; Francis M. Setzer, 
1876, re-elected in 1878, and also in 1880; J. F. Liggett, 1882; H. M. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 329 

Wayman; M. O. Mothershead; Hugh Stevenson; M. O. Mothershead, 
1893; T. W. Kelley, 1895; D. W. Barrett, 1897; I. G. Patton, 1901. Of- 
fice merged. 

Assessors of County. 
John Huggins, Levi Yates, James A. Crawford, A. Garard, Joseph 
B. Kingsborough, James B. Scott, L. G. Jenkins, E. B. Crissey, Clinton B. 
Hash, T. Y. Grantham and Charles D. Blodgett; W. M. Harris; Ed. E. 
Ennis; M. 0. Mothershead; J. D. Pelly, 1893; L. P. James, 1895; Wm. 
N. Bently, 1901. Office merged. 

Treasurers of County. 

John B. Hundley, William G. Williams, James C. Carter, Mordecai 
M. Embree, James W. Owen, Logan H. Peery, Harvey M. Cranor, 
Charles Embree, and C. B. Harris; R. W. Crockett; D. F. Robertson; Hi- 
ram De Priest, 1893; T. S. Gillespie, 1895; Alex Owings, 1899; J. T. 
Brooks, 1903 ; J. S. Clark, 1907 ; F. E. Blue, 1913 ; Orville Parman, 1921. 

Judges of the Circuit Court. 

Solomon L. Leonard; W. B. Almond; Elijah H. Norton; James Mc- 
Ferren; William Heme; Jonas P. Clark; Isaac C. Parker; Bennett Pike; 
Samuel A. Richardson; John C. Howell; C. H. S. Goodman, 1882; Cy- 
rus A. Anthony, 1893; Gallatin Craig, 1899; William C. Ellison, 1907; 
John M. Dawson, 1917. 

Members House of Representatives. 

William G. Williams, 1846; Richard Roberts, 1848; Joab Neal, 
1850; Daniel Conway, 1852; Nathaniel Mothersead, 1854; William M. 
Albin, 1856; James R. Conway, 1858; Reuben Shultz, 1860; James R. 
Conway, 1862; David Cranor, 1864; Hudson M. Rice, 1866; Charles C. 
Byrne, 1868; Phillip M. Adams, 1870; Enoch Liggett, 1872; James L. 
McCullough', 1874; David C. Ganaway, 1876; Thomas A. McKinney, A. 
B. Ross, 1880; Anderson C. Smith, 1883; Frank A. Weimar, 1885; John 
T. Liggett, 1889 ; Oliver P. Russ, 1891 ; Edwin E. Ennis, 1893 ; James W. 
Sullinger, 1895 ; David F. Ftizgerald, 1897 ; Henry P. Tandy, 1901 ; Sam- 
uel T. Earixson, 1903 ; John A. Dale, 1907 ; John H. Burgin, 1911 ; J. W. 
McKnight, 1913; Drank Jones, 1917; W. S. Hardin, 1921. 

County Surveyors. 

John Plasters; Thomas Keith; James L. Plasters; A. Garard; Pier- 
pont H. B. Moulton; Fred N. Henton; George T. Kenyon ; G. Butler; S. 
G. Clark, 1893-1901; W. A. Hunton, 1901-1909; J. B. H. Ray, 1915; C. 
N. Dewin, 1921 to present time. 



330 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

School Superintendents. 

John H. Whedbee, 1857; David McGaughey, 1860-'62; W. B. Cas- 
tor, 1864; N. Thomas Rogers, 1866; John B. Twist, 1868-'72; L. C. Tay- 
lor, 1873; W. B. Whitely, 1875-'77; John H. Sampson, appointed 1878; 
George Pomeroy, 1879-'80; C. B. Hinkley, 1881-'83; J. H. Markley, 
1897; W. D. Crosswhite, 1899; G. L. Gray, 1909; C. H. Allen, 1911; 
Egbert Jennings, 1915; Gretchen Jennings, 1917; E. C. Duncan, 1919, 
to present time. 

Coroner. 

C. B. Hinkley; J. S. Hathaway; L. H. Peery; J. L. McCullough; R. 
P. Duncan; T. A. Daugherty; L. E. Miller; L. H. Peery; R. P. Duncan, 
1893; T. A. Daugherty, 1895; L. E. Miller, 1897; J. D. Halstead, 1899; 
L. H. Peery, 1901; T. E. Graham, 1903; J. N. Barger, 1907 to 1915; A. 
M. Ganaway, 1917; G. W. Whitley, 1919; S. O. Harding, 1921. 

Public Administrator. 

R. L. Whaley; Horace Peery; Wallace Hubbard, 1884 to 1903; C. 
H. S. Goodman, 1907 to 1911 ; W. H. Haas, 1913 to 1915 ; R. M. McCam- 
mon, 1918, to present time. 








i^Pt5:2:<£^t:is?^^--v 



PART III. 

Biographical. 



Hon Joshua W. Alexander, attorney at Gallatin, Daviess County, has 
had the honor of distinctive public service for his community and for the 
state during a period of 46 years. His long period of public life has covered 
the epoch making years of America public policies. Admitted to the bar in 
Missouri, in 1875. he began practicing in Gallatin, and he next year was 
elected public administrator of Daviess County. This position he held with 
credit until 1882. That year he became a member of the Gallatin Board of 
Education, serving first as the president, and later as the secretary. He 
remained on the board for 21 years, and his high ideals of the duty of the 
state in relation to the educational facilities for its future citizens have 
been instrumental in molding the public school policies of Gallatin. 

In 1882, Mr. Alexander was elected to the office of representative of 
Daviess County, and served in the Missouri General Assembly through 
some eventful years. He was the chairman of the committee on appropria- 
tions in the 33rd General Assembly, and was a leader in the enactment of 
legislation enforcing the provisions of the constitution of 1875 to correct 
abuses and prevent unjust discrimination and extortion in the rates of 
freight and passenger tariffs, and establishing reasonable maximum rates 
of charges for the transportation of passengers and freight on the rail- 
roads in the state. 

For two successive terms, Judge Alexander served as the mayor of 
Gallatin. In 1894 he was appointed a member of the Board of Managers 
of the Missouri State Hospital No. 2 at St. Joseph by Gov. W. J. Stone, and 
served for a number of years. In the meantime he had continued his prac- 
tice of law with increasing success, and because of his well established 
ability, in Januaiy, 1901, he was appointed by Gov. L. V. Stephens, judge 
of the 7th Judicial Circuit to fill out the unexpired term of Judge E. J. 
Broaddus, who had been elected judge of the Kansas City Court of Appeals 
in November, 1900. In 1904 Judge Alexander was reelected judge for a 
term of six years, but in 1906, without being a candidate, he was nominated 
as representative in the Congress of the U. S. from the Third Congressional 
District, and the following November he was elected to that oflfice. In 
February 1907 he resigned from the bench to assume his new duties in 



332 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY BOUNTIES 

Washington, and he continued in active service there during the 60th, 61st, 
62nd, 63rd, 64th, 65th, and 66th Congress up to Dec. 15, 1919. 

Judge Alexander's services to the nation have been well known. He 
was the chairman of the Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries 
in the 62nd, 63rd, 64th, and 65th, Congresses. One of the important pieces 
of work done after the Democrats gained control of the House in the 62nd 
Congress conducted by Judge Alexander was the "Investigation of the 
Shipping Combinations" under House Resolution No. 587. His work in 
connection with that investigation, his report to the House and the bills 
introduced by him to carry out the recommendations of the committee, are 
among his greatest achievements during the period of his congressional 
service. Following the sinking of the steamship. Titanic, in April, 1912, 
Judge Alexander introduced the joint resolution, which became a law in 
June, 1912, authorizing the President of the United States to call or partic- 
ipate in an international conference on the subject of Greater Safety of 
Life at Sea. The Conference was called by Great Britian, and President 
Wilson appointed Judge Alexander the Chairman of the United States 
Commissioners to this conference which met in London from Nov. 12, 1913 
to Jan. 20, 1914. Participating in the conference were 14 nations, besides 
Canada, Australia and New Zealand. All the great maritime nations were 
represented in the conference. The Convention upon which the Conference 
agreed, was ratified by the United States Senate, and Judge Alexander was 
personally congratulated by President Wilson for the distinguished service 
which he had rendered the United States government in the Conference. 

Judge Alexander's ability and his intense desire to accomplish the 
things which he felt were essential to the prosperity and welfare of the 
government, kept him active in Congress. In, 1914, shortly after the 
World War began he introduced into Congress the Bill creating the War 
Risk Insurance Bureau in the Treasury Department. The aim of this legis- 
lation was to insure merchant vessels, their freight money and cargoes 
against war risks. The bill became a law in August, 1914. Later and to 
meet conditions as they arose during the war. Judge Alexander introduced 
bills, which became laws, extending the Act Creating the Bureau of War 
Risk Insurance, to protect the officers and seamen on U.S. Merchant vessels, 
against the risks of navigation in the war zone. He is also author of what 
is known as the Shipping Act of 1916 ; this Act created the United States 
Shipping Board and under its provisions the United States Emergency 
Fleet Corporation was incorporated, and both organizations rendered great 
service in building up our merchant marine to meet the imparative needs 
of the World War, as well as to meet the requirements of our foreign com- 
merce in the time of peace. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 333 

In September, 1917, Judge Alexander introduced the l^ill further 
amending the Act creating the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, which be- 
came a law Oct. 6, 1917, known as the Soldiers and Sailors Insurance Act; 
all of these bills were war measures, and were put through Congress with 
expedition, and were some of the many accomplishments of the Wilson Ad- 
ministration. 

Judge Alexander took a prominent part in framing the Radio Act of 
1912, and in all legislation enacted by the Congress regulating wireless 
communication, and requiring vessels carrying passengers to be equipped 
with wireless apparatus. 

On Dec. 15, 1919, Judge Alexander's loyal arduous, and able service 
to the Country and the Administration was rewarded by his appointment 
to a seat in the Cabinet of President Woodrow Wilson, as Secretary of Com- 
merce, succeeding Hon. William C. Redfield of New York. He served in the 
Cabinet of President Wilson until March 4, 1921, going out of office with the 
Wilson Administration. The great honor of a seat in President Wilson's 
Cabinet came to Judge Alexander unsought on his part, but met with 
universal approval. 

Judge Alexander always refers to his service in Congress as represen- 
tative of the Third Congressional District with gi-eat satisfaction. He had 
a fine constituency and did his utmost to reward their loyalty to him by 
efficient servcie. 

The above brief review of Judge Alexander's service to his community, 
his state and his country, is only a brief summary of the labors of a man of 
great ability, high ideals and eminent fitness for public service, and of the 
power he possessed to carry to a successful sonsummation the policies and 
ideals in which he believed. But back of Judge Alexander lies several gen- 
erations of fine family stock. The Alexanders are Scotch-Irish ancestry; 
and during the days of the American Revolution, they emigrated to Amer- 
ica and settled in a rugged section of Southwestern Pa. They were Pres- 
byterians in religious faith. Both of Judge Alexander's paternal grand- 
parents were born and reared in Washington County, Pa. They were mar- 
ried in that county in 1796 and soon thereafter moved to Mercer County, 
Pa., where they were among the very first settlers; there they improved a 
farm and, there the Alexanders early became identified with all the stirring 
events and romance of early pioneer life in western Pennsylvania. 

Thomas W. Alexander, father of Judge Alexander, was born and rear- 
ed on a farm in Mercer County, Pa., and later learned the carpenter's trade 
at which he worked in Pitbtsurg and later in Cincinnatti, Ohio. He mar- 
ried Jane Robinson in the latter city. She was a woman of fine intellect and 
esteemed for her many womanly virtues. She was born in England and 



334 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

was brought to the United States in her infancy. The only child born to 
this union was Joshua W., the subject of this sketch. He was born in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1852. Four years later his father went to Minnesota 
because of ill health. There he was joined the following year by his wife 
and little son. Thomas W. Alexander died in Minnesota, Oct. 12, 1859, and 
the following spring his widow and son came to Canton, Mo., to live, but 
soon returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Judge Alexander spent three 
years in the public schools, and in 1863 he and his mother returned to 
Canton, Mo. After his graduation from the public school in Canton, Judge 
Alexander entered Christian University there in 1868. He graduated from 
the university with a degree of A. B. in 1872. In June of the next year he 
came to Gallatin, to visit three former classmates, W. N., James A. and 
George W. Richardson, sons of Judge Samuel A. Richardson. Judge Alex- 
ander was then 21 years old and had planned to study law and fit himself 
for the legal profession. He planned to go to California and after teaching 
school for a time to fit himself for the law. But Judge Richardson prevail- 
ed upon him to remain in Gallatin and study law in the latter's office. The 
families later became more intimately connected through the marriage of 
Judge Alexander to a daughter of Judge Richardson. From the time of 
his admission to the bar in 1875 Judge Alexander's success was assured, 
and his career has amply proven the keen foresight of Judge Richardson, 
when he insisted upon the young, untried but promising man remaining in 
the state, which he has served so faithfully In February, 1876, Judge 
Alexander was married to Roe Ann Richardson, daughter of Judge Samuel 
A. Richardson. Mrs. Alexander is an ideal wife and mother, and has dis- 
charged all the duties of her station in life with good taste, rare tact and 
judgment. Judge and Mrs. Alexander are the parents of 12 children, 
four of whom died in infancy ; of the others, Samuel T. the oldest son, was 
educated in the public schools of Gallatin and the University of Missouri, 
and for several years was grain inspector at St. Louis under the State Rail- 
road and Warehouse Commission, resigned and engaged in business at Col- 
umbia, Mo., from which he was later compelled to retire on account of 
a sudden breakdown in health, and died Dec. 24, 1915. He married Miss 
Eulalie Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Campbell of Columbia, and 
is survived by his wife and two sons ; a daughter, Julia Jane, educated in 
the public school of Gallatin and at Grand River College in that city. She 
is now a widow, her husband Dr. N. R. Jenner one of the leading physicians 
of Washington, D. C, having died April 14, 1921 ; Francis, who was edu- 
cated in the public school at Gallatin, and at Grand River College, and a 
student for three and one half years in the St. Louis School of Fine Art, 
is the wife of Arthur G. Ficklin one of the leading farmers of Gentrj' 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 335 

County; George Forrest, graduate of High School of Gallatin and of the 
State University of Msisouri in 1904, with the degree of L. D., removed 
to Portland, Ore., in 1912, engaged in the practice of law, appoined United 
States Marshall for the state of Oregon in September, 1917, serving until 
Oct. 1, 1921, when he resumed the practice of law at Portland, Ore. He is 
married, his wife (Nee Lola Mae Surface) and four children, two sons and 
two daughters grace his home; Rowena attended the public schools at Gal- 
latin and William Wood College at Fulton, Mo., makes her home with her 
parents; Preston Carter, graduated from both academic and law depart- 
ments of the University of Missouri, practiced law for a time with his 
brother George F., in Portland, Ore., later returned to Missouri and on 
July 23, 1918, after our entry into the World War, enlisted in the U. S. 
Army and was assigned to 9th Co. 164th Dept. Brigade July 25, and trans- 
ferred to Field Hospital Company No. 238 (Sanitary Train) August 5, 
1918, was discharged from service Jan. 23, 1919, and is now serving in the 
office of the Solicitor of Internal Revenue, Washington, D. C. ; Walter Rich- 
ardson, a brief sketch of whose life appears later; and Lawrence Wood- 
ward, graduated from the Gallatin High School, entered the United States 
Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., in 1918 as a Midshipman, resigned in 
September, 1919, after the World War, and entered the University of Mis- 
souri. During the greater part of the seasons of 1920 and 1921 he served 
as deck officer on vessels of the United States engaged in the coast survey 
off the coasts of Florida and Alaska. 

Walter Richardson Alexander was educated in the Public School at 
Gallatin, was a student in the University of Missouri for two years and 
completed his academic and law courses at George WasTiington University, 
Washington, D. C, and was admitted to the bar in the latter city. He 
served as Secretary of the United States Commissioners to the Interna- 
tional Conference on Safety of Life at Sea at London, England in 1913 and 
1914. In February, 1917 he entered the legal department of the United 
States Shipping Board and was serving in that capacity February 1, 1918 
when he enlisted in the U. S. Army Aviation Corps in the World War. He 
was called into active service June 1, 1918, and went immediately into 
active training and qualified as an observer with the rank of second lieu- 
tenant. On Feb. 1, 1919, he was transferred to the reserve, with the rank 
of .second lieutenant Aviation Section Signal Reserve Corps, U. S. Army, 
and ten days later resumed his position with the U. S. Shipping Board. 
On December 21, 1920, while preparing to make a flight in an army air- 
plane at Boiling Field, Anacostia, D. C, Lieutenant Alexander was struck 
on the head by the propellar of the machine and killed instantly. He was 
accounted one of the brilliant young men in his profession and had entered 



336 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

upon a useful career, and met tragic death in the line of duty. The Sec- 
retary of War and the U. S. Shipping Board presented Judge Alexander 
with testimonials of the fine character and services rendered by their son. 

Judge Alexander has been an active member of the Christian church 
from his youth. In June, 1917, his alma mater. Christian University, con- 
ferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts in recognition of his public 
services. In the annals of Missouri the name of Judge Alexander will live 
as representing the finest, highest type of citizen the state has produced. 
It is with more than ordinary pride that the state points to such men. 
Such a life and service to state and nation should be an inspiration to the 
youth of our land, and proves what may be achieved by devotion to a laud- 
able ambition to make for oneself a name worthy to be remembered. 

Homer Feurt, the efificient and well known president of the Farmers 
Exchange Bank at Gallatin, has filled all of the offices from bookkeeper 
to president in the bank, and hence is thoroughly conversant with every 
detail of the business of the institution. For this reason he is one of the 
most valuable officers, as well as one of the most competent financiers 
of the county. 

Homer Feurt was born on Nov. 1, 1876, at Jameson, the son of T. 
A. and Mary E. (Prewett) Feurt, to whom three children were born: 
Ora, the wife of N. R. Barnett, living near Gallatin; Cort, a farmer near 
Jameson ; and Homer, the subject of this review. T. A. Feurt and his 
wife now live on a farm near Jameson. 

Homer Feurt was reared on a farm, and attended the rural schools 
in his boyhood. Later he was a student in Grand River College, and in 
1899 became engaged in work in the Farmers Exchange Bank at Galla- 
tin. He worked in the bank before and after school hours, and was 
steadily promoted, until he reached his present position to which he was 
elected in February, 1915. Mr. Feurt has land holdings of 280 acres, 
most of which is in Daviess County, and the remainder in Colorado. 

On June 3, 1909, Mr. Feurt was married to Numa F. Netherton, 
who was born near Bancroft, the daughter of Moses G. and Almira C. 
(Brown) Netherton. Mr. and Mrs. Netherton were both born in Daviess 
County, and are both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Feurt have three chil- 
dren : Thomas N., Robert G., and Frances C. 

Mr. Feurt is a Democrat, and is identified with the Christian Church 
in which he is a deacon. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge. In 1918, Mr. Feurt was 
elected to the oflRce of mayor of Gallatin, and served with distinction for 
two years. He has been a member of the Board of Education of Galla- 
tin for six years, and is now the vice president of that body. Mr. Feurt 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 337 

is a man of keen and alert intellect, a broad and intense understanding 
of financial affairs, and possessing a high degree of civic pride. He is 
an asset to his community. 

Dr. R. V. Thompson, well known business man of Daviess County 
and the efficient cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank at Gallatin, is a 
native of New York, where he was born, Feb. 27, 1864, the son of Rich- 
ard and Hester (Booth) Thompson. His father was of English parent- 
age, and spent all of his life in New York, where he was a miller by 
trade, and where he died in 1868. Mrs. Thompson, a native of New 
York, brought her family of ten children to Livingston County, after the 
death of her husband. She bought a small tract of unimproved land, 
which was later improved by her children, and on this farm she spent 
the remainder of her life. She died in 1898. 

R. V. Thompson, the ninth child born to his parents, attended the 
schools of Livingston County, and later was a student in the old Avalon 
College at Avalon, an educational institution under the management of 
the United Brethern Church. This college was later moved to Trenton, 
about 1891. Dr. Thompson began the study of medicine under the tute- 
lage of Dr. T. W. Foster, and studied with him for two years. He then 
went to St. Louis, where he graduated at the Missouri Medical College 
March 5, 1889. He began practicing his profession at Jamesport, and in 
1892, and later took a post graduate course in Chicago at the Chicago 
Polyclinic. After completing his work there he returned to Jamesport, 
and was actively engaged in his profession until 1897, when he accepted 
a position as cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Jamesport. 
Two years later he resigned this place, and resumed the practice of med- 
icine. At the end of three years, he again accepted a position as cashier 
in the bank, which place he retained until he was elected president of 
the bank in 1909. Two years later the Farmers and Merchants Bank of 
Jamesport was consolidated with the First National Bank at that place, 
and the institution has since been known as the Commercial Bank of 
Jamesport. In 1915 Dr. Thompson came to Gallatin as the cashier of 
the Farmers Exchange Bank, and has filled that office in a highly compe- 
tent manner ever since. 

Dr. Thompson was married on Feb. 11, 1891, to Jennie Nickell, a 
daughter of Rev. W. N. Nickell. Rev. Nickell has been identified with 
the Missouri Presbytery throughout a long career as a Presbyterian min- 
ister. He is now in charge of the church at Lowry City. Dr. and Mrs. 
Thompson have three children: Blanche, married to J. Frank Smith of 
Colorado; Victor, living in Colorado; and Mary Frances. 

Dr. Thompson is a Democrat, and is a member of the Knights of 



338 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Pythias Lodge. He served as coroner of Daviess County for two terms, 
and was the mayor of Jamesport for one term. For a period of 17 years 
he was a member of the Board of Education at Jamesport and was the 
treasurer of that organization. In his professional associations, Dr. 
Thompson is a member of the Daviess County Medical Society, the 
Grand River Medical Society, the North Missouri Medical Society, and 
the Missouri State Medical Association. He is one of the highly es- 
teemed and influential citizens of Daviess County, a man who in busi- 
ness, in his official capacity in his community, and as a private individ- 
ual, manifests a keen and intense appreciation of all that pertains to the 
welfare of the town and its citizens. 

Joseph McElvain, esteemed throughout his community as one of 
the rising young busine.ss men, is the assistant cashier of the Farmers 
Exchange Bank at Gallatin. He was born on a farm in Allen Township, 
Worth County, Feb. 25, 1886, the son of Cyrus and Ottie (Beaver) Mc- 
Elvain. 

Cyrus McElvain was born in Perry County, 111., in 1848, the son of 
Judge Andrew J. and Deborah (Combs) McElvain. When Cyrus McEl- 
vain was six years old, his parents moved to Worth County, Missouri, 
and settled in a part of that county which was then incorporated in Gen- 
try County. They made the trip from Illinois to Missouri in wagons, and, 
because of a delay in receiving their relinquishment rights to the land, 
which they took up, the family was forced to live in the wagons for a 
time after they reached Missouri. They camped by the roadside, and 
lived in the open, no uncommon experience for the pioneers of that day. 
Judge McElvain had spent his life in Illinois, where he was born ; and 
his wife, a native of Tennessee, had come with her parents to Illinois in 
1835, so both of them were familiar with the hardships of the newly set- 
tled middle west. To their union five children were born, Cyrus, the 
father of Joseph McElvain, being the second. Judge McElvain served in 
the legislature for two terms, and was one of the prominent men of his 
day in northwest Missouri. 

Cyrus McElvain was reared on a farm and farmed land in Worth 
County until 1875 when he moved to Fremont County, Iowa. He located 
on a farm there and remained in Iowa until 1881, when he returned to 
Worth County. In 1870 he manned Olive M. Beaver, born in Crawford 
County, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Emery) Beaver, early 
settlers of Worth County. To the union of Cyrus and Olive M. (Beaver) 
McElvain the following children were born : Maisie, the wife of W. Spill- 
man, a hardware merchant of Grant City; Willard ; Stella, married to 
Peter Bram, in the hardware business at Denver; Fred; Bessie; Josie, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 339 

the wife of E. Martin of Allendale; Andrew; Joseph, the subject of this 
review; Edna, married to Fred Williams, who is in the mercantile busi- 
ness at Denver; Alpha; and Millie. Mrs. McElvain died, Nov. 7, 1921, 
at the age of 69 years, and Mr. McElvain still lives on his farm in Worth 
County. He is a Republican, and is a member of the Baptist Church. 

Joseph McElvain was reared on the farm. He attended the rural 
schools and later was a student in Northwest Missouri College at Al- 
bany. He began his work in the banking business as a clerk in the Bank 
of Albany. He was afterwards made the assistant cashier in that bank; 
but resigned that position in September, 1911, to come to Gallatin, 
where he was made the assistant cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank. 
During the year 1911, Mr. McElvain built an all modern bungalow in 
Gallatin, which has been his home ever since. 

On Dec. 24, 1908, Mr. McElvain was married to Alpha Harrison, 
born in Albany, the daughter of Alex and Mary (Hilton) Harrison. Mr. 
Harrison was a produce and coal dealer. Both he and his wife are dead. 
Mr. and Mrs. McElvain have one son, Donald, born on Jan. 27, 1913. 

Joseph McElvain is a Republican, and is identified with the Bap- 
tist Church. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. 
He is an alert business man, and a citizen of high civic ideals. 

A. J. Place, representative business man of Daviess County, is the 
cashier of the First National Bank at Gallatin. He was born in Sheridan 
Township in this county on March 10, 1872, the son of W. H. and Mar- 
garet C. (McBrayer) Place. 

W. H. Place was born in Daviess County, Missouri, in August, 1851. 
In his early life he taught school, and later became a farmer. He at- 
tended the rural schools of Davie.ss County and taught here for more 
than 20 years. He was a Bible student of ability, and was accounted one 
of the best read men on the subject of Jewish and Ancient History in the 
community. He was a staunch adherent of the Christian Church, and 
was a Republican. His father, Peleg Place, was a native of Ohio, who 
came to Daviess County in pioneer days. W. H. Place filled some of the 
offices of his township, where he was held in high esteem. In 1870 he 
married Margaret C. McBrayer, born in Sheridan Township in 1853, 
the daughter of A. J. and Nancy (McCrary) McBrayer. They were na- 
tives of South Carolina and were among the first to begin farming in 
Daviess County. W. H. Place died in 1913 and Mrs. Place died in 1915. 
Their remains are buried in Brown Cemetery. Their children were: A. 
J., the subject of this review; Osta, married R. T. Scott and lives on a 
farm near Winston; P. M. engaged in the mercantile business at Jules- 
burg, Col. ; and Delia, married to W. J. Gann, a merchant at Gallatin. 



340 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

A. J. Place was reared on a farm ; attended first the rural schools 
of Daviess County ; and later was a student in Kidder Institute at Kid- 
der. In 1892 he entered the produce business at Gallatin, and has been 
connected with various merchantile pursuits since that time. In Janu- 
ary, 1907, he was made the assistant cashier of the First National Bank, 
and in 1912 became the cashier of that institution, which position he has 
filled in a competent and thoroughly efficient way ever since. 

Mr. Place married Sarah A. Whitt on Dec. 23, 1893. She was born 
in Monroe Township, the daughter of H. A. and Sarah (Place) Whitt, 
both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Place have nine children: Marion, in 
the mercantile business at Cameron; Ollus, a merchant at Gallatin; Ros- 
coe N., connected with a bank at Sterling, Col. ; Otis K., a resident of 
Pocatello, Idaho; Russell, clerking in Gallatin; Osta Irene, a student in 
Central College at Lexington ; and Charles and Lewis, both in the Galla- 
tin High School; and Robert, a student in the grammar school. 

Mr. Place is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. 
He belongs to the Masons and the Yeoman Lodges. He is an able officer 
in the bank, a man of marked business acumen, and an excellent citizen. 

Miss Hallie Burton, the capable and progressive county superin- 
tendent of public schools of Daviess County, has her office in the court- 
house at Gallatin. Miss Burton is thoroughly competent to handle the 
school situation of the county as she was born and reared in Gallatin, 
and has been an integral part of the school system of this part of the 
state, both as a student in college and later as a teacher. 

Miss Burton is the daughter of Dr. J. W. and Eliza C. (Woodward) 
Burton, the former a native of Lawrence County, Indiana, where he was 
born, Nov. 29, 1842. His parents were Eli and Mahala (Conley) Bur- 
ton, both natives of North Carolina. Eli Burton went to Indiana when 
he reached manhood, and settled on a farm. He and his wife reared a 
family of nine children. Dr. John W. Burton attended the rui'al schools 
in Indiana, and then entered the University of Michigan from which in- 
stitution he received the degree of LL. B. In 1861 he enlisted for service 
in the Civil War, and became a private in the 50th Regiment, Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years, and was mustered out 
as a corporal. He participated in the battles and skirmishes in Tennes- 
see, Kentucky and Arkansas, including the battles of Mumfordville, 
Camden, and the assault on Little Rock. 

In March, 1865, Dr. Burton returned to Indiana, where he began to 
read law at Bedford with A. B. Carlton. In 1866 he entered the Uni- 
versity of Michigan, and in the spring of 1868 he came to Carrollton, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 341 

Mo., where he was admitted to the bar. He later became interested in 
dentistry, and took up that study. In 1872 he moved to Gallatin, where 
he became a well known dentist. His clientage included patients from 
Gentry, Harrison, Grundy, Caldwell, and Livingston Counties, in all of 
which places he was recognized as a progressive and scientific dentist. 

Dr. Burton married Eliza Catherine Woodward on Nov. 29, 1882. 
She was born near Cainsville, April 23, 1859, and was a prominent 
teacher in the county before her marriage. She was a daughter of John 
and Julia Anna (Kennedy) Woodward. Elder John Woodward was 
born in Jennings County, Indiana, Jan. 11, 1821, and lived there until 
ten years of age when the family moved to Decatur County where he 
lived 15 or 16 years. He professed religion and was married to Miss 
Julia Ann Kennedy. In 1847 he and wife emigrated to Harrison County, 
Missouri, and settled on the land adjoining Cainsville. In December, 
1847 he and his wife united with the Baptist Church by letter. Shortly 
afterward he was licensed to preach and was ordained. In May, 1840, 
and most of the time up to his death he was actively engaged in the 
ministry. He died Dec. 17, 1898. He preached almost 60 years; he was 
a charter member of the Masonic Lodge and was Worshipful Master 
for 12 or 15 years. He was an active worker in Temperance. He was 
chaplain of the 3rd Regiment, M. S. M. during the Civil War. Julia Ann 
Kennedy was born in Delaware County, N. Y., and came to Indiana 
when but a child. She was born Aug. 27, 1820, and died Feb. 16, 1893. 

To Dr. Burton and wife the following children were born: Hallie, 
the subject of this review; Anna, died in 1914; Jay, died in 1907; and 
Isom now connected with the street railway company in Los Angeles, 
Calif. Mrs. Burton died at her home in Gallatin on April 9, 1917. Dr. 
Burton is now a resident of Texarkana, Ark. 

Hallie Burton grew up in Gallatin, and after completing her school 
work there, became a student in Chillicothe Normal, Grand River Col- 
lege at Gallatin, and the Missouri State University. She holds a Life 
State Certificate and has had a varied and interesting teaching experi- 
ence which has kept her in close touch with the vital issues of the pub- 
lic schools. She taught at Gallatin for five years; at Jameson one year; 
a year at Coffey and five years in the rural schools. She has handled 
the work in every grade from the 1st to the 12th, and is therefore thor- 
oughly conversant with the needs and standards for each grade. 

Miss Burton is the first woman ever elected to a county office by 
Daviess County. In April, 1915, she was elected to the position of 
county superintendent of public schools, and in 1919 she was re-elected 
to the same position. This record is conclusive proof of the support 



342 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

which Miss Burton has from the county. She has made an excellent of- 
ficial, and under her expert direction the schools of the county have 
made marked progress. No part of the county history shows more con- 
clusively the calibre of the citizens than does the part dealing with the 
attitude toward providing educational facilities for the children of the 
community. Miss Burton as the leader, and the men and women of the 
county as her able assistants have co-operated in building up the schools 
of Daviess County. 

John Musselman, well known in Daviess County as a farmer, a 
hardware merchant at Gallatin, and who served as the mayor of Galla- 
tin, is a native of the county. He was born in Grand River Township, 
four miles east of Jameson. His parents were Amos and Amanda A. 
(Drummond) Musselman, who lived for a short time on the farm where 
their son, John, was born on June 29, 1863. 

Amos Musselman was born in Paulding County, Ohio, in 1834. He 
came to Daviess County in 1858, where he taught school for a time, and 
later became a boot and shoe maker at Jamesport. He moved to a farm 
five miles northeast of Gallatin a short time afterwards, and in 1861 be- 
gan farming. Mr. Musselman was the owner of 320 acres of land, and 
was one of the successful farmers of his township. He was a Republican, 
and served as the justice of the peace in Grand River Township. He was 
married in Daviess County to Amanda A. Drummond, born near James- 
port in 1842 and to their union the following children were born: Cyrus, 
a retired farmer living at Gallatin; John, the subject of this review; 
Ella, married to J. R. Foster of Jamesport; Celia, the wife of Samuel 
Grant of Jamesport; Homer, an oil dealer at Gallatin; and Robert, farm- 
ing in Grand River Township. Mrs. Musselman died in 1911, and Mr. 
Musselman died in 1921. Their remains are bui-ied in the Masonic Cem- 
etery at Jamesport. 

John Musselman was reared on the farm and attended the rural 
schools. He farmed in Grand River Township, where he was the owner 
of 283 acres of land. He and his brother, Robert, now operate a farm in 
partnership. In December, 1908, Mr. Musselman moved to Gallatin, 
and the next year he bought a hardware store in partnership with J. A. 
Mann. This business relation was maintained for four years, when Mr. 
Musselman traded the stock to S. B. Scott for a farm near Altamont. 
Mr. Musselman and Mr. Mann operated the farm for more than three 
years, when they again bought the hardware stock from Mr. Scott. 
They continued to operate the store until June, 1921, when Mr. Mann 
sold out to John N. Brown. The firm is now known as Musselman and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 343 

Brown Hardware and Implements Company, and does a thriving busi- 
ness. The store is located on the north side of the Square, and is one of 
the well established enterprises of the town. 

On Dec. 24, 1896, Mr. Musseljnan was married to Arminta King, 
who was born, reared, and married in Springfield, 111. She was the 
daughter of W. and Dulcenia (Barnett) King; the former of whom died 
many years ago, and the latter died at the home of Mrs. Musselman on 
July 28, 1921, at the age of 91 years. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman are rear- 
ing a niece of Mr. Musselman's, Frances. 

Mr. Musselman is a Republican, and is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge. In the spring of 1920 he was elected to the office of mayor of 
Gallatin, and made a competent and progressive official for one term. A 
fire wagon was installed, the debt on it paid off, 800 feet of water main 
has been laid, an ordinance prohibiting the parking of cars any place ex- 
cept the middle of the sti-eet has been passed, and a sewer survey, look- 
ing toward a complete modern sewage system, has been completed. Mr. 
Musselman is now serving on the committee in charge of the draining of 
the Muddy Creek. He is a man of high civic ideals, capable and practi- 
cal in all of his work, a citizen of whom his town is justly proud. 

D. Luther Lowrie, the assistant postmaster at Gallatin, was born, 
reared, and educated in this community. His parents were H. C. and 
Nannie (Sharrah) Lowrie, to whose union four children were born as 
follows: Walter C, Glenrock, Wyo. ; Grace, the wife of Elmer Kirk- 
patrick of Hamburg, Iowa ; Joseph H., a rural mail carrier at Gallatin ; 
and D. Luther, the subject of this sketch, born at Gallatin, June 20, 
1899. 

H. C. Lowrie was born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 28, 1857. He came to 
Gallatin in his youth and was a meat merchant for a few years, later ac- 
cepting a position as a traveling salesman for a packing house, and 
working out of Kansas City, Mo., where he now lives. His wife, Nan- 
nie A. (Sharrah) Lowrie, was born in Daviess County on Jan. 2, 1861. 
She lived on a farm until she was eight years old, when her parents died, 
and she went to live with David Boggs and wife at Gallatin. Mr. Boggs 
was a furniture dealer, a carpenter, and an expert cabinet maker. He 
made a great deal of the furniture, which was sold from his store. Mrs. 
Lowrie is a member of the Baptist Church, and now makes her home at 
Gallatin. 

D. Luther Lowrie graduated from the Gallatin High School in 1917, 
and then went to clerk in Fitterer and Sons grocery store. He later 
clerked in a jewelry store for Frank Wynne, and remained in that posi- 



344 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tion until July, 1918, when he took the civil service examinations, and 
was given a temporary appointment as rural route carrier on Route No. 
5, while his brother, the regular incumbent, was in service in the World 
War. In March, 1919, Mr. Lowrie was made assistant postmaster at Gal- 
latin, and has since capably filled that position. 

Mr. Lowrie was married on Jan. 25, 1920, to Goldie Mae Railsback, 
born in Daviess County, the daughter of Richard T. and Viola (McGar- 
vin) Railsback. Mr. Railsback died in September, 1918, and Mrs. Rails- 
back now ilves on her farm eight miles east of Gallatin. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Lowrie one child has been born, a son, Richard Edwin. 

Mr. Lowrie is a Democrat, and is a member of the Baptist church. 
He is an energetic and capable young man, who has the esteem of the 
entire community. 

Colonel Boyd Dudley and his son, Boyd Dudley, Jr., are members of 
a family that has been connected with the history of the United States 
since the very early colonial days. The Dudley family has been an asset 
to every community where its members have settled. While Mr. Dudley 
was never in the militarj' service, he has, for more than a quarter of a cen- 
tury, been called, and known as Colonel Dudley. He has been an integral 
part of the development of Daviess County ; and Boyd Dudley, Jr., although 
he no longer lives in the state, is a Missouri trained man, one whom the 
state is proud to claim as a son. 

William Dudley, an ancestor of Colonel Boyd Dudley, was born in Rich- 
mond, Surrey, England, in 1600. He migrated to the American Colonies, 
and died in Connectciut in 1683. A son, William, was born at sea in 1639. 
One of William Dudley's sons, Samuel, was born in Connecticut, in 1712, 
and was the father of another Samuel Dudley, also born in Connecticut, in 
1763. He was one of the seven children born to his parents, and was the 
grandfather of Colonel Boyd Dudley. Samuel Dudley enlisted for service 
in the Colonial Ai-my during the Revolutionary War, when he was but 13 
years old. He had a great fondness for the sea, and after his six years of 
service for the country, wanted to become a sailor. But his mother in- 
duced him to go to West Virginia, and locate on a farm, and there he mar- 
ried and reared a family. One of his sons was Alpheus H. Dudley. 

Alpheus H. Dudley was born in Marion County, W. Va., Jan. 31, 
1827. He entered the mercantile business at Reevesville in West Virginia, 
but in 1866 he came to Missouri, making the trip by steamboat do\\^^ the 
Ohio River to Cincinnati, thence to Chillicothe, and from there by wagon 
across the country to Daviess County. He bought 120 acres of land near 
Bancroft in Lincoln Township, and became a successful farmer, but lived 
only a short time after settling in his new home. He died on April 4, 1868, 





^^c^wL/^ 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 345 

and his remains were buried in the Hill Cemetery. In 1855 Alpheus H. 
Dudley married Martha McDougal. She was born in Marion County, W. 
Va., March 22, 1835, the daughter of John F. McDougal. Mr. McDougal 
Irved near Bancroft in Daviess County, for many years, and later lived at 
Gillman, Harrison County, where he died at the age of 96 years. His son, 
Henry C. McDougal, was a judge of the probate court of Daviess County, 
in the seventies. To the union of Alpheus H. and Martha (McDougal Dud- 
ley the following children were born: Paul, died in infancy; Boyd, the sub- 
ject of this sketch; May, living in Carthage; and Fannie, the widow of T. 
E. McCluskey, now living with her daughter, Mrs. E. D. Hart of Califor- 
nia. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Dudley married Dr. R. L. Green 
and to this union two children were born : Oscar, now living at Carthage ; 
and Walter a resident of New Mexico. Mrs. Green is living in Chicago. 

Colonel Boyd Dudley was born in Marion County, W. Va., near the 
town of Reevesville, June 8, 1859. His father was a Confederate and his 
mother's people were aligned on the Federal side during the Civil War 
strife. Colonel Dudley attended the schools of West Virginia and later in 
Daviess County until 1874, when he went to Gallatin to live with his uncle 
Judge H. C. McDougal. He did the household chores, and took care of the 
Judge's office in return for his board, clothing, and the privilege of going 
to school. He completed what would now be the eighth grade, and then, 
being without financial resources, he went to work in the office of the 
probate judge as a clerk. In 1877 he began the study of law in the office 
of Shanklin, Lowe and McDougal. In that office the young student per- 
formed all the tasks that fell to the lot of law students of that day. He 
swept the floor, washed the windows, chopped wood, made fires, did what 
writing he could, and saw that the ink wells on the desks of the firm mem- 
bers were never dry. 

In 1880, Colonel Boyd Dudley, in company with George B. Rush 
was admitted to the bar, and on the day of his admission he was 
appointed by the court to act as the lawyer for the defense, a custom in 
those days. The newly made barrister had what looked like a difficult 
case. He was called upon to defend a negro, who had ripped open the 
pocket of a drunken laborer, while the laborer lay asleep in the woods north 
of Gallatin. The negro removed the money from the sleeping man's 
pocket, and proceeded to spend it at the only saloon in the town. The case 
of the state being complete, the negro was convicted and sentenced to two 
years in the penitentiary. But his counsel was not satisfied to let his case 
rest with an adverse decision. The word "feloniously" had been omitted 
from the indictment and the charge stood as petit larceny. A motion to 
quash was overrulled, but Colonel Dudley appealed the case to the Supreme 



346 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Court at his own expense, got a stay of execution, obtained a reversal of 
the case, and on retrial, the prisoner was discharged for want of evidence. 
This is typical of Colonel Dudley's determination and tenacity. 

Colonel Dudley spent two years in New Mexico and Arizona, but the 
lure of the Grand River Valley was strong, and he returned to Gallatin in 
1884. For several years he was engaged in the abstract and loan busi- 
ness at Gallatin, and for a time he was the secretary and manager of the 
local Building and Loan Association. He later became the president of the 
State League of Local Building and Loan Associations. He was the 
author of the first law relating to the supervision and control of local build- 
ing and loan associations by the state of Missouri, and the passing of the 
law was due largely to Colonel Dudley's untiring efforts. At one time he 
was a member of the Republican State Central Committee of Missoui'i, and 
during the Spanish-American War, he acted as the president of the Mis- 
souri State League of Republican Clubs, and during the days of the Span- 
ish-American War, he tendered his services to President McKinley, offering 
to raise a regiment for service in the war. 

Colonel Dudley has spent a life filled with vital experiences. In his 
early life he was associated with the late Milt Ewing in business affairs. 
Later he was a friend of John F. Jordan, for many years the editor of the 
Jamesport Gazette, and later connected with the loan and abstract business 
at Gallatin. Colonel Dudley's first law partner was W. D. Hamilton, a man 
who had studied law with Senator George Vest. This partnership, form- 
ed about the time of the trial of the famous James brothers, continued until 
the death of Mr. Hamilton in 1913. Coloned Dudley then became a part- 
ner in the firm of Dudley and Selby. This partnership was dissolved on 
Jan. 1, 1921, and Colonel Dudley now has his son-in-law, Charles D. Bran- 
dom, as partner in the office. 

Colonel Dudley was married to Anna Chapdu, a sister of Mrs. H. C. 
McDougal, and to this union one child was born. The child died in infancy, 
and shortly after Mrs. Dudley died. On June 9, 1896, Colonel Dudley mar- 
ried Belle J. Holmes of Hamilton, the daughter of B. F. and Julia (Gee) 
Holmes. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes were natives of New York, and were early 
settlers of Caldwell County, Mo., where they lived on a fami. They are 
both now dead. Mrs. Dudley is a granddaughter of Benjamin Tillinghast 
of New York, and is a lineal descendant of Captain Miles Standish of the 
Mayflower. By this last marriage Colonel Dudley has two children: Boyd, 
Jr., a sketch of whose life follows; and Katherine, who was a student at 
Central College at Lexington for a year, and who later attended Randolph 
Macon College at Lynchburg, Va., and the State University of Missouri, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 347 

and is now married to Charies D. Brandom of Gallatin. She is a member 
of the Theta Upsilon Gamma and the Pi Beta Phi sororities, Regent of the 
Gallatin Chapter of the D. A. R., a member of the Mayflower Society and 
is State Recording Secretary of the Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth 
Century. 

Colonel Dudley has never sought office. He has served as t^p nvesi- 
dent of the Board of Education, and as the president of the Board of Con- 
trol for the State Industrial School for Girls at Chillicothe. He is a mem- 
ber of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World lodges. His father was an 
Episcopalian, his mother a Methodist, and Colonel Dudley identified him- 
self with the Presbyterian church. Several years ago, however, during a 
church trial of intense community interest. Colonel Dudley led the counsel 
for the reactionaries on the subject of the use of the organ in church. 
Since that time, he has insisted in a joking way that he leans toward "the 
fundamental apostolic faith." He takes an intense and active interest in 
all public questions, and maintains his membership in the Missouri Histor- 
ical Society and in the Society of the American Academy of Social Science. 
He is a man of ready and keen perceptions, an alert mind, wide in his 
sympathies, and a citizen of the highest civic pride. 

Boyd Dudley, Jr., was reared in Gallatin, where he graduated from 
the high school. He became a student in the Missouri State University 
School of Mines at Rolla, and completed the four year course there in 
three years. After his graduation he became the assistant instructor in 
metallurgy at Rolla, and remained in that position for three years. At the 
end of that time he went to Boston, where he took the Master's Degree 
from the Boston Institute of Technology. He then spent a summer at 
Nashua, N. H., as superintendent of one of the plants of the John-Man- 
ville Company. The next year he went to the University of Pennsylvania 
as Assistant professor of metallurgy. 

When the United States entered the Worid War, Mr. Dudley at once 
went into active service with the rank of captain in the Ordinance Depart- 
ment. During the early part of the war his work was the organization 
of the Inspection Division of Factories in New York and Pennsylvania in 
connection with making munitions. He was later transferred to what was 
known as "Waterveleit Arsenal" on the Hudson River near Albany. There 
he was made the superintendent of heavy artillery, in charge of the depart- 
ment that made the eight inch field Howitzers. Shortly aftrw^ards, Mr. 
Dudley was promoted to the rank of major, and was transferred to the 
Sea Coast Division. He was made Superintendent of the Sea Coast Artil- 
lery, and was in charge of the manufacturing of the great 16 inch 



348 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

calibre guns used in coast defense. Major Dudley held this position as a 
civilian for a year after he was discharged from the army. 

Major Dudley was married at Gallatin while he was teaching in Rolla, 
to Madge Netherton. Mrs. Dudley is a daughter of James N. Netherton, 
a former resident of Gallatin, and county clerk of Daviess County for a 
number of years. Major and Mrs. Dudley have two children, Boyd Dudley, 
III, and William, and now live in Syracuse, N. Y., where he is in charge 
of the plant of the American Piano Company. He is a man of marked 
ability, whose unusual degree of successful achievement is due to his innate 
capacity, his excellent training, and his determination. He is an able 
member of his family, which has stood for order and progress for nine gen- 
erations in the United States. 

John N. Brown, a member of the firm of Musselman and Brown 
Hardware Company, and the city clerk of Gallatin, was born in Salem 
Township in this county on Feb. 8, 1874. His parents were Napoleon B., 
and Sarah J. (Harbard) Brown. 

Napoleon B. Brown was bom in Virginia, June 6, 1833. He came to 
Daviess County with his parents in 1853. They settled near Pattons- 
burg, where Napoleon Brown became the holder of 400 acres of land. 
He operated this land successfully until his retirement from the active 
work on the farm. He moved to Gallatin in 1886, when he was elected 
to the othce of treasurer of Daviess County. He took the office in 1887, 
and held it for the next eight years, making a reliable and highly re- 
spected official. He was a Democrat.. Mr. Brown was an extensive 
stock dealer, buying and selling stock all over the northwest part of the 
state. Long before the railroads ran through this part of Missouri, Mr. 
Brown would drive his stock to the docks of the Missouri River for ship- 
ment. He was one of the first group of directors of the Farmers Ex- 
change Bank of Gallatin, and in 1902 was elected judge of the county 
court, which office he held until his death on May 26, 1903. He was a 
man of great versatility and of marked intellectual ability. He had only 
a common school education, but his life was a success. He was a veteran 
of the Civil War, in which he serv^ed as a captain in the Missouri State 
Militia. 

In 1859 Napoleon Brown w'as married to Sarah J. Harbard, born 
near Heyworth, 111., in 1843. To this union the following children were 
born: Mary C, the widow of W. Carpenter of Salem Township; Anna 
E., the widow of George Keown of Liberal, Kan.; Alice, the wife of A. 
L. McNeely of Washington Township ; Lucy, married to E. O. DeVoss of 
Hutchinson, Kan. ; Josephine B., the wife of J. K. Kitch, of Guymon, 
Okla.; John N., the subject of this review; Charles E., a resident of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 349 

Hutchinson, Kan.; Ross M., also living at Hutchinson, Kan.; Dollie I., 
now the wife of C. Duclon, of Hutchinson, Kan. ; and G. C, who was the 
third child born, and now lives in Calif. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were both 
members of the Christian Church. Mrs. Brown died on Sept. 9, 1917, 
and the remains of both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are buried in Brown Ceme- 
tery at Gallatin. 

John N. Brown grew up on the farm and attended the public schools 
of Coffey and Gallatin. In 1890 he went to Liberal, Kan.; where he en- 
gaged in the lumber and hardware business for the next 22 years. In 
1912 he returned to Gallatin, and in June, 1921, he entered into partner- 
ship with John Musselman in the hardware business. This is one of the 
well established commercial enterprises of Gallatin, and the firm con- 
ducts a good business. 

Mr. Brown was married in 1896 and to this one daughter was born: 
Maretta, M., born in 1900, and married in 1919 to George Carlson of San 
Francisco, Calif. 

Mr. Brown is a Democrat. He was elected to the office of city clerk 
of Gallatin in 1920, and has made a competent official. He is a public 
spirited citizen and holds the high regard of all who know him. 

J. H. Tate, manager and salesman for the Ford automobiles and 
Fordson tractors at Gallatin, has conducted the Ford Agency and garage 
in partnership with D. C. McVay since March 22, 1917. Their present 
building was completed on Aug. 1, 1920. The structure, built at a cost 
of $50,000. is located a half block north of the Square on North Main St., 
and has a frontage of 130 feet with a .show room, two driveways, and a 
storage room 90x120 feet. There is also a large basement. The building 
is constructed of brick, is well ventilated, is equipped with a rest room 
for ladies, and has windows reinforced with steel sashes. The show 
room has a trass floor, and the repair shop, at the west side of the office, 
has battery and welding service. Mr. Tate and his partner are to be 
congratulated on their achievement of a modern and efficiently managed 
garage. 

J. H. Tate is a native of Grundy County; he was born on Nov. 20, 
18S5, the son of C. L. and Nancy (Barberry) Tate. C. L. Tate was born 
in Andrew County on Nov. 17, 1859, and has been a successful farmer 
all of his life. To his union with Nancy (Barberry) Tate three children 
were born of whom two are now living : J. H., the subject of this review ; 
and Harley F., now a resident of Ft. Collins, Col. Mrs. Tate died in 1889 
at the age of 24 years, and Mr. Tate later married Frances Harvey. To 
this union two children were born: the older child is deceased; and the 



350 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

younger, a daughter, Annie, is now married to Bernice Harris of Tren- 
ton. 

J. H. Tate attended the rural schools, and later was a student in the 
Jamesport High School. He assisted his father on the farm until 1905, 
when he began operating a farm for himself. He bought and improved 
1100 acres of land in Grundy County, which he later sold, and in 1908 
he moved to Trenton and became interested in the transfer business. 
Two years later he bought a grocery stock in Trenton, and conducted a 
gi'ocery store for the next two years. He then accepted a position with 
the National Biscuit Company, and traveled out of St. Joseph until 1917. 
That year he and D. C. McVay became interested in the automobile bus- 
iness, in connection with which they conducted the Ford Agency at 
Trenton, with Mr. McVay in charge. The plans of Mr. Tate and Mr. 
McVay include the erection of a building at Trenton similar to the re- 
cently completed structure at Gallatin. 

J. H. Tate was married on March 5, 1905, to Hallie Mae Brown, a 
native of Grundy County, the daughter of Elias and Laura (Pernell) 
Brown. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown were bom in Missouri, and both are 
now living on their farm, six miles south of Trenton. Mr. and Mrs. Tate 
were the parents of three children: Jule, at home; Thelma, died in in- 
fancy; and Hubert, at home. 

Mr. Tate is a Democrat. He is an adherent of the Baptist Church, 
and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. In 1921 he was elected the secretary 
of the newly organized Chamber of Commerce at Gallatin and on April 
4, 1922, Mr. Tate was elected Mayor of Gallatin. Mr. Tate is an ener- 
getic and ambitious business man, and a citizen who holds the high re- 
gard of the entire community. 

Charles L. Knauer, is a well known business man of Gallatin, Da- 
viess County. He is a native of Ohio, born in Springboro, an inland vil- 
lage of Warren County, April 6, 1862. 

Andrew Knauer, the father of Charles L. Knauer, was born in Ba- 
varia, Germany, but left his native land when he was 19 years old, and 
came to the United States. He located in New York City and worked at 
his trade, that of a tailor, for eight years. Later he went to Springboro, 
Ohio, arid operated a store. In 1866, he came to Gallatin and opened a 
merchant tailor store, which he operated successfully until his death on 
April 4, 1901. He was born on July 17, 1824, and most of his long life 
was spent in the country of his adoption, where he readily adapted him- 
self to the commercial conditions. As the founder of the mercantile en- 
terprise which is now owned and conducted by his son, the subject of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 351 

this sketch. Andrew Knauer became an integral part of the town. He 
was a man of sane, clear judgment, and succeeded in establishing an en- 
terprise that would last over many years. 

Andrew Knauer married Charlotte Elbert, born in Hesse, Darm- 
stadt, Germany, and to this union seven children were born, three of 
whom died in Ohio, and two died at Gallatin, Mo. C. L. Knauer was the 
fourth child born to his parents. One sister, Mrs. Julia Drummond, now 
lives in Gallatin. She is a widow. Mrs. Knauer died in 1896. Her re- 
mains and those of her husband are buried in Lile Cemetery. They were 
excellent members of the community. Mr. Knauer took part in the town 
affairs and served on the city council. He was a Democrat, and was a 
charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge. 

Charles L. Knauer was four years old when his parents came to 
Daviess County. He attended the school at Gallatin, and worked for 
and with his father in the store, where he learned the trade of a tailor 
under the tutelage of his father. In 1883 he was made a partner in the 
store, and in 1901 he became the sole owner of the business; however, 
he continues to operate under the old firm name of A. Knauer and Son. 
Mr. Knauer carries a complete line of men's ready made clothing, han- 
dling the Clothcraft and Block Company garments and gents furnish- 
ings. He also carries samples for tailor made clothing, and an excellent 
line of shoes. 

Mr. Knauer was married on Oct. 16, 1888, to Carrie A. Haynes, 
born in Lebanon, Tenn., the daughter of J. L. Haynes. Mr. Haynes lived 
at Gallatin for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Knauer have two chil- 
dren : Harry L., an assistant in his father's store ; and Elizabeth, at home. 

Mr. Knauer is a Democrat and is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church in which he has been the Sunday School Superintendent for 33 
years. He is the president of the Y. M. C. A., which position he has held 
for 30 years. Mr. Knauer gave the lot where the new Y. M. C. A. build- 
ing now stands, and has been a member of the State Committee of the 
Y. M. C. A. In 1890 he was elected to membership in the city council and 
served for two terms. In April, 1921, he was again elected to the coun- 
cil, and was a member of the Board of Education for many years, acting 
as treasurer for that body. In 1921 Mr. Knauer became the vice presi- 
dent of the Gallatin Trust Company, in which capacity he is still serv- 
ing. By inheritance, training, and natural ability, Mr. Knauer is a pro- 
gressive and wide-awake business man. His high ideals for the develop- 
ment of the community may be seen from his active participation in the 
work of the Y. M. C. A. He is one of the far sighted and excellent citi- 
zens of Gallatin. 



352 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Hon. Alexander M. Dockery. — There has hardly been a man, woman 
or child in northwest Missouri who has not been familiar by constant repi- 
tion with the name of Alexander M. Dockery, whose career of public ser- 
vice has kept him almost constantly active in district, state and national 
affairs through an entire generation. For 16 years, Mr. Dockery repre- 
sented the Third District in Congress, and during the Democratic Adminis- 
tration of President Wilson held the post of third assistant postmaster 
general. 

His active public service has obscured the fact, except in his home 
town of Gallatin and among his more intimate friends, that Mr. Dockery 
began his career as a physician, and besides several other degrees is en- 
titled to the letters, M. D. 

Governor Dockery, as he is known to all his friends, was born in 
Daviess County, Feb. 11, 1845. His parents were Rev. Willis E. and 
Sarah E. (McHaney) Dockery, his father having been a distinguished 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. Mr. Dockery, who is 
the only survivor of three children was educated in Macon Academy, Macon, 
Mo., and in 1863 entered the St. Louis Medical College, and was graduated 
in March, 1865, with the degree of M. D. He later attended lectures at 
Bellevue College in New York, and the Jeiferson Medical College at Phila- 
delphia and began his first practice at Linneus, Mo., and from 1867 to 
1874 practiced at Chillicothe. He was recognized as a skillful physician. 

In March, 1874, having abandoned the medical practice, for other lines 
of endeavor, Mr. Dockery removed to Gallatin and became associated with 
Thomas B. Yates in the establishment of the Farmers Exchange Bank, 
an institution which has had a solid career for nearly 50 years. He served 
as its cashier until 1882. Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Dockery 
served as County Physician of Livingston County from 1870 to 1874, was 
president of the Board of Education at Chillicothe in 1870-72, was a mem- 
ber of the board of curators of the University of Missouri from 1872 to 
1882, and at Gallatin was a member of the city council 1878-81, and mayor 
during 1881-83. 

From 1878 until his election to Congress Mr. Dockery was chairman of 
the Democratic Congressional Committee of the Tenth District, 1880 was 
chairman of the Congressional Convention at Brunswick, and in 1882, at 
the conveniton at Cameron was nominated for representative in Congress. 
Altogether there were six men in the field for the nomination, and it was 
one of the most exciting conventions held in that district for many years. 
The deciding ballot was the 28th. The opposition had been unable to unite, 
since Mr. Dockery was the second choice in all the counties. His election 
from the Third District came in November, 1882, and he continued as 




HON. Ai.KX.\Niii:i; m i •"•i<i-:i:y 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 353 

representative in Congress from Marcii 4, 1883, to March 4, 1899. In the 
successive conventions Mr. Dockery was renominated without opposition. 
During his career in Congress Mr. Dockery was a member of the Committee 
on Claims, Committee on Accounts, Committee on Post Offices and Post 
Roads four years, and for the last ten years of his service in the house was 
a member of the Committe on Appropriations and had charge of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropria- 
tion bills. From 1893 to 1895 he was chairman of what is known as the 
"Dockery Commission," which, among other notable achievements, de- 
vised the present accounting system of the national treasury. This system 
has been in successful operation since Oct. 1, 1894. During the World 
Fair at Chicago, he was chairman of a special committee appointed by the 
House to investigate and simplify methods of business. This committee's 
elaborate report served as a basis for the work of organization of the 
Louisana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis. While a member of the Com- 
mittee on Post Offices and Post Roads, Mr. Dockery was instrumental in 
securing the installation of the second fast mail train service in the United 
States, from New York to Kansas City by way of St. Louis. In 1886, Mr. 
Dockery was chosen permanent chairman of the Democratic State Con- 
vention at St. Louis. 

At the conclusion of the eighth term Mr. Dockery declined a renom- 
ination in order to enter the race for governor in 1900. He was nominated 
by acclamation in June of that year, the nomination speech being made 
by Hon. W. S. Cowherd of Kansas City. In the following November he was 
elected Governor of Missouri against his opponent, Joseph Flory, of Mo- 
berly. Taking his oath as governor, Jan 14, 1901, Mr. Dockery was chief 
executive of his native state four years. After retiring from the gover- 
nor's chair in 1905 he continued active in Democratic politics, being chair- 
man of the state convention in 1906, and in 1912 was elected treasurer of 
the Democratic State Committee and reelected in 1914. At the begin- 
ning of President Wilson's administration, Mr. Dockery was appointed 
Third Assistant Postmaster General, his appointment being confirmed by 
the Senate, March 13, 1913, and he entered upon his duties March 17th. 
As Third Assistant Postmaster General he had supervision and control of 
all the extensive fiscal affairs of the postal service, including the postal 
saving system. 

In 1906 Governor Dockery was awarded the degree of LL. D. by the 
University of Missouri. In the interval between his term as governor 
and his recent promotion to the Postoffice Department, Governor Dockery 
proved himself a citizen of force and influence in his home city of Gallatin. 
He served as a member and president of the board of education from 1906 



354 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

to 1912, was president of the Gallatin Commercial Club from its organiza- 
tion in 1908 to 1914, and was president of the Daviess County Chautauqua 
Association since its organization in 1909. He was also chairman of the 
building committee which supervised construction of the new court house, 
and of the committee which supervised construction of the new Gallatin 
school house. Of his local activities, Governor Dockery probably takes 
most pride in his work as ex-officio road overseer in his county, a service 
which he has performed gratuitously but none the less effectively at var- 
ious times during the past 30 years. 

Governor Dockery was married April 14, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Bird, 
daughter of Greenup Bird. All of the seven children of their marriage 
died in infancy. His wife died at the Executive Mansion, Jefferson City, 
January, 1903. 

Governor Dockery has some interesting fraternal relations. In 1880 
he was elected Eminent Commander of Kadosh Commandery No. 21, 
Knights Templar, at Cameron ; in 1881 was elected Grand Master of Mis- 
souri Masons; in May 1883, was chosen Grand High Priest of the Royal 
Arch Masons of Missouri, and since 1886 he has been a member of the 
Board of Directors of the Masonic Home of Missouri, being chairman of the 
Executive Committee the greater part of the time. In May, 1910, he was 
elected Grand Master of the Missouri Odd Fellows, and this gives him the 
unusual distinction of being the only person in the state who has been 
Grand Master of both Missouri Masons and Missouri Odd Fellows. Begin- 
ning May, 1909. he served 12 years as president of the Odd Fellows Home 
Board at Liberty. 

Governor Dockery has been a liberal contributor and supporter to the 
cause of the Y. M. C. A., and is now serving as a director. In July, 1906, 
Mr. Dockery donated the original land for the City Park which is now 
known as "Dockery Park," which now contains 14 acres, located in the 
northeast part of Gallatin. The Governor is very proud of his work in 
building up and beautifying this park, which is a valuable asset to the city. 
He has been president of the Park Board since its organization. 

The people of Missouri have honored Governor Dockery with their con- 
fidence and respect, and have found him worthy. They have trusted in his 
honesty and integrity, and have always found him true. 

W. Glen Smith, a partner in the granite and marble works of Galla- 
tin, is a native of Daviess County, born in Jackson Township, Oct. 29, 
1881. His parents were Burns R. and Susan Estella (Sharon) Smith. 

Burns R. Smith was born at Watertown, N. Y., Sept. 8, 1844, and 
was reared on a farm. In 1861 he moved to Fountain County, Indiana, 
where he enlisted for service in the Civil War in Company I, 150th Vol- 



ii 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 355 

unteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war, and went back to 
Indiana and married Susan Estella Sharon, born in Indiana, April 14, 
1847. In 1879 they came to Daviess County, and bought a farm in Jack- 
son Township. Mr. Smith improved the land, and became a well known 
man in the community. He was a Republican, and a member of the 
Grand Army of the Republic. He was a very active adherent of the Bap- 
tist Church, and helped to organize that denomination in the county. 
He was one of the promoters of the Daviess County Sunday School As- 
sociation, and served as the president of that body for many years. Mr. 
Smith died at his home on April 4, 1915, and his remains are buried in 
Brown Cemetery. His widow now lives at Gallatin. Their children 
were: Myrta E., now the wife of Samuel Nichols of Jackson Township; 
and W. Glen, the subject of this sketch. 

W. Glen Smith was reared on the farm, where he remained until 
he was 22 years old. He attended the public school of Gallatin, and in 
1900 he graduated from River College. In 1899 he taught in what is 
known as the Red School in Lincoln Township. He continued to teach 
and farm for three years. He then became interested in the grocery bus- 
iness at Gallatin, but sold his interest in that enterprise in 1913, and en- 
tered the monument business with E. R. Achuff. This business is located 
on the north side of the Square, where the same business has been con- 
ducted for 45 consecutive years. Mr. Achuff and Mr. Smith employ four 
assistants, two of them first class cutters. The business has grown 
greatly. This is the only marble and granite shop in Daviess County ; a 
wide range of territory is therefore handled through this shop. 

W. Glen Smith was married on Feb. 21, 1904, to lola Hale, daugh- 
ter of A. B. and Katherine (Adams) Hale, both descendants of pioneer 
families in Clinton County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hale were born in Clin- 
ton County, as was their daughter, Mrs. Smith. They now live on a farm 
in Clinton County. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Mabel. Mrs. 
Smith was a prominent teacher in Daviess County before her marriage. 

Mr. Smith is a Republican, and is identified with the Baptist 
Church. He is the Sunday School Superintendent of that church. He is 
a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and the Yoeman Lodges. He was elected to the 
office of police judge of Gallatin on the Independent ticket, and when 
the Gallatin Commercial Club was reorganized in 1921, Mr. Smith was 
made the president. His work in connection with monuments has pro- 
vided him with much valuable data on family lineages in the county. Mr. 
Smith is an energetic and ambitious man, a citizen who is an asset to the 
community, and a man held in high esteem. 



356 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dr. M. A. Smith, a physician and surgeon of Gallatin, is well known 
throughout the community, both as a successful man in his profession, 
and as a veteran of the World War. Dr. Smith was one of the men who 
renounced his practice at home and gave his services to the country dur- 
ing the time of need. The names of such men will always be held in high 
esteem, and it is fitting that due tribute be paid to them in this work. 

The Smith family were originally of Virginia stock. They came to 
Missouri in the early pioneer days, and settled in Clay County, later mov- 
ing to De Kalb County. I. V. Smith, father of Dr. Smith, was born in De 
Kalb County, Dec. 26, 1842. He farmed during his youth, enlisted for 
service in the Conferedate Army during the Civil War, and served in 
Company E, 3rd Missouri. He was severely wounded at the Battle of 
Vicksburg. He returned to De Kalb County, and taught school for a 
while. He was serving as the county judge of De Kalb County, when he 
decided to move to Nebraska. In 1872 he located at Bloomington, Neb., 
and in 1874 he went to a farm in Franklin County, Neb. At various times 
during his life, Mr. Smith conducted a hardware store, ran a grain ele- 
vator, and for 15 years, he bought grain at Bloomington, Neb. 

Mr. Smith married Tibitha J. Ashby, born on Jan. 3, 1854, near 
Edinburg, Mo. To this union six children were born, four of whom are 
now living. Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Gallatin several years ago, and 
Mrs. Smith died there in 1910. She was a member of the Methodist 
Church, South, as is her husband. Mr. Smith now makes his home with 
his son. Dr. Smith. 

Dr. Smith, the fourth child born to his parents, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Neb., Oct. 16, 1877. He was reared in Nebraska and at- 
tended the Bloomington High School from which he graduated in 1897. 
In 1898 he entered Central Medical College at St. Joseph, and graduated 
from that institution with the degree of Doctor of Medicine on March 1, 
1900. He served as intern in the St. Joseph's Hospital during the year 
1899-1900. In 1900 Dr. Smith located at Gallatin, and at once estab- 
lished an excellent practice in his profession. He acted as both the citv 
and the county physician from 1901 to 1905. During the year 1903 he 
took a post graduate course in his work in Chicago, 111.; and in 1909 he 
took post graduate work in New York City. 

In June, 1916, Dr. Smith was commissioned first lieutenant. Medi- 
cal Reserve Corps, and was called into service on Sept. 15, 1917. He re- 
ported at Officers Training Camp at Fort Riley, Kan., and remained in 
training until December, 1917. He was placed on temporary duty at 
the Headquarters Base Hospital at Fort Riley until February, 1918, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 357 

when he was assigned permanently to Evacuation Hospital No. 16, and 
commissioned a captain. Dr. Smith was instrumental in perfecting the 
organization of that hospital. His work was arduous, as, in addition to 
acting as the adjutant, he found it necessary to do also the work of a 
quarter master. He was relieved from the duty of those two positions 
at his own request, since his desire was to work overseas as a medical 
officer. After a short stop at Camp Meade, Md., the hospital force em- 
barked on Aug. 28, 1918, and arrived at Brest Sept. 7, 1918. After a 
period of preliminary training, the force was sent to the Ai-gonne Sec- 
tor, landing at the hospital center near Neuf Chateau. Dr. Smith was 
sent back to the United States Central Laboratory at Dijon for special 
instruction. 

From Dijon Dr. Smith returned to duty with Evacuation Hospital, 
No. 16, and also with Base Hospital, No. 18. He remained with this hos- 
pital throughout the Argonne offensive, and was in that sector until Feb- 
ruary, 1919, when he was sent to the Army of Occupation. He served 
at Trieves and Coblenz, after April 1st, was in charge of the United 
States Hospital at Eherinbretestein. Dr. Smith left Coblenz, on June 14, 
1919, and arrived in the United States on July 5. He was discharged 
from service at Camp Dix, N. J., on July 7, arrived at his home on July 
10, 1919, and at once resumed his practice at Gallatin. 

Dr. Smith was married, Oct. 20, 1903, to Anna E. Fulkerson, born 
near Trenton, the daughter of P. G. and Eliza (Carnes) Fulkerson. Mr. 
and Mrs. Fulkerson were both born in Grundy County. Dr. and Mrs. 
Smith had one son, Marshall A., now living at home. Mrs. Smith died, 
Feb. 6, 1908, at the age of 26 years. On Oct. 28, 1915, Dr. Smith was 
married to Jessie B. McCue. She was born near Gallatin, the daughter 
of R. M. and Elizabeth (Rodgers) McCue. Mr. and Mrs. McCue now live 
at Gallatin. To the union of Dr. and Jessie B. (McCue) Smith two chil- 
dren have been born : Elizabeth Jane, and Mary Margaret. 

Dr. Smith is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Church. 
He belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch, 
Chapter, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Wood- 
men of American Lodges. He assisted in the organization of the Ameri- 
can Legion, Post Wallace McAfee, No. 68, at Gallatin, and acted as the 
post commander for two years. He maintains membership in the Da- 
viess County, the Missouri State and the American Medical Associations. 
For the past 20 years he has acted as the secretary of the Daviess County 
Medical Association, and in 1908 he was elected vice-president of the 
Missouri State Medical Association. 



358 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dr. Smith is a progressive man in his profession, a citizen of great 
public spirit, and a man known to his community for his high ideals of 
civic pride and public service. 

C. J. Stout, a business man of Gallatin, is a native of the town. He 
was born on April 5, 1889, the son of J. D. and Jennie (Brooks) Stout. 

J. D. Stout was born, Nov. 7, 1854, in Green County, Illinois. His 
father, W. W. Stout, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Pittsburg in 
1826. He was a school teacher, and came to Daviess County in 1860. He 
was educated in Springfield, HI. He located in Colfax Township in Da- 
viess County, and became a farmer, teaching school through the winter. 
In 1882 he was elected to the ol!ice of assessor of Daviess County on the 
Democratic ticket. Two years prior to that time he had been elected the 
county superintendent of public schools. He was a leader in the school 
work of the county, and did much to develop the educational possibili- 
ties of Daviess County. He married Martha E. Short, a native of Green 
County, Illinois, born in 1836. To this union six children were born, of 
whom three are still living: Hugh H., a carpenter at Gallatin; C. A.,. liv- 
ing in Kansas City; and J. D., of Gallatin. W. W. Stout died on Jan. 11, 
1884. His remains and those of the children, who are deceased, are 
buried in Black Cemetery near Winston. Mrs. Stout died in August, 
1919, and her remains are buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin. 

J. D. Stout was reared near Gallatin on a farm. In 1871 he attended 
school at Gallatin and graduated there in 1875. The next year he taught 
school in Daviess County, and then went back to Illinois, where he taught 
for a year. He returned to Gallatin in 1879, and in 1886 he began work 
as a clerk in a general merchandise store. He retained that same posi- 
tion for 12 years, and at the end of that time, accepted a clerkship with 
the Etter Store Company. He worked with that firm for 15 years, and in 
1917 began clerking in the shoe department of the Knauer and Son 
Clothing Store. He was married in Illinois on Oct. 23, 1879, to Jennie 
Brooks, who was born on Jan. 24, 1861. 

J. D. Stout is an affable and efficient clerk, and a man well liked in 
the community. He recalls the trying early days in the county very 
vividly. Among his interesting reminisinces is this stor>^ He was sent 
by his father to get a load of wood from the timber. The wagon was 
loaded, and the small boy was driving the yoke of oxen very carefully. 
But taking the downward slope of a hill the wagon upset, spilling off 
both the wood and the boy. The oxen hastened out of the road into a 
field, and it took the appearance of the father of the boy, to restore or- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 359 

der. He found the oxen grazing peacefully some distance away, and a 
much frightened boy sitting disconsolately in the road. 

To the union of J. D. and Jennie (Brooks) Stout nine children were 
born, all of whom are living. They are : Willa, the wife of T. J. Nether- 
ton, a Baptist minister in Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Albert, living at Ochil- 
tree, Tex.; Minnie, a resident of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; C. J., the subject of 
this sketch ; Elsie, married to L. E. Lynch, of Gallatin ; Ruth, the wife of 
T. O. Manion of Iowa; Kathryn, married to H. R. Galpin, of Gallatin; 
Mildred, the wife of Roy Nichols of Gallatin; and Jewell, a student in 
the Gallatin High School. 

C. J. Stout grew up at Gallatin, and attended the Gallatin High 
School. He worked at the watch-making trade at Liberty for two years, 
and then apprenticed himself to David Herzog and learned the tailor's 
trade. In the fall of 1912 he opened a shop at Gallatin. He carries a line 
of tailoring material, and does cleaning and dyeing. Mr. Stout has built 
up an excellent business in the years he has been at Gallatin, and his 
shop is one of the popular places for his line of work. 

On Nov. 8, 1890, Mr. Stout married Lena Winburn. She was born 
on Nov. 8, 1890, in the south part of Daviess County, the daughter of J. 
C. and Eliza (Finnell) Winburn. They were natives of Kentucky, and 
early settlers of Daviess County. Mr. Winburn enlisted in the Federal 
Army in Kentucky, while his brothers and other relatives fought on the 
Confederate side. He died in Amoret, Mo., in 1920, at the age of 79 
years. His widow now lives at Amoret. 

C. J. Stout is a Democrat. He is a Thirty-Second Degree Mason, and 
a member of the Shrine, Ararat Temple in Kansas City, Mo. He also be- 
longs to the Gallatin Commercial Club. He served on the city council ot 
Gallatin from 1919 to 1921, the period during which the automobile fire 
truck was bought by the town. Mr. Stout is a man of enterprise and bus- 
iness ability. 

W. C. Link, a popular and successful dentist of Gallatin, is a native 
Missourian. He was born on Jan. 22, 1885, at New Bloomfield, the son 
of R. H. and Louise (Bryan) Link. 

R. H. Link was born in Calloway County on August 1, 1856. His 
parents were natives of New Bradford, Va., and were among the adven- 
turous and courageous Southerners who came to Missouri when the land 
was new. They made the long, hard trip by wagons, and took up land 
in Missouri. Until quite recently, R. H. Link ow-ned the farm, where he 
was born. He now lives on land seven miles away from the homestead. 
His wife, Louise (Bryan) Link, was born in Kentucky, and is a distant 



360 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

cousin to William J. Bryan. Mr. and Mrs. Link have six children, all liv- 
ing. 

W. C. Link was reared on his father's farm, and attended the pub- 
lic school of New Bloomfield. In 1911 he entered the Dental College of 
St. Louis University, and graduated in 1914. He located at Ashland for 
a time, but later went to New Franklin. In 1917 he came to Gallatin 
and located in the Farmers Exchange Bank Building. There has been a 
dental office at his location for past 65 years. Dr. Link has established 
an excellent practice. He makes a specialty of extracting teeth, and has 
a wide practice in that line of his work. 

Dr. Link is a Democrat in his political views. He is identified with 
the Christian Church and belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons Lodge. He is an able man in his profession, a citizen of progres- 
sive ideals and a man highly esteemed in the community of Gallatin and 
the surrounding country. 

Judge Oliver Otto Mettle, a well known attorney at Gallatin, since 
1900, when he was admitted to the bar in Missouri, is a native of Gallatin. 
He was born on Dec. 3, 1878, his parents being Jacob and Catherine (Berg) 
Mettle. 

Jacob Mettle was born in Germany at Hesse in Hamburg, Aug. 12, 
1845, and was brought to the United States in his infancy by his parents, 
who settled in Frankiln County, Ohio. In 1863 Jacob Mettle came to Har- 
rison, Ohio, and learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 1866 he moved to 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked at his trade until 1872. That year he came 
to Gallatin. He worked in Amos Foe's shop until 1875, when he opened a 
business for himself. He afterwards moved to a farm, which he operated 
during the last 13 years of his life. Jacob Mettle married Catherine Berg, 
born in Frankiln County, Ind., Aug. 12, 1869, and to their union the follow- 
ing children were born: Edward,. born in Cincinnati, Ohio, now living at 
Gallatin; an infant, deceased; Minnie L., the wife of E. D. Fitzgerald of 
Manhattan, Kans. ; Oliver 0., the subject of this review; J. Fred, now a res- 
ident of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Harry H., a painter at Gallatin ; Addie E., 
married Everett Keck, a farmer in Liberty Township, Daviess County ; and 
Omer L., of New Castle, Wyo., a veteran of the World War. He enlisted 
at Kansas City, was sent to Jefferson Barracks, and later to two other 
camps in the south. He was sent overseas as a motor mechanic in the 
air service, and was in Europe when the armistice was signed. 

Jacob Mettle died on his farm on March 5, 1917, and his widow now 
lives with her daughter, Mrs. Keck. Jacob Mettle was a man of indomi- 
nable perserverance. He suffered many reverses during his life, but was 




OI-IVKK <l. MKTTl K 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 361 

successful in spite of them. While he was in business on the east side of the 
square, the building and his stock burned. Mr. Mettle had no insurance, 
but with sturdy pluck, he started out again. He made boots for many of 
the old settlers around Gallatin. He took the raw leather, and constructed 
the boots or shoes from it. He had no educational advantages, but he 
possessed the natural ability that made it impossible for him to fail. He 
was of the true stalwart, courageous type. His remains are buried in the 
old Brown Cemetery. He was a Republican in his political views, and was 
a member of the Lutheran church. 

OHver 0. Mettle was reared in Gallatin and attended the public school 
there. He studied law for four years in the office of Hicklin & Hicklin, 
and was admitted to the bar in Missouri in 1900. He at once began the 
practice of his profession at Gallatin. He served as the city attorney dur- 
ing the years 1916 and 1917 under Mayor Penn Love, and is now acting in 
the same capacity under Mayor Musselman. In 1918 Oliver 0. Mettle was 
elected to the office of probate judge for a term of four years, and at present 
holds that office. 

Judge Mettle was married June 12, 1900, to Flora B. Toler, born in 
Delevan, Minn., and reared in London Mills, 111. She was the daughter of 
W. A. and Hester (Farrell) Toler, natives of Ohio. Her father was a well 
known merchant in his town. Both of her parents are now dead. Judge 
and Mrs. Mettle were the parents of six children : Angelo, deceased ; Oliver 
0., Jr. ; Dorothy D. ; Robert D. ; Harold A. ; and an infant, deceased. All of 
the children are at home. 

Mrs. Mettle holds the position of probate clerk in her husband's office. 
Judge Mettle is a man who is highly esteemed in the community. He is 
a reliable and substantial citizen of Gallatin. 

G. G. Murray, a registered pharmacist, and the owner and proprie- 
tor of the Murray Drug Company at Gallatin, is a native Missourian. He 
was born at Jamesport, Sept. 20, 1878, the son of Michael and E'lla 
(Barnes) Murray. 

Michael Murray was born in County Mayo, Ireland, Nov. 18, 18b9. 
His parents were John and Rose (Monahan) Murray. They migrated to 
Canada, bringing their son, Michael with them, in 1840. They located at 
Quebec, but two years later moved to Belmont County, Ohio. Michael 
Murray was educated in the Catholic College at Wheeling, W. Va., then 
worked as a farm hand until June, 1861, when he enlisted for service in 
the Civil War. He was placed in Company A, 25th Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, and participated in the following battles and engagements; Mt. 
Summit, Va., Sept. 12, 1861; Greenbrier, Oct. 3; Alleghaney, Dec. 13; 



362 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

McDowell, May 8, 1862; Cross Keys, June 9; Slaughter Net, Aug. 9; 
Second Battle of Bull Run, Aug. 29; Chantilly, Sept. 1; Fredericksburg, 
Dec. 13; Gettysburg, July 2, 1862; the engagement at Strasburg, Va., 
June 1, 1861; at Woodstock the next day; and that same month at Ft. 
Jackson, and at Harrisburg, Va., where the famous Confederate cavalry 
commander, Ashby, was killed. 

During the Battle of Gettysburg, Michael Murray was wounded, 
and was taken to the hospital at Germantown, Pa., where he remained 
for two months. In June, 1862, he was made the second lieutenant of 
his company, and in February, 1864, was promoted to the position of 
first lieutenant. In November, 1864, he was again promoted to the posi- 
tion of captain of Company E of the same regiment. During September, 
1864, he was engaged in the assault on Ft. Wagner on Morris Island off 
Charleston, S. Car., and was in the seige of Sumpter, crossing Ashley 
River, and the taking possession of the town on Feb. 17, 1865. The last 
battle in which Mr. Murray took part was that at Red Hill, S. Car., 
April 25, 1865. There his regiment received notice of General Lee's sur- 
render, and was ordered to occupy Charleston until June, 1866. Mr. 
Murray was mustered out of service that same month at Columbus, Ohio, 
after a period of active service of five years and some months. 

In 1866 Mr. Murray invested in mining property in Christian and 
Berry Counties, Missouri, but three months later, he returned to Wash- 
ington, Ohio. He became interested in a mercantile business there, and 
conducted it until December. 1867, when he came back to Missouri, and 
entered the drug business at Jamesport on Jan. 1, 1868. He sold that 
business in 1872, and entered the general mercantile business in the 
same town. He operated the enterprise successfully for several years. 
In August, 1880, he bought 15 acres of land and engaged in farming and 
fruit growing, raising apples, peaches, plums, and cherries. 

Michael Murray was married in Grundy County on May 2, 1869, to 
Lydia E. Barnes. She was born in Monroe County, Ohio, Jan. 9, 1849. 
To this union five children were born: E. C, a salesman at St. Louis; J. 
B.. died on March 30, 1918, at Silver City, N. M., and his remains are 
buried at Jamesport, Mo. ; Olive, the wife of A. R. Alexander, the post- 
master at Plattsburg; G. G., the subject of this sketch ; and Lenore, mar- 
ried to S. E. Arnold, a farmer at Jamesport. Michael Murray was a 
staunch Republican. He was a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, and the Masonic Lodges at Gallatin. He died on April 24, 
1919, and his remains are buried at Jamesport. His widow continues to 
live on the home place at Jamesport. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 363 

G. G. Murray was reared at Jamesport, and graduated from the 
public school there. He became a salesman for the Armour Packing 
Company, working out of Kansas City, Mo. Later he accepted a position 
with the J. H. Hood Company and worked out of Louisville, Ky. In 1900 
he located at Jamesport, and conducted a drug business there until 
1908. That year he consolidated his business with the Dr. 0. F. Clag- 
gett Drug Company at Jamesport, and the two partners conducted the 
new business together for a year. In 1909 they bought a drug store at 
Gallatin, retaining the ownership of the store at Jamesport for a time. 
They later disposed of the Jamesport store. In 1913 Mr. Murray bought 
Dr. Claggett's interest in the Gallatin store, and it is now conducted 
under the title, Murray Drug Company. It is one of the thriving stores 
of the community. 

G. G. Murray was married on Oct. 21, 1913, to Bess Carter, a native 
of Warrensburg. She graduated from the Central Missouri State Teach- 
ers College at Warrensburg, and taught Latin in the Gallatin High 
School for the two years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Murray 
have one child, Madeline. 

Mr. Murray is a Republican, and is a member of the Masons, the 
Elks, and the Yeoman Lodges. Mr. Murray is one of the alert and pro- 
gressive business men of the county. He is a man highly esteemed in his 
community. 

During the World War Mr. Murray's services as County Chairman 
of The Liberty Loan Organization for the Third and Fourth Loans were 
such as to make him the recipient of highly complimentary personal let- 
ters from Hon. W. G. McAdoo, United States Treasurer, as well as from 
the State Chairman. Neglecting his private business and at considerable 
sacrifice, he devoted several months to this work and so organized Da- 
viess County that its citizens gave expression to their loyalty by going 
over the top in these loan campaigns in a manner not surpassed by any 
county in the state. 

A. F. Seller, the superintendent and secretary of the Knauer and 
Seller Rock Company, and the owner and operater of a plumbing shop 
at Gallatin, Daviess County, was born at Boonville, Aug. 26, 1868. His 
parents were Alois and Anna Seller. 

Alois Seller was born in the Alps in Switzerland. He worked at the 
trade of a weaver in his native land, and after coming to the United 
States, worked at various occupations. Shortly after the close of the 
Civil War, he located at Boonville, Mo. He later returned to Switzerland 
taking with him his son, A. F. Seller, who was ill. The boy received 



364 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

treatment at the hands of a Swiss physician, and after his recovery, was 
brought back to Missouri, by his father. In 1886 the father went back to 
his native land and died there. His wife died when her son, A. F., was 
nine years old. After the death of his parents, A. F. Seiler began to 
shift for himself. 

He worked on a farm owned by John Wessing in Cooper County. 
In return for such work as he did, he was given his board and clothes, 
and was allowed to attend the district school for three months of each 
year. The school building was a log cabin, and Mr. Seiler recalls the 
fact that for a part of the time, the only member of his class besides him- 
self, was a little girl. He remained with Mr. Wessing for four years, and 
then worked as a farm hand for five years. In 1884 he went to Boon- 
ville, where he worked for three years and a month as an apprentice 
learning the tinning and plumbing trade. The hours were long in those 
days. Work began in the morning at five o'clock, and frequently con- 
tinued until 11 o'clock at night. The first year, Mr. Seiler received in 
payment for his work, $25.00; the second year, $40.00; and the third 
year, $60.00. 

Mr. Seiler remained in Boonville until 1889, when he went to St. 
Joseph, where he worked at his trade until 1896. That year he came to 
Gallatin and opened a repair shop. He has established a thriving busi- 
ness, owns property, and has recently become interested in the Knauer 
and Seiler Rock Company. 

A. F. Seiler was married the first time to Zettie Shephard in 1889. 
To this union the following children were born : Harry, now living in 
Kansas City, Mo.; Anna, the wife of J. O. Reed of Kansas City, Kan.; 
Lillian, married to Frank A. Williams of Miami, Fla.; an infant, de- 
ceased; and William M., a sketch of whose life is given in a later para- 
graph. Mr. Seiler was married the second time on Dec. 4, 1915, to Grace 
Lee Williams, a native of Missouri. 

William M. Seiler was born on May 18, 1896, at St. Joseph, Mo. He 
was a member of Company K, 3rd Missouri Militia, and was the corporal 
of the company. He served on the Me.xican Border. When the regiment 
enlisted for service during the World War, he was made sergeant of 
Company K, 140th Infantry, 35th Division. The regiment went overseas, 
and Sergeant Seiler was killed on Sept. 29, 1918, at Exermont in the Ar- 
gonne Forest. His remains are buried in France. His name stands among 
those of the honored dead of the state who gave their lives at the time 
of the country's greatest need. 

A. F. Seiler is a Democrat. He served as an alderman for two terms. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 365 

He was the chief of the fire department for 20 years. He is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the following lodges: the 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, the Woodmen of the World, and the Yeoman. As a city official, 
he was thoroughly competent, and efficient; as a citizen, he is interested 
in all that pertains to civic welfare; and as a business man, he is ener- 
getic and reliable. 

Daniel M. Fisher, a minister in the Christian Church and the deputy 
county recorder of Daviess County, has his home at Gallatin. He is a na- 
tive of Ohio, where he was born on July 16, 1859, in Ross County, three 
miles west of Bainbridge. His parents were Daniel and Mary A. (Dan- 
nar) Fisher. 

Daniel Fisher was born in Botetourt County, Virginia. He went to 
Ohio when he was 21 years old, and operated a farm there until the out- 
break of the Civil War. He enlisted for service in Company C, 176th 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took part in many of the important bat- 
tles of the war. He died while in service at Nashville, Tenn. He mar- 
ried Mary A. Dannar, born in Gallia County, Ohio, in January, 1833. 
Her parents were Michael and Sarah (Vance) Dannar, both natives of 
North Carolina. Michael Dannar died in Ohio, and his widow died in 
Daviess County. The Dannar family came to Daviess County before the 
Civil War. Daniel Fisher's father, Jacob Fisher, was a native of Vir- 
ginia, and died there. After his death, his widow, Eva (Moomaw) 
Fisher, took her three children to Ohio, and in 1869, she came with her 
son's widow, Mary A. (Dannar) Fisher, and her son's children to Mis- 
souri. They settled in De Kalb County, where the grandmother died. In 
1879 the remainder of the family came to Daviess County. Mary A. 
(Dannar) Fisher died at Pattonsburg in 1904. She was the mother of 
seven children, four of whom are still living. One son, David, lives in 
Jefferson Township, Daviess County; and another is Daniel M., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

Daniel M. Fisher attended the Normal College at Stanberry, and 
graduated from the commercial and teachers courses in 1879. He 
taught for 15 consecutive years in the schools in Daviess County; and 
for four years held the position of principal of the school at Pattonsburg. 
He completed 20 years in the service of the schools by acting as principal 
of the school at Altamont. In 1902, the postmaster at Altamont resigned, 
and Mr. Fi.sher was tendered the position, which he accepted. He re- 
mained in that position for 13 years, then took up insurance work, and 
was made the justice of the peace at Altamont. In 1919 he came to Gal- 



366 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

latin, and was appointed the deputy county recorder, which place he 
has filled most acceptably ever since. He began preaching in 1915, and 
has been the acting minister in De Kalb County, at Altamont, and in Da- 
viess County, always with marked success. 

Daniel M. Fisher was married to Sarah B. Deering, Dec. 24, 1876. 
She was born in Daviess County, the daughter of J. R. and Samantha 
(Stapp) Deering, both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Deering came to Da- 
viess County in the forties, and located on a farm in Marion Township. 
Mrs. Fisher is the second oldest of the five children born to her parents, 
four of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have three daugh- 
ters: Ora, H., the wife of Fred Robinson of Gallatin; LuVerne, married 
to D. T. Browne, of Altamont; and Pauline, the wife of J. B. McKaskey, 
of Altamont. Mr. Browne and Mr. McKaskey are partners in a mercan- 
tile establishment at Altamont. 

Mr. Fisher is a Republican, and is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, of which lodge he is the district deputy grand 
master. He has been elected the representative to the Grand Lodge for 
1922-1923. Mr. Fisher is an excellent citizen, a man of keen intelligence, 
and one who holds the respect of the entire community. 

Arthur M. Stephens, the capable and energetic manager of the 
Farmers' Store at Gallatin, is well and favorably known throughout the 
community. He has lived in and around Gallatin for years, and has been 
connected with various mercantile enterprises in the county. 

Mr. Stephens was born in Sangamon County, Illinois, March 26, 
1876, the son of Sanford E. and Fannie (Ficklin) Stephens. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Stephens were born near Covington, Ky., and came to Illinois 
in their youth. They settled in Missouri in 1874, and bought land in the 
eastern part of Daviess County, later returning to Illinois. They after- 
wards came back to Daviess County, and after making two more trips 
back in Illinois, they settled permanently in Daviess County. They both 
died on the farm in this county, and their remains are buried in Lock 
Spring Cemetery. They were the parents of seven children, three of 
whom are still living: Luther, farming in Livingston County; Benjamin, 
living in Livingston County; and Arthur M., the youngest child, the sub- 
ject of this review. 

Arthur M. Stephens was reared in Daviess County. At the age of 13 
years, he began clerking in a store at Lock Spring. He afterwards 
clerked in various stores, thoroughly mastering the phase of the mer- 
cantile business that involved the successful management of a store. He 
conducted a store at Lock Spring for S. N. Norris, who is the owner of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 367 

the Farmers' Store at Gallatin. In 1905, Mr. Stephens came to Gallatin, 
where he clerked for Mr. Norris. In 1916 he was made the manager of 
the store, and has conducted it with unvarying success ever since. The 
store building covers a space 65x120 feet, and has a balcony 50 feet 
wide. The firm carries dry goods, ladies ready to wear garments, shoes, 
and men's clothing. They handle the Hart, Schaffner and Marx brand 
of clothing for men. The business is constantly growing, and shows the 
effect of Mr. Stephens' competent management. 

Mr. Stephens was married to Florence McClure on Oct. 12, 1918. 
She was born in Indiana and is the daughter of Charles and Mary Mc- 
Clure, former residents of Daviess County. 

Mr. Stephens is a Democrat, and is a member of the Masons and 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodges, holding his membership 
in the former at Gallatin, and in the latter at Lock Spring. He is a relia- 
ble man, and has the respect of the entire town. 

R. L. Etter, Sr., manager of the W. H. Etter Dry Goods Company of 
Gallatin, is a member of a family that has been connected with mercan- 
tile pursuits in Missouri for many years. Mr. Etter has been an integral 
part of the mercantile development of Missouri in several parts of the 
state, and has been intimately associated with all phases of the business 
world since his early youth. The training he received has been of ines- 
timable value to him in recent years, since he has been operating a busi- 
ness. 

Mr. Etter was oorn on Dec. 11, 1863, at St. Louis, the son of C. A. 
and Sarah (Allen) Etter. C. A. Etter was born in Marietta, Pa., and his 
wife was a native of St. Louis County, Missouri. They are both now 
dead. They were early settlers of St. Louis, and had their residence near 
the river. C. A. Etter started a dry goods store in St. Louis, and for 30 
years, he conducted it with marked success. He retired from active busi- 
ness several years before his death. Mr. and Mrs. Etter were the parents 
of 11 children, four of whom are now living: Charles, of San Antonio, 
Tex. ; Coleman, in the W. H. Etter store at Gallatin ; Belle, now Mrs. Ar- 
thur Klug of St. Louis; and R. L., the youngest child, and the subject of 
this review. 

R. L. Etter was reared in St. Louis, and graduated from the public 
schools in that city. He and his brother, M. F. Etter, became interested 
in the dry goods business, and operated stores in several towns in Mis- 
souri. In 1882, they opened a store at Pattonsburg, which they sold in 
1886. Mr. Etter then came to Gallatin, where his oldest brother had 
founded the present Etter store. This store, founded by W. H. Etter 



368 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

more than 40 years ago, is one of the thriving enterprises of Gallatin. It 
is located in a building with a frontage of 60 feet, and is 125 feet deep. 
The two floors are given over to the housing of the complete stock of 
dry goods, shoes, carpets, men's clothing, ladies' ready to wear, and mil- 
linery, which the firm carries. The W. H. Etter Dry Goods Company was 
incorporated ten years after it was first organized. R. L. Etter is one of 
the stockholders. The founder, W. H. Etter, died in 1915, but the com- 
pany has continued the use of the original name. 

R. L. Etter was married the first time to Elizabeth McDonald, and 
to that union two children were born: Golden, a successful teacher in 
Tulsa, Okla. ; and Robert, connected with the office of the Democrat at 
Gallatin. Mr. Etter was married the second time to Neva Green, a native 
of Chillicothe, Livingston County. 

Mr. Etter is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Church. 
He is an alert business man, and is accounted one of the substantial cit- 
izens of Gallatin. 

Charles Hemry, a prominent business man of Daviess County, is the 
president of the First National Bank at Gallatin. Mr. Hemry is a member 
of a pioneer family of the county, and has spent all of his life in and near 
Gallatin, where he has established an enviable reputation as an efficient, 
careful, and successful financier. He was born May 20, 1870, in Monroe 
Township. 

George Hemry, grandfather of Charles Hemry, came from Ohio to 
Missouri, and settled in Daviess County in 1842. He entered land in 
Monroe Township, and made extensive improvements for his time. After 
a lapse of two years, he returned to Ohio to settle up the Hemry estate. 
He returned to Missouri shortly after, and died at Brunswick, where his 
remains are buried. His son, Thomas, the father of Charles Hemry, was 
bom in Carroll County, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1830. He was reared in Daviess 
County ; received his education in the rural schools ; and became a prom- 
inent farmer and stockman in the county. He was a man of great energy 
and ambition, conservative and careful in his dealings. At his death on 
Jan. 31, 1903, he was the owner of 1500 acres of land, and his estate was 
valued at $100,000. He married Sarah Payne, bom in Bourbon County, 
Ky., Dec. 10, 1834, the daughter of Henry Payne. Henry Payne and his 
family came to Missouri and settled in Daviess County in 1846. They lo- 
cated on a farm in Monroe Township where they lived for many years. 
Mr. Payne died in Iowa. To the union of Thomas and Sarah (Payne) 
Hemry six children were born: Martin, now living in Gallatin; Augusta, 
at Gallatin; Charles, the subject of this sketch; and Stella (Hemry) Hunt, 




CHARLES IlEMRY 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 369 

the assistant cashier of the First National Banlc. Mrs. Hemry died Nov. 
2, 1914. Both her remains and those of her husband are buried in Brown 
Cemetery. 

Charles Hemry was reared on the farm, attended the rural schools 
in his boyhood, and later became a student in Kidder Institute at Kidder. 
He studied in Gem City Business College for a while, and then became 
manager of the home farm, which he now owns. In July, 1894, he came to 
Gallatin and entered the banking business, in which he remained until 
1900, when he returned to the farm. In 1909 he was made the president 
of the First National Bank and has filled that position with credit ever 
since. In 1916 Mr. Hemry erected a house in Gallatin which is all modern 
and is accounted one of the best residences in the town. He is an exten- 
sive land owner, holding 687 acres in Daviess County and 1600 acres in 
Western Kansas. 

Mr. Hemry was married Dec. 19, 1909, to Adah Macy, a native of 
Daviess County, the daughter of W. C. and Mary (Nichols) Macy. Mrs. 
Hemry died Feb. 16, 1922, and is buried in Bi'own Cemetery. She left one 
daughter, Mary Charlene; a daughter, Dorothy, is deceased. W. C. Macy 
was born in Daviess County, the son of Captain Macy of Civil War fame, 
and one of the early settlers of the county. Mr. Macy died July 20, 1921, 
at the age of 73 years. He and his wife were the parents of six daughters 
and one son. At the time of his death, Mr. and Mrs. Macy had retired from 
their farm. 

Charles Hemry is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the 
Baptist church. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He 
is one of the alert and keen minded business men of Daviss County, and a 
man of marked civic pride for his town. The Hemry family has been an 
asset to Daviess County since the days when the grandfather of the present 
subject first settled here. 

Frank A. Woodruff, one of the best known and most popular hotel 
men of northwest Missouri, is the owner and proprietor o'f the Woodruff 
Hotel at Gallatin. Mr. Woodruff is a man of varied business interests ; 
he owns 169 acres of land in the county, and owns and manages the larg- 
est pear orchard in the state. He is a native of Daviess County, born at 
the southwest corner of the city limits of Gallatin, Dec. 3, 1865. His par- 
ents were Joab and Paulina (Fisher) Woodruff. 

The Woodruff name has been known in the United States since the 
days of the American Revolution. Joab Woodruff, the paternal grand- 
father of Frank A. Woodruff, w-as a native of Pennsylvania. He married 
Sophia Dumhan, and they moved to Indiana. Their son, Joab, the father 



370 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of Frank A. Woodruff, was born near Nineneh, Johnson County, Indi- 
ana, Oct. 25, 1825. He learned the trade of a wagon maker and followed 
that trade for a time. He also farmed. In 1856 he came to Missouri and 
located in Daviess County, where he owned a section of land in Union 
and Liberty Townships. He was a successful farmer, and a fancier of 
high grade stock. His home was an open house to all of his neighbors, 
and was a meeting place for people from all parts of the county when 
anything of importance called them to Gallatin. Mr. Woodruff was 
known throughout the community for his spirit of hospitality. 

Joab Woodruff married Pauline Fisher on Nov. 29, 1846. She was 
born in Middletown, Ohio, May 14, 1825. To their union the following 
children were born: Jamsy, the wife of T. P. New, living six miles east 
of Gallatin; Mary, the widow of T. P. McGuire of Los Angeles; Gillie, 
married L. F. Hill, they are both dead, and their remains are buried in 
Colorado; John W., whose farm at Eugene, Ore., was selected as the 
model chicken farm of Oregon; Hialleck, living near Gallatin; and 
Frank A., the subject of this review. Mr. Woodruff died on June 17, 
1882, and Mrs. Woodruff died on Feb. 25, 1901. The remains of both 
are buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin. 

Joab Woodruff was a Republican. He enlisted for service in the 
Civil War, and in 1862, was commissioned captain of Company I by Gov- 
ernor H. R. Gamble. He was assigned to No. 33rd, Regulars, Missouri 
State Militia; and in 1863 was detailed captain of Company A, 4th Pro- 
visional Regiment of the Enrolled Militia, stationed first at Rochester, 
and later at Savannah and St. Joseph. He remained in that service until 
the close of the war. In 1866 he was commissioned first lieutenant by 
Gov. T. C. Fletcher, and was made the enrolling officer for Daviess 
County. He held that position for a year. He was one of the best known 
men of his time in Daviess County, where he was held in high esteem. 

Frank A. Woodruff was reared on the farm, and attended the pub- 
lic school until he was 14 years of age. He looked after his father's 
farming interests, and farmed for himself until 1901. He became heir to 
80 acres of land in 1892, which he at once converted into an orchard. 
The land lies just a mile west of Gallatin, so Mr. Woodruff has an ex- 
cellent shipping point. At the time that Mr. Woodruff set out his or- 
chard, there was not a Commercial pear orchard to be found in the com- 
munity, but he established the industry on so subtsantial a basis that 
others have followed his lead. In 1919 Missouri raised more pears than 
any other state ; Daviess County produced half the pears of the state 
that year; and more than half of the Daviess County crop was raised in 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 371 

Mr. Woodruff's orchard. That year he shipped 17 car loads of pears, 
and in 1914 he shipped 23 car loads. 

In 1901, Mr. Woodruff started in the hotel business at Gallatin, us- 
ing a building on the site of the present Farmers' Store. That building 
was burned, and in 1911, Mr. Woodruff bought the present hotel build- 
ing. He is operating one of the most successful hotels in this part of the 
state. The success is largely due to the hospitable attitude maintained 
by both Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff toward their guests. Mr. Woodruff al- 
ways employs from 12 to 1-5 assistants in the hotel, and during the pick- 
ing season of the pear orchard, he employs 50 people. He supplies the 
town with ice during the summer season. 

Frank A. Woodruff was married on Oct. 4, 1885, to Sarah M. Hen- 
derson, born on Feb. 6, 1865, on a farm four and one-half miles west of 
Gallatin. Her father, G. W. Henderson, was born in Clay County, March 
11, 1834. When he was two years old, his parents moved to Gentry 
County, where his father was the first white man to build a log cabin in 
that county. In 1840 he moved his family to Daviess County, and there 
George W. Henderson grew up. G. W. Henderson was a farmer and 
grain broker. In 1874 he was elected to the position of county judge, 
which position he held for three years. He was acting as the county 
treasurer at the time of his death on July 29, 1893. He married Matilda 
McBrayer, Dec. 29, 1859. She was a native of Daviess County, and died 
Sept. 24, 1878. To her union with G. W. Henderson four children were 
born: John A., deceased; W. E., deceased; Sarah M., the wife of Frank 
A. Woodruff; and Eleanor J. 

To the union of Frank A. and Sarah M. (Henderson) Woodruff two 
children were born: Frankie, born Dec. 18, 1893, graduated from the 
Gallatin High School, married on Jan. 15, 1914, to Roy Talbert of Galla- 
tin; and John, born Feb. 4, 1906, in the hotel, where he has been reared, 
now a student in the Gallatin High School. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff have 
one grandchild, Eleanor Frances Talbert, born on Dec. 28, 1914. 

Mr. Woodruff is a Republican, and is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of America Lodge. His recollections of his youth on the farm 
are very interesting. He was very fond of pets as a boy, and his list of 
pet animals which he kept as a boy, includes 50 Shetland ponies, 40 
deer, an elk, an antelope, a golden eagle, 12 foxes, six wolves, and 500 
squirrels, which he kept in a huge cage at one time. Mr. and Mrs. Wood- 
ruff are excellent citizens and are held in high esteem, not only in Galla- 
tin, but by all the travelers, who have been guests in the hotel. 



372 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dr. P. L. Gardner, since June, 1918, a practicing physician and sur- 
geon at Gallatin, is one of the progressive and widely known physicians 
of the county. He is a native of Missouri, having been born at Trenton, 
June 12, 1882. His parents are C. L. and Mary J. (Law) Gardner. 

C. L. Gardner was born near Palmyra, and is now a retired railroad 
man. He started as an engine wiper in his boyhood, was later made a 
fireman at Trenton, and then became an engineer on the Rock Island 
Railway, which position he held until 1901, when he retired from active 
service. Mary J. (Law) Gardner was born in England, and came to the 
United States about 1878. She went to Trenton, Mo., where she and her 
husband now live. Mrs. Gardner is a member of the Episcopal Church. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gardner had three children born to their union : Albert, 
deceased; P. L., the subject of this review; and John T., living at Tren- 
ton, and holding a position as traveling salesman for the Sharp and 
Dohne Company of Baltimore, Md. 

Dr. Gardner graduated from the Trenton High School, and in 1901, 
entered Missouri State University and studied medicine there for one 
year. In 1902 he went to University Medical College at Kansas City, 
Mo., and graduated from that institution in 1905. He began to practice 
his profession at Waldon, and remained there until 1909, when he lo- 
cated at Gilman City. In April, 1918, he went to Chicago, and took a 
post graduate course and in June, 1918, he located at Gallatin, where he 
has established a large practice. He was a volunteer for medical service 
during the World War, but was not called into active duty. 

Dr. Gardner was married, April 19, 1905, to Jessie Ethel Ratliff. 
Mrs. Gardner was born at Trenton, the daughter of J. Newton and So- 
phronia (Drinkard) Ratliff, and graduated from the Trenton High 
School. Her father was a native of Illinois and her mother was born in 
Grundy County, Mo. Mr. Ratliff a partner in the Ratliff Commission 
Company of Kansas City, Mo., and was one of the well known and popu- 
lar business men of northwest Missouri. He died in 1920, and his widow 
now lives at Trenton. Dr. Gardner and his wife have two children ; C. 
Newton, and P. L., Jr. 

Dr. Gardner is a Democrat, and is a Royal Arch Mason. He is a 
member of the Daviess County Medical Society, the Missouri State Med- 
ical Association, and the American Medical Association. He is at present 
the deputy state commissioner of health and the United States public 
health officer for Daviess County. Dr. Gardner is the owner of 80 acres 
of land in Liberty Township, and keeps the place well improved. He is 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 373 

a man of progressive ideas in his profession, and a citizen of whom the 
community is proud. 

B. E. Croy, holding the position of second assistant postmaster in 
the postothce at Gallatin, was born on Dec. 4, 1875, near Jameson. His 
parents were John and Nancy Jane (Walls) Croy. They were the par- 
ents of five children. Mr. and Mrs. Croy have now retired from the 
duties of their farm, and are living at Jameson. 

B. E. Croy was reared on the farm, and attended the Jameson High 
School. He later became interested in farming, and remained with his 
father on the latter's farm until 1897. That year he bought a farm of 60 
acres, which he operated and improved. He traded his land for a flour 
mill at Jameson, and entered into partnership with T. A. Walls. They 
operated the mill during the years 1909 and 1910, when Mr. Croy bought 
Mr. Walls' interest in the enterprise. A little later he traded the mill for 
183 acres of land in Liberty Township. During the year 1915-1916 he 
operated his father's land, but the next year, moved to his own farm. 
He improved that land, and continued to farm it until 1919, when he 
moved to Gallatin. In September, 1920, he was appointed by the Civil 
Service Commission as a clerk in the Gallatin Postoffice, where he has 
made a competent and obliging official ever since. 

Mr. Croy was married on Oct. 6, 1898 to Neva Byrd. She was born 
in Grundy County, Dec. 7, 1876. the daughter of Redmond and Ella 
(Currin) Byrd, both natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Byrd is dead, and Mr. 
Byrd now lives at Jameson. Mrs. Croy died on July 6, 1921. To her 
union with B. E. Croy three children were born: Alvin E., a resident of 
La Junta, Col.; Helen Marie; and James C, both at home. 

Mr. Croy is a Democrat, and is a member of the Baptist Church. 
He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern Bi'other- 
hood of America and the Mutual Benefit Association Lodges. He is a re- 
liable man, and a highly esteemed member of the community. 

H. E. Patton, manager of the Fuller Lumber Company at Gallatin, 
has spent practically all of his life in and near Gallatin. He is a native 
of Daviess County, where he was born at Jamesport on April 17, 1882. 

G. M. Patton, the father of H. E. Patton, was born in Alderson, Va., 
Sept. 30, 1849. He followed the trade of a carpenter and contractor. In 
1872 he came to Missouri, and located at Jamesport in Daviess County, 
where he worked as a carpenter until 1902, when he came to Gallatin. 
He married Isabelle Caraway, who was born in Daviess County, Sept. 
17, 1852, and to this union two children were born: Harry E., the sub- 
ject of this sketch; and Kipper, married to R. L. Saunders of Gatesville, 



374 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Tex. Mrs. Patton died on March 1, 1917, and Mr. Patton now lives with 
his son at Gallatin. Mrs. Patton was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and Mr. Patton is identified with the Baptist Church. 

Harry E. Patton was reared at Jamesport, and graduated from the 
school at that place in 1900. He entered Grand River College at Galla- 
tin, where he was a student for a time, later attending the Normal Col- 
lege at Chillicothe. In 1908 he went to St. Joseph, and was placed in 
charge of the shoe department of the Battreall and Whittingham Shoe 
Company. The next year he farmed near Blake, and in 1913 he returned 
to Gallatin and worked as a carpenter. In 1917, he accepted a position 
as bookkeeper at the First National Bank, which position he gave up in 
1918 in order to become the manager of the Fuller Lumber Yard at Gal- 
latin. 

Mr. Patton was married to Henrietta Kivett on April 30, 1910. Mrs. 
Patton is the daughter of Newton and Mary (Johnson) Kivett, both na- 
tives of Missouri. Mr. Kivett is dead, and his widow now lives at Galla- 
tin. Mr. and Mrs. Patton have two children; Deen and Genevieve. 

Mr. Patton is a member of the Christian Church, and is a Democrat. 
He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge. He is well 
known throughout Daviess County, and is an efficient and energetic 
man. He is proving successful in his work as manager of the Fuller Lum- 
ber Yard. 

Lee R. Pierce, the county treasurer of Daviess County and a well 
known auctioneer of Gallatin, where he makes his home, was born in 
Rooks County, Kan., Nov. 29, 1893. His parents are Fred L. and Addle 
(Brant) Pierce. 

Fred L. Pierce was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Jan. 29, 
1871. He moved to Kansas in his youth, and became a farmer in that 
state. In 1895 he came to Daviess County, and bought a farm in Monroe 
Township two years later. He now owns 200 acres of well improvel 
land, and is a breeder of high grade stock specializing in Spotted Po- 
land China hogs. His wife, Addie (Brant) Pierce, was born in Ohio, 
Sept. 30, 1872. To her union with Fred L. Pierce the following children 
were born: Lee R., the subject of this review; Lloyd, Walter, Mary, 
Ollie, Mildred, Be.ssie, and John. 

Lee R. Pierce was reared on his father's farm, and attended the 
district schools of Monroe Township. After he completed his school 
work, he worked on the farm for his father. In 1912, he began crying 
farm sales, and liked that work so well that he entered the Missouri Auc- 
tion School at Trenton for special training. He has been a successful and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 375 

popular auctioneer. He served as the assessor of Union Township for 
two years, and in 1920, he was elected county treasurer for Daviess 
County. 

Lee R. Pierce was married on Aug. 20, 1918, to Gay Green. Mrs. 
Pierce was born in Monroe Township in Daviess County. Her parents 
were W. H. and Mina Green, both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have 
no children. 

Mr. Pierce is a Republican. He is a worthy young man, energetic 
and ambitious, and is well lined in the town. 

Clinton L. Payne, a retired farmer of Daviess County, now living at 
Gallatin, is a native of Illinois, was born in Madison County on Jan. 3, 
1859. His parents were Henry and Delia L. (Shephard) Payne. 

Henry Payne was born in New Haven, Conn., and was reared on a 
farm. In 1844 he came to Illinois, and located on a farm in Madison 
County, where he died in 1879 at the age of 61 years. His wife was also 
born in New Haven, Conn. She died at Trinidad, Col., in 1899, at the age 
of 78 years. Mr. and Mrs. Payne were the parents of five children, of 
whom only one, Clinton L., now survives. 

Clinton L. Payne grew up on a farm in Illinois. He was a student in 
Johnson's Commercial College in St. Louis, and graduated from that in- 
stitution in 1880. He returned to Illinois, after his graduation, but in 
1883 he came to Missouri. He bought 100 acres of land in Washington 
Township, Daviess County, and improved it. He added to his land hold- 
ings as he could, until he now owns 424 acres, divided into two well im- 
proved farms. Mr. Payne has always been a stock breeder, and has 
shipped a great deal of stock from Daviess County. In 1920, Mr. Payne 
retired from the farm, went to Gallatin, and built one of the best resi- 
dences in the town on East Grand Street. He is a shareholder and a di- 
rector in the First National Bank of Gallatin. 

Mr. Payne was married on Sept. 2, 1885, to Alice M. Reed. Mrs. 
Payne was born in Washington Township, Daviess County. Her parents 
wer-^ N. E. Reed, a native of Delaware; and Rachel (Mayo) Reed, born 
in Illinois. They are both dead. Mr. and Mrs. Payne have two children: 
Harley, married Geraldine Daniels, has one child, Harley, Jr., and lives 
on one of Mr. Payne's farms; and Leland, married Arthur Daniels, and 
lives on Mr. Payne's farm. 

Mr. Payne has always been a highly respected citizen of Daviess 
County, where he is held to be one of the substantial and reliable men of 
his community. The Payne family is an asset to the county. 



376 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Leonard M. Hosman, the capable and progressive superintendent of 
public schools at Gallatin, has spent his life in school work. He is thoroly 
familiar with the various phases and needs of the educational work of 
Missouri, having been an integral part of the school system for years. He 
has been a student in the rural schools, the town systems, the State Teach- 
ers College, and the University. Both as a student and as an instructor, 
he has shown a keen appreciation of the problems that confront the schools. 
He is, by virtue of his capacity and training, the type of man who can and 
does accomplish much for Missouri schools. 

Leonard M. Hosman was born in Sheridan Township, Daviess County, 
Dec. 19, 1891. His parents are S. G. and Alice E. (McCrary) Hosman. 
Leonard Hosman's paternal grandparents were James and Kathena (Wood) 
Hosman, natives of Kentucky. They came to Missouri, and settled in 
Daviess County in 1840, where they settled on a farm and reared seven 
sons. James Hosman was a slave holder, the owner of race horses and 
always had Kentucky whiskey in his home. He was one of the intrepid 
men who, because he enjoyed venturing into new and untried land, was a 
strong factor in building up this part of Missouri. 

S. G. Hosman, a son of James and the father of Leonard M., was born 
in Daviess County, Feb. 20, 1862. He was reared on a farm within a mile 
of his present home in Daviess County, and has always been a farmer. 
He holds 120 acres of well improved land in Sheridan Township, and is 
a well known breeder of Poland China hogs, and Aberdeen Angus cattle. 
He has exhibited his stock at various fairs. Mr. Hosman has always been 
a fancier of high grade horses and mules. He has made an improvement 
in Reed Yellow Dent corn, which has proved successful. He has for years 
been a man of prominence in the community and has for been connected 
with the progressive school movements of his district. He is a staunch 
Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian church, and belongs to the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows lodge. 

S. G. Hosman was married to Alice E. McCrary. She was born in 
Sheridan Township Nov. 14, 1863, the daughter of F. M. and Martha 
(McBrayer) McCrary. They were natives of North Carolina, and came to 
Daviess County in 1825, making the trip overland. Mrs. Hosman's father, 
F. M. McCrary, was born during the trip. To S. G. and Alice E. (McCrary) 
Hosman the following children were born: Leonard E., the subject of this 
sketch; Floyd, a farmer in Sheridan Township; Joseph, living at home; 
Carrie, the wife of Virgil Walker of Sheridan Township; Alta, at home; 
and Pearl, at home. 

Leonard Hosman was reared on a farm, and attended the Swisher 
District School. He graduated from the Hamilton High School in 1911, 




I.KONAKI. ,M. IIOSMAX 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 377 

and then taught in the Cope District, west of Gallatin, for two years, spend- 
ing the spring and summer in the Northwest Missouri State Teachers Col- 
lege at Marysville. In 1913 he was elected principal of the Pattonsburg 
High School, and the next year was tendered the position of superintendent 
there. He retained that position until 1914, when he left Pattonsburg in 
order to accept a position at Gallatin. Since 1917 he has been superinten- 
dent of schools at Gallatin, and has had the cooperation of the entire com- 
munity in building up an excellent school system. Mr. Hosman graduated 
from the Northwest Missouri State Teachei's College in 1915, and during 
1920 and 1921, he was a student in Kansas State University at Lawrence 
Kansas. Mr. Hosman has always maintained a keen interest in farming 
and during the World War, he spent two summers working on the farm. 
He owns 163 acres of land in Marion and Benton Townships in Daviess 
County, and successfully oversees the operations of his holdings. 

Leonard M. Hosman was married on Aug. 5, 1916, to Eunice E. Eliott 
born in the southern part of Gentry County, the daughter of H. F. and 
Alva (Brotherton) Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are now living at Pattons- 
burg, where Mr. Elliott does general farming. 

Mr. Hosman is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist church 
in which he is a steward. He belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Yoeman lodges. 
He is a man of energy, vision and ambition, an invaluable asset to the 
community. 

Nathaniel G. Cruzen, a well known and successful attorney who is 
engaged in the practice of his profession at Gallatin, is a native of Da- 
viess County and a member of one of the pioneer families of this part of 
the state. He was born at Jamesport, Aug. 1, 1871, a son of Nathaniel 
G. and Mary Faulkner (Gillilan) Cruzen. 

Nathaniel G. Cruzen, the father, was a veteran of the Civil War 
anl during his lifetime was identified with Daviess County. He was bom 
in Jefferson County, Virginia, Oct. 14, 1826, and his parents were Rich- 
ard R. and Aurelia W. (North) Cruzen, the former a native of Loudoun 
County, Virginia, who for 30 years was inspector of the National Arm- 
ory at Harper's Ferry, and the latter a native of Fairfax County, Vir- 
ginia. Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Sr., attended school at Harper's Ferry and 
worked in the armory under his father there until he was 20 years old. 
In 1846 he came to Missouri and settled in Saline County. He remained 
there until 1849 when gold was discovered in California when he went 
to the Pacific Coast. He was engaged in mining in California for four 
years and returned to Saline County where he was engaged in the peace- 



378 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ful pursuit of farming until the Civil War broke out. In December. 1861, 
he enlisted in the Confederate Army in Company A, commanded by F. 
S. Robertson. His first engagement was at Kirkpatrick's mill, near Knob- 
noster, Dec. 19, 1861, where the whole Confederate army was captured. 
Mr. Cruzen was confined in the Graitot Street Prison at St. Louis for 
three months when he was transferred to the prison at Alton, 111., and 
six months later was exchanged. He was then mustered into Musser's Bat- 
talion which was later consolidated with the Infantry. He remained in 
the army until the close of the war when he surrendered at Shreveport, 
La. He then returned to Missouri and engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness at Mt. Hope, Lafayette County, until March, 1869, when he came 
to Daviess County which was his home until the time of his death, July 
1, 1903. Gallatin had been his home since 1883 and at the time of his 
death he was engaged in the loan and abstract business. 

Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Sr., was first married to Nancy. E. Jordin, a 
native of Greenbrier County, West Virginia, who died July 23, 1856. In 
December, 1860, Mr. Cruzen married Mrs. Mary Faulkner, a daughter 
of James Gillilan, a native of Pocahontas County, Virginia, and one of 
the early settlers of Daviess County. He was the founder of the town of 
Jamesport in whose honor it was named. To Nathaniel G. Cruzen's sec- 
ond marriage seven children were born of whom the following are liv- 
ing: Bettie L., married Charles A. Savage, Kansas City; Nathaniel G., 
the subject of this sketch; Harry L., Rock Island, HI.; and Earl M., 
Walla Walla, Wash. The mother of these children resides in Kansas 
City with her daughter. 

Nathaniel G. Cruzen, whose name introduces this review was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Jamesport and Gallatin and Wentworth 
Military Academy at Lexington, Mo. He entered the Kansas City law 
school in 1895 and was graduated from that institution in 1897 and was 
admitted to the bar of Missouri in 1897. He held a clerkship in the Kan- 
sas City post office from 1891 to 1901, taking his law course at night 
school during the same period. In 1901 Mr. Cruzen returned to Galla- 
tin and engaged in the practice of law. He was in partnership with R. J. 
Britton for a time and they conducted the abstract and loan business in 
addition to the law. In 1911 Mr. Cruzen became associated with E. D. 
Mann. Mr. Cruzen is a capable lawyer and has been identified with 
many of the important cases of Daviess County. He was appointed spe- 
cial prosecutor in the celebrated Tarwater case, which attracted state- 
wide attention and was carried to the Supreme Court which confirmed 
the conviction of the lower Court and the contention of the Prosecutor. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 379 

Mr. Cruzen was married June 26, 1896, to Miss Mary Edna Gear- 
heart, a native of Denver, who was reared and educated in Kansas City 
and Gallatin. She is a very capable woman and a talented writer. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Cruzen have been born two children: Richard H., a gradu- 
ate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and is now 
holding a commission as ensign on the U. S. S. Claxton, with the Pacific 
fleet ; and Mary N., who was educated at the Central Female College, 
Lexington, Mo., Kansas State Agricultuarl College and the Chicago Uni- 
versity, is now a teacher of Dometsic Science at Liberty, Mo. 

Mr. Cruzen is a Democrat and has held the office of County Collec- 
tor. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Exchange Bank of Gallatin and 
is a member of the Masonic Lodge. 

Frank A. Fitterer, a grocery merchant of Gallatin, Daviess County, 
is a member of a well known Missouri family. He was born at Trenton 
on Nov. 15, 1873, and is the oldest son of Enos and Mary (Artman) 
Fitterer, sketches of whose lives appear elsewhere in this volume. 

Frank A. Fitterer grew up in Daviess County and attended the 
school at Gallatin, from which he graduated in 1892. He became a firm 
member of the M. E. Fitterer and Sons Mercantile Company, and has re- 
tained his interest in the store ever since. 

Mr. Fitterer was married on Oct. 7, 1896, to Maud Clingan. Mrs. 
Fitterer was born at Gallatin, the daughter of Edward and Lillie (Clou- 
das) Clingan. Mrs. Clingan, now deceased, was a native of Quincy, 111.; 
and Mr. Clingan, born at Gallatin, now lives with his children. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fitterer have one son, Frank Clingan Fitterer. He graduated from 
the Gallatin High School, was a student in William Jewell College at 
Liberty, and later studied in Missouri State University, and also served 
as a member of the S. A. T. C. in the same college. He married Norris 
Tomlinson, and to this union one son was born, Jack Clingan Fitterer. 
Mr. Fitterer is now clerking in the Knauer store. 

Frank A. Fitterer is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is an 
elder in that organization. By inheritance and training Mr. Fitterer is 
well fitted to handle mercatnile work in a successful manner. He is one 
of the well established business men of the community, where the Fit- 
terer family has always been considered an asset to the town. 

Enos Fitterer, deceased, was born at Baden, Germany, on July 28, 
1835. In 1846 his parents came to the United States and settled on a 
farm in Butler County, Ohio. Ten years later, in 1856, Enos Fitterer 
went to Hamilton, Ohio, and learned the trade of a baker. After spend- 



380 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ing 15 months at Hamilton, he went to Carthage, 111., and entered the 
bakery business for himself. 

Mr. Fitterer left his business in 1861 and enlisted for service in the 
Civil War. He was placed in Company B, 32nd Illinois Volunteer Infan- 
try; and took part in the following battles and skirmishes, Pittsburg 
Landing, Hatchie River, and Sherman's March to the Sea. He was mus- 
tered out of service at Leavenworth, Kan., in September, 1865, and re- 
ceived his discharge at Springfield, 111. 

From Springfield, 111., Mr. Fitterer came to Missouri and located at 
Trenton, where he entered into a partnership with C. A. Hoffman. They 
opened a grocery store and bakery under the firm name of Hoffman 
and Fitterer, which they conducted until 1867, when Mr. Hoffman re- 
tired from the business. In 1873, Mr. Fitterer and his brother, John, be- 
came partners in the same enterprise using the firm name of Fitterer 
and Brother. That same year they sold the store to Hyde and Crandall. 
In 1877, Mr. Fitterer moved to Gallatin, and entered the grocery and 
bakery business, which he conducted until his death on Feb. 18, 1884. 

Enos Fitterer was married on Sept. 23, 1868, to Mary Artman. She 
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 20, 1852. She died on April 19, 1908. 
To her union with Enos Fitterer two children were born: Frank A., and 
Oscar L., sketches of whose lives appear in this volume. After the death 
of her husband, Mi's. Fitterer continued to operate the store. She was a 
woman of keen business ability, and of wide sympathy. She was a de- 
vout member of the Baptist Church, as was her husband also, and sup- 
ported it, both spiritually and financially with the greatest loyalty. She 
was a woman much given to deeds of charity, but never felt that she de- 
served praise for her kindnesses. 

The firm name of M. E. Fitterer and Sons has been used since 1877. 
The long record of 45 continuous years of successful business is unusual. 
It has established the Fitterer name among the well known mercantile 
firms of the county. The two sons of Enos Fittterer now conduct the bus- 
iness. They have achieved the same success that their father had. The 
store is one of the best equipped in Daviess County. The firm carries a 
complete line of groceries and queensware, and operate a bakery in con- 
nection with the business. Enos Fitterer founded the business along safe 
business lines. He was a man of unusual discernment, great energy, and 
with high ideals of integrity and civic pride. 

Oscar L. Fitterer, merchant at Gallatin, has been well and favor- 
ably known in the county all of his life. He is a member of a family that 
has been prominent in the mercantile business in Daviess County for 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 381 

many years, and is himself a partner in the M. E. Fitterer's Sons grocery 
store and bakery. He was born at Gallatin on May 22, 1883, the son of 
Enos and Mary (Artman) Fitterer, sketches of whose lives appear in 
this volume. 

Oscar L. Fitterer was educated in the Gallatin public schools and 
graduated from Grand River College with the degree of Master of 
Accounts. He did his special work in his chosen field under the tutelage 
of B. F. Spreyer. After graduation from college, Mr. Fitterer became 
a clerk in the store owned by his mother and brother. After the death 
of his mother, he became a partner in the store. He and his brother 
F. A., now conduct the business, which is one of the highly successful 
enterprises of Daviess County. 

Mr. Fitterer was married to Maud Oxford on Nov. 11, 1908. Mrs. 
Fitterer was born at Cainsville, the daughter of M. F. and Sarah Jane 
(Chambers) Oxford. Mr. Oxford is an attorney at Cainsville. Mrs. 
Fitterer is an active member of the Baptist church, and for the past 
three years, has acted as the president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the 
church. She is a woman of marked executive ability and tact, and has 
made a thoroughly competent officer. She is a member of the Order of 
the Eastern Star, and has filled practically all of the offices in that lodge. 

Oscar L. Fitterer is a member of the Baptist church. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason and the Chapter lodge at Gallatin; and is a Knights Tem- 
plar and a member of the Moila Shrine at St. Joseph. He is accounted 
one of the progressive and reliable business men of Gallatin, and is one 
of the highly regarded citizens of Davie.ss County. 

R. M. McCue, retired, substantial citizen of Daviess County is the 
owner of 400 acres of well improved land in Grand River Township, 
Daviess County. He was born in Nicholas County, Va., Feb. 19, 1844, 
the son of David and Martha (McNeil) McCue. 

David McCue was born in Pocahontas County, Va., in February, 
1802, and came to Missouri in 1844, where he became engaged in farm- 
inf in Jackson Township, Daviess County. During the Civil War, Mr. 
McCue ser\'ed in the army. He later sold out his farm and moved to 
Chariton County, Mo. For a short time he lived in Oklahoma. Mr. Mc- 
Cue died Sept. 12, 1892, on his son's farm in Daviess County. To David 
and Martha (McNeil) McCue 18 children were born, as follows: Paul, 
deceased; Isaac, deceased; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Franklin, de- 
ceased; Rachael, the widow of A. L. Martin, Oklahoma; David, de- 
ceased; James, deceased; John, deceased; William, deceased; Charles, 
deceased ; Hannah, the widow of A. L. Holland, Gallatin ; George, Okla- 



382 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

homa; R. M., the subject of this sketch; Mathew, Shelby County; Abra- 
ham, deceased; Virginia, twin sister of Abraham; Mary, deceased, was 
the wife of Alfred Clark; Martha, deceased, was the wife of Wm. Mc- 
Cartney. Fifteen of the children grew to maturity, and eight of the sons 
served during the Civil War in the Confederate army. 

Martha (McNeil) McCue, the mother of R. M. McCue, was born in 
Greenbrier County, Virginia, in 1810, and died on May 13, 1854. The 
following is quoted from remarks concerning the life of Mrs. McCue by 
Mrs. N. G. Cruzen, written in the Northwest History of Missouri: "Mar- 
tha (McNeil) McCue, the mother of this very large family of 18 chil- 
dren underwent many trials and much privation in the rearing of her 
family. Can you imagine such a great mother love as she possessed? 
She brought up her family in a log cabin, shut in by the great wilderness 
of the prairie land. Beside the enormous task of mothering her children, 
Mrs. McCue even wove the material for their clothing. She carded the 
wool by hand, spun it on a big wheel, reeled it on a count wheel, dyed, 
wove, cut and made the garments for her entire family. She did this 
work by the light of a tallow candle. She communed in silent prayer 
with her God and touched each touseled head, fastened each little shoe, 
and bent to kiss each childish hurt. She was indeed a wonderful mo- 
ther." 

R. M. McCue was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- 
cation in the Oxford District school. He began farming on rented land, 
but in 1875 he purchased a farm in Bates County. Five years later, Mr. 
McCue returned to Daviess County, where he purchased a farm in 
Grandriver Township. He made extensive improvements and kept add- 
ing to his land holdings until he now owns 400 acres of land. He was 
one of the successful farmers of Daviess County, and is widely known. 

In September, 1862, Mr. McCue enlisted in Arkansas under the 
command of General Joe Shelby, and served throughout the Civil War. 
He then returned to Daviess County. In 1890 he retired from farming 
and since that time has lived in Gallatin, where he owns a fine residence. 

On Dec. 2, 1877, Mr. McCue was married to Elizabeth Rodgers, a 
daughter of T. F. and Tabitha (McClung) Rodgers, now deceased, na- 
tives of Virginia. Mrs. McCue was born Feb. 2, 1858, in Warren County, 
111. To R. M. and Elizabeth (Rodgers) McCue four children were born, 
as follows: Virgil R., dentist, St. Joseph; Jessie, the wife of Dr. M. A. 
Smith, Gallatin; Irma Roena, the wife of J. L. Campbell, professor. Lib- 
erty; Vada June, the wife of Dr. L. F. Graham, dentist, Cameron; Vir- 
gil R. McCue was educated in the Gallatin schools and Western Dental 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 383 

College at Kansas City. He began his practice in 1901 at Pattonsburg, 
where he remained until 1912, when he was appointed by Governor 
Major on the parole board for two years. He then resigned and was ap- 
pointed on the State Dental Board, on which he served for four years. 
He still holds this office. In 1914 Dr. McCue went to Cameron, where he 
practiced until 1920, when he removed to St. Joseph. He now has his 
business in St. Joseph, and has been unusually successful in his work. 
He is well known in Daviess County and has many friends. Jessie McCue 
Smith was educated in the Lexington Central College for Women, from 
which she is a graduate. She taught .school until her marriage. Her sis- 
ters, Irma and Vada, are also graduates of the same school. Mr. McCue 
has four grand children: Virginia McCue; Bettie J. Smith; Mary M. 
Smith; and Mary C. Campbell. 

Mr. McCue is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist 
Church, as also was his father. David McCue was a great student of the 
Bible. Mr. McCue attributes his great success in life to hard work, per- 
severance, and good management. He is an interesting and intelligent 
man and a substantial and reliable citizen. He merits the high esteem 
in which he is held in the community. 

George C. Goodbar, the son of a pioneer farmer of Daviess County, 
and himself a retired farmer, now lives at Gallatin. He was born in 
Grand River Township, Daviess County, on Oct. 29, 1857, the son of 
Joseph and Jeannette (Drummond) Goodbar. 

Joseph Goodbar was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, Jan. 15, 
1815. He came to Missouri in 1843, and bought land in Daviess County 
about three miles from the present site of Pattonsburg. Five years later, 
he moved to Grand River Township, where he preempted land on the 
prairie. He farmed there all of his life. His wife was a native of Mon- 
roe County West Virginia, where she was born in September, 1819. The 
children of Joseph and Jeannette (Drummond) Goodbar were: Mary 
A., married J. O. Miller and is now dead; J. M., deceased; R. H., living 
on the home place in Grand River Township; Missouri A., and a sister, 
twins, the former married to G. K. Nickel!, and the latter died in in- 
fancy ; Martha E., the wife of T. K. Hayes of Grand River Township ; Jo- 
sephine, the widow of J. Reed living in northern New Mexico; Laura A., 
the wife of A. C. Smith of Gallatin; George C, the subject of this re- 
view; J. v., living at Excelsior Springs; Joseph U., on a farm in Grand 
River Township; and Ada N., dead, was the wife of D. N. Hesler. Mrs. 
Goodbar died in 1894, and Mr. Goodbar died on March 4, 1889. Their 
remains are buried in Bethel Cemetery. They were both members of the 
Methodist Church. 



384 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

George C. Goodbar was reared on a farm, and attended the rural 
schools. He began farming when he was only a boy. At the age of 10 
years, he was using the old fashioned single shovel plow. He bought a 
part of the home place upon which he made improvements. He added 
to his land and now owns 120 acres in Grand River Township. In 1899, 
he and his brother, J. C. Goodbar, began breeding Shorthorn cattle. 
They shipped their stock through a commission company at Omaha, 
Neb., and became well known as breeders and shippers. In 1915, Mr. 
Goodbar sold his herd of pure bred cattle to Joe Mann. Mr. Goodbar re- 
mained on his farm until December, 1919, when he moved to Gallatin. 

George C. Goodbar was married to Sarah (Poage) Ballard. Mrs. 
Goodbar was born in Union Township, the daughter of Samuel and 
Sarah (Allen) Poage. They were early settlers of Daviess County, who 
came to Missouri from Virginia. 

Mr. Goodbar is a Republican, and held the office of a member of 
the township board in Grand River Township for two terms. He is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the substantial citi- 
zens of the county, a man who is reliable and highly respected. 

Wood H. Hamilton, who is now living retired, was a prominent mer- 
chant of Gallatin, Mo., for many years. He was born in Randolph County, 
Mo., June 15, 1849, the son of Dr. John Benjamin and Coroline (Sanders) 
Hamilton, natives of Kentucky. 

The Hamilton family is of Scotch Irish descent. For many years. Dr. 
Hamilton was a practicing physician in Kentucky. In 1836 he with his 
wife moved to Randolph County, Mo., having made the trip from Kentucky 
to Missouri in a covered wagon drawn by six horses. He brought several 
negro slaves with him. Upon his arrival in Missouri, Dr. Hamilton pur- 
chased a great deal of unimproved land which the negroes worked for him. 
He sold out his farm in 1850, removing to Gallatin, Mo., where he purchas- 
ed business property and land near Gallatin. Two year later. Dr. Hamilton 
died at the age of 57 years. His wife then moved on a farm a mile west of 
Gallatin, with her five sons, where she lived until her death, Mai-ch 17, 
1903, at the age of 91 years. 

Wood H. Hamilton was educated in the public schools of Gallatin, and 
was reared on a farm. He remained with his mother until his marriage in 
1870. He carried on farming until 1873, when he held a live stock sale, 
which netted him $625.00. With this money Mr. Hamilton came to Galla- 
tin, and became engaged in the harness and saddlery business. Although 
being inexperienced along this line of work, he soon became an expert in 
making harness and saddles. His business grew steadily until at one time 
he had seven men engaged to assist him. In 1901 Mr. Hamilton sold out 




y^/TzulialC^/^/^^i^^*^^^ 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 385 

his business, after which he made many investments in property. He has 
owned about 12 of the business buildings on the square in Gallatin, among 
them being the Woodruff Hotel, the Odd Fellows Building, which was burn- 
ed in the spring of 1922. Mr. Hamilton owns a very fine residence in Gall- 
atin where he makes his home. 

On Dec. 22, 1870, Mr. Hamilton was married to Amanda McGee, the 
daughter of Major McGee, a prominent pioneer of Gallatin. To Wood H. 
and Amanda (McGee) Hamilton seven children have been born, as follows: 
Minnie, deceased ; Winnie, the wife of R. J. McCue, San Francisco, and they 
have one son, J. Dennison McCue, 22 years old; Elsie, the wife of Fred 
Carson, Kansas City, Mo., and they have two sons, Ralph and Robert ; Lela, 
the wife of Carl Roswell, Chicago, 111.; Coleman, married to Minnie Whitt, 
living at Holton, Kansas ; Lewis B., born in 1899. He enlisted during the 
World War on July 23, 1917, at Trenton, and was sent to Camp Doniphan, 
Okla., for training. On April 25th, 1918, he sailed for overseas with the 
139th Infantry, 35th Division, and on May 24th, 1918, was made corporal 
of Headquarters Company of the 139th Infantry. He was in the follow- 
ing battles; Wessling Sector, July 20th to Sept. 1, 1918; St. Mihiel, Dec. 16 
to September; Argonne Offiensive, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, 1918; in this 
battle all of the commissioned officers were killed, among them being Major 
W. D. Stepp, a well known attorney of Trenton. After the battle the 
sergeants were made leaders of the companies. Mr. Hamilton was also 
engaged in the Verdun Sector from Oct. 24th until Nov. 6, 1918. During 
one battle he was struck by a piece of shrapnel on the hand, which knocked 
a pair of pliers from his hands. His company left France on April 3, 1919, 
and landed in this country April 25, 1919. He was discharged on May 9, 
1919, at Camp Funston, Kans. He returned to Gallatin, Mo., where he 
was appointed assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Gallatin, 
which position he held from August, 1919, until April 15, 1921. Mr. Ham- 
ilton then became engaged in looking after his father's interests. He was 
married on June 29, 1920, to Merle Harris of Clifton Hill, and they reside 
in Gallatin. 

Wood H. Hamilton was a stockholder in the First National Bank of 
Gallatin, and after 40 years of connection with this bank, sold his interests. 
In politics he is a Democrat. He has held the oflfice of either mayor or 
councilman of Gallatin since 1894, and is one of the leaders in public affairs 
of his community. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Knights of Phythias. 
He belongs to the Christian church. Mr. Hamilton is one of Daviess 
County's most highly respected and substantial citizens and he stands 
high in the esteem of his community. 



386 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

W. E. Blackburn, a well known retired farmer of Gallatin, was born 
Aug. 25, 1857, in Cass County, Indiana, a son of Robert and Cecelia Ann 
(King) Blackburn, natives of Butler County, Ohio. 

Robert Blackburn was born in 1815 and was a farmer during his 
entire life. He died in 1871 in Miami County, Indiana, where he is 
buried. Mr. Blackburn was married twice, his first wife being a Miss 
Venamon. Five children were born to this union, one of whom is now 
living; Daniel Blackburn, who came to Missouri in 1869 and settled in 
Daviess County, where he now resides in Union Township. 

Mr. Blackburn then married Cecelia Ann King, a native of Ohio, 
and to this union five children were born: A daughter, died in infancy; 
W. E. Blackburn, the subject of this sketch; Robert Oscar, deceased; L. 
K., Gallatin; Charles H., deceased. After Mr. Blackburn's death in 1871, 
Mrs. Blackburn married David W. Vaughn, and they were the parents 
of four children, as follows: Adelbert, Union Township; Albert E., 
Union Township; Eugene, living with his father and two brothers; Osta 
Isabelle, wife of A. L. Dunnington, Union Township. Mrs. Vaughn died 
in 1911. 

W. E. Blackburn was reared on a farm in Miami County, Indiana, 
and came to Missouri in November, 1881. He worked as a farm hand 
for one year and then returned to Indiana. In 1883 he returned to Da- 
viess County, and settled on a farm south of Gallatin. He farmed here 
until 1908, when he moved four miles northeast of Gallatin, and in 1919 
he moved to Gallatin, where he is living retired. Mr. Blackburn was 
educated in a log cabin and took a normal course, teaching two terms of 
school, which he gave up for farming. 

Mr. Blackburn has been married three times. His finst wife was 
Virginia L. Wood, a native of Davie.ss County. Si.\ children were born to 
them as follows: Pearl, wife of Harry Lewis, Chicago, 111.; Jewell C, 
died in infancy; Frances, wife of C. H. Bryant, Winston; Virgil Homer, 
Chicago, 111. ; Laura J., wife of W. E. Sawyer, Tampa, Fla. ; Forrest W., 
at home. 

After the death of his first wife Mr. Blackburn was manned to 
Hattie Wynne. No chilrden were born to this union. Mr. Blackburn's 
third' marriage in 1915 was to Jennie Baldwin, a native of Daviess 
County. They have no children. 

Mr. Blackburn is a Democrat, and held township offices and also 
served on the County Court for two years from the south district. He is a 
member of the Methodist Church. 

When Mr. Blackburn began farming as a renter he had $300.00 in 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 387 

cash. He now owns 170 acres of land in Union Township, 40 acers in 
Grand River Township, 10 acres just east of the city limits of Gallatin, 
and one acre on which he now lives in Gallatin. All of Mr. Blackburn's 
farms are well improved and he always owned high grade stock. He is 
one of the enterprising citizens of the county, and widely known. He 
was elected on the city council in 1922. 

D. Harfield Davis, deceased, was a prominent merchant of Gallatin, 
for many years. He was born in Clark County, Virginia, one mile from 
the famous Lord Fairfax estate near the city of Winchester, on April 26, 
1836. He was the son of Baalis and Eliza (Timberlake) Davis, natives 
of Virginia. 

Baalis Davis was a merchant in Virginia and in 1855 removed to 
St. Louis, Mo., with his son, D. Harfield, the subject of this sketch. They 
went up the Missouri River by boat as far as the old port of Waverly, 
and from there they made the trip to Gallatin by horse and wagon. 
After their arrival in Gallatin, they became engaged in the drug busi- 
ness, which they followed until the times of their deaths. During the 
Civil War, D. Harfield Davis served as treasurer of Daviess County. At 
one time he had $46,000.00 in his keeping. A report reached him that 
bushwhackers were liable to raid the town at any time, and fearing this 
might take place, hid the money in the county jail until the danger was 
past. Mr. Davis received his first commission as postmaster of Gallatin, 
from President Buchanan, in 1856. He also held this office during Pres- 
ident Lincoln's administration and during part of President Grant's. He 
was a member of the first common council of Gallatin, on which board 
he served for many years, as well as the school board. 

In 1869, Mr. Davis purchased the local newspaper, then known as 
the "Torchlight," which he later changed to the "Gallatin Democrat." 
He conducted the paper for several years, when he sold it and became 
engaged again in the drug business, which was known under the name 
of the D. H. Davis Drug Company, until his death. This company is still 
in business under that name, and is one of the most reliable and substan- 
tial drug firms in Daviess County. 

Mr. Davis was married in 1859 to America Osborn, a native of Cov- 
ington, Ind., who came to Missouri with her father, Jesse Osborne who 
was one of the prominent pioneers of Gallatin. Mrs. D. H. Davis died in 
April, 1905. Mr. Davis died July 31, 1917, at Gallatin, and they are 
buried in Brown Cemetery. To D. Harfield and America (Osborn) Da- 
vis the following living children were born: Madora, the wife of Robert 



388 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

A. Crozier, Los Angeles, Calif.; Frank M., Gallatin; and Virginia S., 
Gallatin. 

Frank Davis vi'as born Jan. 12, 1863, and was reared and educated 
in Gallatin. He clerked in his father's store when a young man. Since 
his father's death, he has carried on the drug business and is a registered 
pharmacist. The store is incorporated and Mr. Davis with his two ne- 
phews own and conduct the business. 

On Nov. 6, 1889, Frank Davis was married to Josephine A. Bottom, 
a native of Breckenridge, Mo., and daughter of Dr. M. and Lavinia (Har- 
rison) Bottom. Dr. Bottom was a practicing physician at Breckenridge 
until his death, and was the oldest graduate of the old Richmond, Va., 
School of Medicine. His widow now lives in Breckenridge. To Frank 
and Josephine (Bottom) one child has been born, Leora M., born Oct. 
26, 1891. She is the wife of Dr. W. Dalton Davis, who is stationed at 
Fort Lyons, Colo., with the navy. He is a specialist in the tubercular de- 
partment. Mrs. W. Dalton Davis is a graduate of Gallatin High School 
and the University of Missouri, having the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences 
degrees. 

Frank Davis is a Democrat, as also was his father. He is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church and one of the substantial citizens of Galla- 
tin. The Davis family has been prominent in Daviess County for years, 
where the name stands for integrity, for uprightness and good citizen- 
8hip. 

W. C. Pogue, a prominent retired farmer of Gallatin, and owner of 640 
acres of land in Grand River Township, was born March 22, 1860, in Mason 
County, Ky., the son of William T., and Sallie Pickett (Shanklin) Pogue. 

William T. Pogue was born in Greenup County, Ky., and came to 
Missouri in the early forties, where he purchased a great deal of land at 
75 cents per acre. His brother, George Pogue, was a lawyer at Gallatin, 
also became a large land owner. W. T. Pogue never made his home in 
Missouri, as he became ill while here and sent for his son, George H., to 
come to Missouri and take care of his affairs. Mr. Pogue returned to Ken- 
tucky where he died, in 1881. At the time of his death he owned a great 
deal of cattle and a sawmill in Missouri, besides his land. Sallie (Pickett) 
Pogue was born in Mason County, Ky., where she also died. To W. T. and 
Sallie (Pickett) Pogue six children were born, of whom three are now 
living, as follows: George H., Jamesport; Sallie P., the wife of James C. 
Darnell, deceased. Mason County, Ky., and W. C, the subject of this sketch. 

W. C. Pogue was the youngest of six children, and was reared on the 
farm in Kentucky, which is still in possession of the Pogue family. They 
have owned it for more than 150 years. He was educated in the Kalamont 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 389 

School at Flemingsburg, Ky. After completing his education, Mr. Pogue 
returned to the farm, where he lived until he removed to Daviess County, 
on January 31, 1883. He settled on a farm there owned by his father in 
Grand River Township. Mr. Pogue was very successful in general farm- 
ing and was a well known breeder of Schropshire sheep. He handled more 
sheep than most of the Missouri farmers. His farm was extensively im- 
proved and has a modern home on it. In October, 1916, Mr. Pogue retired 
and moved to Gallatin, where he now owns a fine residence three blocks 
east of the Square. 

On Oct. 30, 1889, Mr. Pogue was married to Marguerite Barnett, a 
native of Grand River Township, born June 7, 1868. She is the daughter 
of R. M. and Mary M. (Drummond) Barnett. To W. C. and Marguerite 
(Barnett) Pogue four children have been born, as follows: R. Grady, Chilli- 
cothe; Robert J., with father; Mary G., born Aug. 26, 1901, living at home; 
Willetta, born Oct. 22, 1904, living at home. R. Grady Pogue served in the 
World's War, enlisting in August, 1917. He entered the officers' training 
camp at Fort Sheridan, 111., and three months later was commissioned and 
sent to a training camp at Glintonville, Wis., and later to Rock Island, 111., 
arsenal. He was also stationed at the Peoria, 111., Tank Training School, 
and left Camp Custer for overseas in August, 1918. He was captain in 
the 330 Heavy Field Artillery. Mr. Pogue was stationed on ordinance duty 
most of the time. He returned to this country in May, 1919. Mr. Pogue 
was married to Myrtle C. Davis, on June 13, 1914. They have no children. 
Robert T. Pogue was born Aug. 25, 1883, and is married to Edna R. Penis- 
ton, of Daviess County. 

Mr. Pogue is president of the Gallatin High School Board, which office 
he has held since 1918. He is a Democrat and a member of the Presby- 
terian church, being an elder. Mr. Pogue is one of the substantial citi- 
zens of Daviess County, standing high in the esteem of his community. 

C. H. Everly, a well known and prosperous retired farmer of Gallatin, 
was born in Marion Township, Dec. 1, 1858, a son of Wm. W. and Hannah 
(Whitt) Everly. 

Wm. W. Everly was born in Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, in 1825, and 
in 1839 he came to Daviess County, locating on a farm in Grand River 
Township. During the Civil War Mr. Everly served in the State Guards. 
He died Sept. 7, 1869, on a farm in Grand River Township, now owned by 
his son, C. H. Everly. Mr. and Mrs. Everly were the parents of five child- 
ren. Mrs. Everly, the mother of C. H. Everly, died many years ago, and 
Wm. W. Everly then married a widow, Mrs. Brown. They were the par- 
ents of three daughters. 

C. H. Everly was 11 years of age when his father died. He was edu- 



390 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

cated in the district schools, his first school being in a log cabin. In 1878 
he attended the state university. He then purchased 160 acres of prairie 
land in Lincoln Township, where he made improvements and sold it the 
following year. After this he bought the old home place in Grand River 
Township, making extensive improvements. The nine room residence on 
that farm burned in February, 1920. 

Feb. 22, 1882, Mr. Everly was married to Mary E. Ashbrook, a native 
of Jamesport Township, Daviess County, and daughter of David and 
Pauline (Hill) Ashbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Everly were the pai-ents of five 
children, one of whom is now living, William F. He resides on a farm in 
Grand River Township. He married Alma B. Martin, of Iowa. They have 
one child, Helen Elizabeth. 

Mr. Everly says he remembers when his father ran a saw and grist 
mill and used oxen to do his work around the mill. The farm-hands used 
oxen to plow corn and Mr. Everly when a boy used to ride the oxen. 

Mr. Everly, at the time he retired, was very successful as a cattle feed- 
er. He owns 467 acres of land in Grand River Township, which is well im- 
proved. 

Mr. Everly is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He 
is a member of the Baptist church, having attended since he was 16 years 
old. Mr. Everly was one of the organizers of the Gallatin Trust Company, 
being director and vice-president for some time. He is a public spirited 
and sub.stantial citizen, and stands high in the community. 

Peter P. Doak, deceased, was a prominent farmer of Union Township 
for many years. He was born in Sullivan County, Mo., Feb. 28, 1848. 

Mr. Doak was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
district schools. He came to Daviess County about 1878, and began teach- 
ing school and preaching in the Methodist church. In 1884, he purchased 
a farm in Union Township, where he made extensive improvements, and 
lived until the date of his death in 1919. 

Sept. 11, 1879, Mr. Doak was married to Lucretia Parker, a native of 
Kentucky, who came to Missouri when she was one year old. She is the 
daughter of James M. and Eliza (Lewis) Parker. Mrs. Parker now resides 
in Union Township, her husband having died in 1910. 

To the union of Peter P. and Lucretia Parker Doak six children were 
born : Harry A., Union Township ; LeRoy, deceased ; Olin E., Monroe 
Township ; Novia, Monroe Township ; Edgar, living with his mother ; and 
a daughter that died in infancy. 

Mr. Doak was elected probate .iudge of Daviess County, on the Demo- 
cratic ticket in 1906, and held that office for eight years. Mrs. Doak owns 
120 acres of land in Daviess County. Mr. Doak was a man of energy, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 391 

strong purpose and industry. In his business affairs he was ever upright 
and fair and in his work as a citizen he was the upholder of high standards. 

Harry A. Doak, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Union Township, 
was born July 12, 1880, in Sheridan Township, Daviess County, a son of 
Rev. Peter P. and Lucretia (Parker) Doak. 

Harry Doak was educated in the district schools and Grand River 
College at Gallatin. He then taught school for eight years, and was on 
rural route No. 6, out of Gallatin, from 1906 to 1917. In 1910 he purchased 
his present farm. 

Mr. Doak was married September, 1910, to Sarah Tarwater, a daughter 
of James P. and Josephine (Worley) Tarwater, now residing at Gallatin. 
Mrs. Doak was born in Monroe Township, and was educated in the district 
schools and the Maryville Normal School. She taught school for three 
years. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Doak five children have been born, as follows : Justin, 
Lowell, Helen, Kenneth ; and Thomas E. 

Mr. Doak now owns the farm originally owned by John L. Lewis. He 
owns 162 acres of land in Union Township. His farm is known as "Alfalfa 
Ridge Stock Farm." He has 30 acres in alfalfa which produces three to 
four crops annually running from two and a half to four tons to the acre 
the year. Mr. Doak is also a stock feeder. In 1917 Mr. Doak built a 
cattle and hay barn which has a capacity of 100 tons, and is one of the 
largest barns in Union Township. 

Mr. Doak is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He 
ranks as one of the leading and prosperous citizens of Union Township. 

D. A. Blackburn, a well known farmer and stockman of Union Town- 
ship, was born Jan. 4, 1875, in California, a son of Daniel and Mary 
(Holmes) Blackburn. 

Daniel Blackburn was born in Indiana, Feb. 2, 1846. He enlisted 
in the Civil War, after which he came to Daviess County. He later went 
to California, where he made his home for some time, returning to Daviess 
County in 1877, where he purchased land. He now owns 450 acres of land 
in Union Township and 80 acres in Monroe Township. 

Daniel Blackburn and wife were the parents of seven children, as 
follows: Blanch, the wife of Chas. Heckman, Denver, Colo.; D. A., the 
subject of this sketch; Ora, the wife of George A. Jones, Julesburg, Colo.; 
Cora, the wife of John L. Lewis, a farmer living near Gallatin ; Mrs. Jones 
and Mrs. Lewis are twin sisters ; Vergia, the wife of M. J. Lankford, 
Gallatin: Lewis, residing in Union Township: Alma, deceased. 

Daniel Blackburn was elected twice to the office of judge in the south 
district, and was serving his third term as presiding judge when he suffered 



392 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a stroke of paralysis, which left him unable to read, write or speak. Mt. 
Blackburn now lives in Gallatin. His wife was a native of St. Louis, and 
was born in 1842. Mr. Blackburn came from Indiana to Missouri, he 
came by rail to Hamilton, and then took a stage coach to a point 14 miles 
northeast. He stayed over night in a farm house that now stands on his 
land. He is a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic. 

D. A. Blackburn was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- 
cation in the district schools. He began farming when a very young man 
and now rents his father's farm. 

July 31, 1912, Mr. Blackburn was married to Maud Beck, a native of 
Marion Township, Daviess County, and a daughter of Henry and Ella 
(Roberts) Beck. Mr. and Mrs. Beck were natives of Ohio and Missouri 
and are now living near Jameson. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn four children have been born, as follows: 
Doris, Evelyn, Melba, and Marvin, all of whom are living at home. 

Mr. Blackburn is a Republican and widely and favorably known in 
Daviess County. 

W. C. Macy, deceased, widely known in Daviess County, was born 
July 24, 1849, near Edinburg, Mo., the son of Seth and Malinda (Adkinson) 
Macy, natives of South Carolina and Sugar Creek, Mo. 

W. C. Macy was a farmer and came to Daviess County when young 
man, in 1865. He settled in Union Township. He carried on farming 
during his entire life and became wealthy, at one time owning over 500 
acres of land. He owned and conducted the marble works at Gallatin for 
a time. In 1900 he moved to Gallatin, where he lived retired until his 
death, July 20, 1921. 

On Dec. 4, 1873, Mr. Macy was married to Mary E. Nichols, a native 
of Licking County, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Wick- 
ham) Nichols, natives of Licking County, who moved to Daviess County, 
in 1854. Mrs. Macy was born Dec. 25, 1853, and is now residing in 
Gallatin. 

To W. C. Macy and wife, seven children were born, as follows: Ollie 
E., the wife of Ezx-a Hamilton, Jackson Township, Daviess County ; Pearly, 
Hanston, Kans., a rancher; Maggie B., the wife of Moren Knight, Jackson 
Township, Daviess County; Ada N., deceased, was the wife of Charles 
Hemry; Ida M., the wife of Everette McClaskey, Fresno, Calif.; Charity, 
the wife of Homer Meade, Trenton ; Lena, the wife of Claude Cousins, St. 
Joseph. 

Mr. Macy was a Republican and served in the office of public adminis- 
trator for four years. He also held other minor offices and while on the 





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W. C. MACY 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 393 

farm served on the district school board. In general farming and stock 
raising, Mr. Macy was very successful. He was a member of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows. He is buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin. 
Mr. Macy was an estimable and upright citizen who deservedly stood high 
in Daviess County. 

J. Sam Harlow, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Town- 
ship, was born Oct. 8, 1854, in Shelby County, Ky., a son of James and 
Hulda Jane (Nichols) Harlow. 

James Harlow was born in Kentucky, Feb. 16, 1824. He came to 
Daviess County in 1867, locating on a farm in Monroe Township. His 
wife was reared by her grandparents in Kentucky, her parents having 
died when she was a very small child. She was educated in the schools of 
Kentucky, later teaching in Shelby County, Ky. Mr. Harlow died April 18, 
1882, in Monroe Township. He owned at the time of his death 300 acres 
of land. He was one of the dependable farmers of Monroe Township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harlow were the parents of eight children, as follows: 
J. W., Gallatin; J. Sam, the subject of this sketch; Linsley, Montgomery 
County, Kans.; E. J., Monroe Township, J. P., Chillicothe; Wilmar G., 
Monroe Township ; the other two children died in infancy. 

J. Sam Harlow was brought up on a farm and has always followed 
farming. He was 12 years of age when his parents moved from Kentucky 
to Daviess County. En route, they stopped at Livingston County, for a 
short time. 

Mr. Harlow farmed on his father's land until the age of 21 years, 
when he rented land for himself. He later bought 40 acres of land in 
Monroe Township, which he improved and later sold. He then purchased 
a farm in Jackson Township and five years later he purchased one in 
Liberty Township. In 1911 he bought the farm where he now resides 
which is well improved. 

March 2, 1875, Mr. Harlow was married to Lucy A. Shistine, a native 
of Kentucky, born Aug. 18, 1851. She is the daughter of George and 
Virginia (Mann) Shistine, natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri 
before the Civil War. They settled in Livingston County, where they 
owned a farm. Mr. Shistine died there and his wife died in Kansas. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harlow are the parents of six children: Retta C, the 
wife of Willard Folley, Princeton; Luetta, the wife of Wood Parker, 
Liberty Township; Otta E., Union Township; Frank, Bourbon County, 
Kans. ; Floyd, Grand River Township ; and Carl, living at home. 

Mr. Harlow is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He 
is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He owns 
144 acres of land in Monroe Township, on which he is successfully engaged 



394 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in farming and stock raising. M. Harlow is a public spirited and pro- 
gressive citizen and his family are prominent and well liked throughout 
the township and county. 

E. J. Harlow, a prominent farmer and breeder of Monroe Township, 
was born Nov. 26, 1860, Shelby County, Ky., a son of James and Hulda 
(Nichols) Harlow. 

James Harlow was a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 16, 1824. He 
moved to Daviess County in 1867, locating on a farm in Monroe Township. 
His wife, Hulda Nichols, was born Nov. 30, 1828, near Kokomo, Ind., and 
was reared by her grandparents in Kentucky, her parents having died 
when she was a very young child. She was educated in Kentucky, later 
teaching school in Shelby County, Ky. Mr. Harlow died April 18, 1882, 
in Monroe Township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harlow were the parents of eight children, as follows: 
J. W., Gallatin ; J. Sam, Monroe Township ; Linsley, Montgomery County, 
Kans. ; E. J., the subject of this sketch ; J. P. Chillicothe ; Wllmer G., 
Monroe Township ; and two children who died in infancy. 

E. J. Harlow came to Daviess County with his parents when he was 
six years old. He was educated in the district schools, and has been a 
farmer all his life. He, with his wife, inherited 200 acres of land, and 
have made their home there since their marriage. Mr. Harlow has made 
extensive improvements on the land, which is one of the best improved 
farms in Monroe Township. He uses acetylene lights. Mr. Harlow has 
been a breeder of Hereford Cattle and Percheron horses and jacks. 

E. J. Harlow was married Jan. 23, 1881, to Mary A. Wilson, a daughter 
of McClain and Abbie (Green) Wilson, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, 
who first settled in Ray County, Mo., and later came to Daviess County. 
Mrs. Harlow was born on the farm where she now lives and which she 
inherited. To Mr. and Mrs. Harlow six children have been born: George 
Willard, a stock shipper, Hamilton ; Earl, at home ; Virgil, at home. The 
two younger children are graduates of the Quincy and Kidder Schools ; the 
three other children are deceased. 

Mr. Harlow is a Democrat. He is a stock holder in the Gallatin Flour 
Mill, and a director of the North Missouri Fair Association of Hamilton. 
He is the owner of 746 acres of land in Monroe Township. Mr. Harlow 
has made a success of stock raising and is one of the reliable and progres- 
sive citizens of the county, energetic and far-sighted in his methods of 
business and dependable in his dealings. 

Floyd S. Tuggle, a prosperous farmer, stockman, legislator, and busi- 
ness man of Union Township, Daviess County, was born in Caldwell County, 
Feb. 17, 1885, a son of James and Victoria A. (Smith) Tuggle. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 395 

James Tuggle was born in Daviess County, in 1853, the son of Judge 
John A. and Marie (Hemry) Tuggle. Judge John A. Tuggle was born in 
Kentucky, on July 5, 1807. His parents moved to Knox County, 
Ky., where he was reared and educated. In 1839, he removed to Daviess 
County, where he became engaged in farming in Monroe Township. He 
was a large landholder. Judge Tuggle was elected judge of Daviess 
County for two terms. To Judge John A. and Marie (Hemry) Tuggle six 
children were born, as follows: George; Sarah ; James, father of the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; Virginia; Thomas R. ; and Puss B. The Hemry family 
was one of the prominent pioneer families of Daviess County. James 
Tuggle moved to the northern part of Caldwell County after his marriage, 
where he farmed until 1889, after which he purchased his present farm in 
Union Township, now owned by his widow, Victoria A. Tuggle ; the farm 
is located two miles southwest of Gallatin. James Tuggle made extensive 
improvements on his land and became well-to-do. being a widely known 
breeder of Hereford cattle. For many years, Mr. Tuggle was president 
of the First National Bank of Gallatin. He was a Royal Arch Mason and 
belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a Democrat. 
Victoria A. (Smith) Tuggle was born in Ray County, Mo., and is now 
living in Gallatin. Mr. Tuggle died April 19, 1909. To James and Vic- 
toria A. (Smith) Tuggle only one child was born, Floyd S., the subject of 
this sketch. 

Floyd S. Tuggle was reared in a home of comfort and refinement and 
attended the Grand River Academy at Gallatin, and in 1902 entered the 
University of Missouri, from which he was graduated in 1906 with the 
degree of Bachelor of Arts. After completing his education, Mr. Tuggle 
lived for several months in Idaho, but on account of his father's poor 
health he returned to Missouri to take charge of his father's land, where he 
has since remained. Mr. Tuggle has been very succssful as a breeder of 
pure bred Shorthorn cattle. He is the owner of 560 acres of well improved 
land in Jackson Township, Daviess County, and operates 1050 acres. The 
farni in Union Township, where he resides, is known as "Clover Lawn Stock 
Farm," and is one of the veiy modern and attractive farms of Daviess 
County. 

In 1911 Mr. Tuggle was married to Miss Grace Anderson of Idaho. 
She died April 18, 1913, leaving a son, James A. Tuggle. In 1916, Mr. 
Tuggle was married to Helen Weiser, a native of Daviess County, and a 
daughter of Fred and Flora N. (Parks) Weiser, also natives of Daviess 
County. Mr. Weiser now lives in Gallatin. To. Mr. and Mrs. Tuggle has 
been born one child, Jane Ann, born in February, 1920. 

Mr. Tuggle is a member of the Baptist church, and is a Mason. He 



396 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

is a director of the First National Bank of Gallatin, and of the Young 
Men's Christian Association. He is also a member of the Gallatin Com- 
mercial Club. Mr. Tuggle has been interested in Democratic politics and 
economic questions, upon which he is well informed. In 1910 he was 
elected to the state legislature and served during four sessions. He has 
served on the Appropriations Committee, the Committee on Roads and 
Highways, the Committee on Education, and was chairman on the Com- 
mittee on Agriculture. During the World War Mr. Tuggle was County 
Food Administrator and was chairman of the Counsel of Defense. 

Because of his efficiency in office and his interest in public affairs, Mr. 
Tuggle is ranked among the substantial citizens of Daviess County. He 
merits the esteem in which he is held in his community. 

E. T. Lankford, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Town- 
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 200 acres of well improved land, was 
born Nov. 25, 1877, in Daviess County, a son of E. S. and Cyntha J. (Cox) 
Lankford. 

E. T. Lankford grew up on the farm. He received his education in 
the public schools of Monroe Township, and also attended Grand River 
College. For 25 years he was associated with his father in general farm- 
ing and stock raising. He later became heir to about 80 acres of land. He 
at present owns a very fine farm, well improved. 

Mr. Lankford was married Oct. 20, 1907, to Alma A. Morris, a daugh- 
ter of Washington and Anna (Lydick) Morris. Mr. Lankford was born 
near Gallatin. Mrs. Morris now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Lank- 
ford. Mr. and Mrs. Lankford have no children. 

Mr. Lankford is a Democrat, and has held the offices of clerk and 
assessor. He is a member of the Baptist church, and an energetic man 
who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens. 

E. S. Lankford, deceased, was a prominent farmer of Monroe Town- 
ship, Daviess County. At the time of his death he owned 240 acres of 
well improved land. Mr. Lankford was born July 3. 1851, in Monroe 
Township. His parents were Thomas and Rebecca (Barnes) Lankford, 
who were the parents of four children, four of whom ai'e now living: 
Rebecca Roswell, Hamilton; Lee Ann, the wife of Benjamin Cox, Hamilton; 
Wiley, Graham and Thomas, Wathena, Kans. Thomas Lankford was born 
in Kentucky and came to Missouri when a very young man, settling in 
Monroe Township, where he died. His wife was also a native of Kentucky. 

E. S. Lankford grew up on a farm and was engaged in farming and 
stockraising during his entire life. He was educated in the district schools. 
When a young man he became heir to some land, and later purchased part 
of the home place in 1875. During his early life he was a cattle feeder. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 397 

Mr. Lankford was married April 16, 1870, to Cynthia J. Cox, a native 
of Monroe Township, born Feb. 22, 1853. She was the daughter of 
Edward and Marinda (Osborn) Cox, natives of Daviess and Jacksan 
Counties. Mr. Cox was a soldier during the Civil War, and died from ill- 
ness contracted while in the army. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were the parents 
of seven children, of whom Mrs. Lankford was the second oldest. 

To E. S. Lankford and wife six children were born: Lucy, deceased, 
was the wife of Harry Muller; Willard, Caldwell County; Carrie, living 
with her mother on the old home place; Edward T., Monroe Township; 
Marion, Gallatin ; and a child who died in infancy. 

E. S. Lankford was a Democrat, and held many township offices. In 
1892 he was elected sheriff of Daviess County; which office he held until 
1894. In 1910 he was elected judge of the southern district of the county, 
and held that office for six years. He helped organize and was a stock- 
holder in the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. 

Mrs. Lankford is a member of the Baptist church and lives in Monroe 
Township where she owns 80 acres of land. 

Mr. Lankford died March 24, 1921. He was a man of integrity, a 
believer in progressive methods in his work and always ready to support 
the best interests of his community. 

H. C. Scott, the capable and well known deputy state oil inspector of 
Gallatin, was born in Harrison Township, Grundy County, May 31, 1870, 
a son of Charles W., and Sallie (Thornbrough) Scott. 

Charles W. Scott was born in Daviess County, three miles southeast 
of Gallatin, Aug. 2, 1833. He was the son of John and Miss (Meeks) 
Scott, natives of Virginia, who came to Daviess County in 1833. They 
made the trip with oxen and settled on a farm after their arrival. After 
one year they removed to Grundy County, near Edinburg. In 1850 John 
Scott with his son, Charles W., started across the plains with a party to the 
gold fields. On the trip John Scott died from cholera. His wife died in 
1840. Charles W. Scott, father of the subject of this sketch, went on with 
the trip after his fathers' death. He returned to Grundy County in 1853. 
During the trip he made about $3,000, which was considered a great deal 
of money at that time. In 1861 he again made the trip across the plains 
with his wife. They returned to Missouri in 1864. They remained in 
Grundy County until their deaths. At the time of his death, December, 
1918, Mr. Scott owned 420 acres of land, including the 100 acres he entered 
from Government many years ago, which he had sold and later purchased 
again. During the Civil War he served for ten months in the State 
Guards. Mrs. Scott was born in Alabama, Jan. 22, 1837, and died in 1911. 



398 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

She was about a year old when her parents moved to Grundy County. Mr. 
Scott was a Republican and a member of the Methodist church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Scott were the parents of nine children, 
seven of whom are now living, as follows: Eaura, deceased, was the wife 
of George Drummond; Flora, the wife of Charles Bowman, Brimson; 
Hannah, deceased, was the wife of J. P. Lynch ; Lottie, the wife of L. 
W. Shaw, Grundy County; Charles S., Oklahoma; Thomas J., Phoenix, 
Ariz.; B. E., Trenton; Portor, Brimton ; H. C, the subject of this sketch. 

H. C. Scott was reared on his father's farm and received his education 
in the district schools and the Trenton High School. In 1893 he came to 
Gallatin, and became engaged in the mercantile business. In 1904 he 
rented a farm in Union Township, and while engaged in farming he was 
nominated on the Republican ticket for county recorder, but was defeated. 
Mr. Scott gave up fanning in 1906, and was engaged in the Farmers Store 
as a clerk. In 1910 he was appointed deputy oil inspector under Gover- 
nor Hadley's administration. He served in this capacity for six months, 
after which he clerked in the farmers store at Gallatin. Jan. 1, 1917 he 
resigned and took up farming, buying 77 acres of land in Sheridan Town- 
ship, which he sold in 1919. While farming he was nominated and elected 
circuit clerk of Daviess County, which office he held until Aug. 16, 1821. 
After resigning this office he was appointed deputy state oil inspector, 
which office he now holds. His son, Wilson Scott, was appointed by 
Governor Hyde to fill the unexpired term of his father. 

July 2, 1898, Mr. Scott was married to Lulu T. Frazier. a daughter of 
Dr. James C. and Laura (Wilson) Frazier, natives of Randolph County, 
and Kentucky. Mrs. Scott was born in Bedford, Mo., July 4, 1879. Dr. 
Frazier was a prominent physician at Gallatin for a number of years, 
having come to Missouri in 1888. He died in 1912, and his widow is now 
living with her children. 

■ To Mr. and Mrs. Scott eight children have been born, as follows: 
Wilson, county circuit clerk of Daviess County, a graduate of the high 
school at Gallatin, and was a student at Missouri University for two years ; 
Huella, the wife of Gilmer Barnett, Gallatin ; Anna Laura, at home, a 
teacher in the district schools ; Elsie, at home ; James, at home, Frances, at 
home ; Katherine, at home ; and Robert, at home. 

Mr. Scott is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and has 
an extensive acquaintance throughout the county. 

Archibald S. Youtsey, Jr., and Eben Estes Youtsey, brothers and 
prominent farmers and stockmen of Union Township, Daviess County, are 
both natives of Missouri. They were the sons of Archibald S. and Marie 
Elizabeth (George) Youtsey. Archibald S. Youtsey, Jr., was born on 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 399 

Dec. 10, 1869, and Eben Estes Youtsey was born on March 29, 1873. They 
were both born in Union Township, Daviess County, on the farm where they 
now reside. 

Archibald Smith Youtsey, Sr., was born in Campbell County, Ky., 
Dec. 10, 1816, the son of Adam Youtsey and Katherine (Smith) Youtsey. 
Adam Youtsey was born Feb. 16, 1783, and died Sept. 16, 1821. His wife 
was the daughter of Ebenezer Smith, who was born Feb. 16, 1750, and 
died Feb. 20, 1833. The Youtsey family first appeared in this country in 
Maryland, then in Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. In the winter of 1834, 
Archibald Smith Youtsey went to Indiana, where he remained until the fall 
of 1838, when he removed to Missouri, settling in Daviess County, in a log 
cabin, where he became engaged in farming and stock raising, and taught 
one of the first schools in Union Township. Mr. Youtsey was one of the 
prominent and successful farmers of Daviess County, and at his death, in 
1887, was a large land holder. Archibald S. Youtsey, Sr., made two trips 
from Daviess County, to Cincinnati, Ohio, on horseback, the first one being 
in 1838, and the other in 1840. 

On June 4, 1850, Archibald S. Youtsey, Sr., was married to Marie 
Elizabeth George, a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 9, 1834. She was the 
daughter of Chandler Lee George, a native of Virginia, and Mary Ann 
George, who was also a native of Virginia. Chandler Lee George was 
born in 1804 and died in 1881. His wife was born in 1814 and died in 1873. 
To Archibald Smith and Marie Elizabeth (George) Youtsey, 14 children 
were born, as follows: Mary R. W., born March 31. 1851; Obediaha S., 
born May 24, 1852; Adam F., born Jan. 1, 1854; Medora E., born Jan. 8, 
1856, died Aug., 7, 1885; Elizabeth M., born Jan. 29, 1858, died in 1906; 
Phena L., born May 27, 1859 ; Edward T., born Aug. 4, 1861 ; Nannie E., 
born May 14, 1868, died in 1897 ; Archibald S. Jr., born Dec. 10, 1869 ; Eben 
Estes, born March 29, 1873; Edith W., born July 11, 1876; Christina T., 
born Aug. 19, 1879, died Sept. 7, 1880. Mrs. Youtsey died in 1914. 

A. S. and E. E. Youtsey, the subjects of this sketch, were educated 
in the district schools, and have lived all their lives in Union Township. 
They operate the old home farm of 160 acres, which is one of the well 
improved and fine farms in Daviess County. The three Youtsey brothers, 
A. S., E. E., and E. T. are now operating together 1400 acres of land in 
Daviess County. The farming is all done by modern methods, except the 
tractor. 

Messrs. Youtsey are both Democrats and members of the Christian 
church. They are unmarried. They are highly respected and among the 
most substantial citizens of Daviess County. The Youtsey family ranks 
among the leading representative people of Mi.ssouri. 



400 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

J. W. Allsup, deceased, was a pioneer citizen of Daviess County, born 
Dec. 15, 1840, in Jackson County, Ind. He was educated in the district 
schools of Indiana and studied to be a surevyor. 

In 1862 Mr. Allsup enlisted for service in the Civil War at Indianapolis, 
Ind., and served in Company G, 17th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He en- 
listed with 22 young men from his school district and he and another com- 
rade were the only survivors. He was in many battles and skirmishes and 
carried the flag into Atlanta, Ga., when that city was taken. He was 
wounded, being shot through the wrist, and at another time, his horse fell 
from a bridge, crushing his hip, which bothered him during the remainder 
of his life. 

After serving four years in the army Mr. Allsup taught school in In- 
diana for one year; he then moved to Moultrie County, 111., where he lived 
until 1882. He then came to Daviess County, Mo., and located on a farm, 
where he resided until his death, Nov. 20, 1916. His farm was known as 
the Covington Farm. At the time of his death, Mr. Allsup owned 200 
acres of well improved land in Monroe Township. 

Jan 25, 1866, Mr. Allsup was married to Mary Elizabeth Megahey, a 
native of Kentucky, born Dec. 11, 1845. She died March 10, 1878. Mr. 
and Mrs. Allsup were the parents of nine children, of whom four are 
deceased. Those living are : Electra, now a widow living in Monroe Town- 
ship, on a part of the old home place; L. G., Des Moines, la.; Pearl, resid- 
ing on the home farm ; John W., Jr., Camden County, Mo. ; Eva May, resid- 
ing on the home farm. 

Pearl and Eva May Allsup live together on the home farm in Monroe 
Township, and own 160 acres of land. Miss Pearl Allsup taught school for 
one year in District No. 89, Monroe Township. They are both very enter- 
prising and progressive women, and are widely known in Daviess County. 

Mr. Allsup was a staunch Republican and a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic. He was well educated, and one of the successful 
and prominent men of Monroe Township. 

J. F. Dunnington. a leading farmer and stockman of Monroe Town- 
ship, and owner of 205 acres of well improved land, was born Oct. 18, 1848, 
in Harrison Township, Daviess County, a son of William P. and Elizabeth 
(Osborn) Dunnington. 

William P. Dunnington was a native of Maryland, born in 1817. When 
a very young man he left home and settled in Virginia, later going to 
Kentucky. He then came to Daviess County, where he located in Harrison 
Township on the farm where he died April 11, 1894. He was the son of 
James and Sarah (Payne) Osborne. Elizabeth (Osborn) Dunnington was 
born in Clay County, Mo., in 1822, a daughter of William and Sarah 



i 




J. W. AT.T.SI'P 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 401 

(Grooms) Osborn. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn were among the pioneers of 
Daviess County, who braved the attacks of the Indians and Mormons in 
the early days. It was also common to see bears throughout this part of 
the country then. Mrs. Dunnington died in 1874. 

To William P. and Elizabeth (Osborn) Dunnington were born ten 
children, seven of whom are now living: J. F., the subject of this sketch; 
Coleman, Harrison Township ; Mark, Harrison Township ; Amanda, Har- 
rison Township ; Joseph S. and Richard H., living in the state of Wash- 
ington. 

J. F. Dunnington grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1876 he 
purchased his present farm, moving from Harrison Township, in 1878. 
His farm is modern in every respect, and he has been very successful in 
general farming and stock raising. 

On Dec. 27, 1874, Mr. Dunnington was married to Johanna Worley, 
a daughter of Daniel Worley. Mrs. Dunnington was born in Williams 
County, Ohio, Feb. 13, 1852. Mr. Worley came to Missouri after the 
Civil War. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dunnington were the parents of ten children, as follows: 
Albert, Union Township ; William, Pueblo, Colo. ; Lena, the wife of William 
O'Toole, Alamosa, Colo. ; Charles, Cameron ; Elmer, deceased ; Frank, Colo- 
rado; Vernice, the wife of Charles Franks, Sheridan Township; Bernice, 
the wife of Harry Temple, Montana ; Mary, the wife of Kenneth Clark. 
Lawrence, Kans. ; Thomas, living at home. Vernice and Bernice are 
twins. Mrs. Dunnington died Aug. 14, 1914. 

Mr. Dunnington is a Republican and takes an active interest in local 
affairs, having served on the school board, district No. 88, ever since he 
came to Monroe Township. He is a reliable man in his community who has 
attained success by hard work and perseverence. 

Milton Trosper, a prominent farmer and stockman of Monroe Town- 
ship, was born in Caldwell County, May 25, 1858, a son of Benjamin and 
Mary C. (Groves) Trosper. 

Benjamin Trosper was born Dec. 1, 1828, in Kentucky. During the 
Civil War he was a soldier in the Confederate Army. When a very young 
man he came to Caldwell County, where he engaged in farming and stock 
raising during his entire life. He died in 1868. Benjamin and Mary C. 
(Groves) Trosper were the parents of eight children. Later Mrs. Trosper 
married Louis Brooks, and is now residing in Creigmont, Idaho. Four 
children were born to this union. 

Milton Trosper was educated in the district schools and has followed 
farming and stock raising all his life. He purchased his present farm in 
1902 and has made extensive improvements. He now owns 401 acres, and 



402 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

is widely known as a breeder and feeder of Duroc Jersey hogs and Short- 
horn cattle. 

Mr. Trosper was married the first time to Sarah J. Lankford, who was 
born in Daviess County, Aug. 7, 1855. She died in 1912. To Milton and 
Sarah J. (Lankford) Trosper four children were born: Thomas B., de- 
ceased ; Martin, Caldwell County ; Grace, the wife of Benjamin Rogers, 
Caldwell County ; Fay, the wife of Orva Brewer, Caldwell County. 

Mr. Trosper was married the second time to Fannie (Gebhard) Buell, 
March 29, 1915. She was born in Union County, Pa., Sept. 27, 1881, and 
moved to Kansas when she was four months old with her parents. She 
was reared in Brown County, and was married the first time to George 
Buell. To George and Fannie (Gebhard) Buell two children were born: 
Georgia married Virgil Wynne, Gallatin, and LeVeta living with her 
mother. Mrs. Trosper moved to Daviess County in 1914. 

Milton Trosper is a Democrat and a stockholder in the Nettleton Bank 
of Nettleton, Mo., and also the Farmers Mercantile and Trade Company. 
He is a member of the Methodist church and is recognized as a dependable 
citizen of Daviess County. 

Fred L. Pierce, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Town- 
ship, and owner of 200 acres of well improved land, was born Jan. 29, 1871, 
in Tippecanoe County, Ind., a son of Richard Carter and Sarah Ann (Lee) 
Pierce. 

Richard C. Pierce was born in Ohio, Aug. 17, 1828. He was a physi- 
cian and surgeon and preached in the Methodist church for more than 60 
years. In 1883 he went west and settled at Iowa Point, Kans., where he 
practice medicine. He later moved to Leona, Kan., and in 1892, engaged 
in the drug business at Atchison, Kans. After several years Mr. Pierce 
came to Gallatin to make his home with his children. He also lived in 
Breckenridge for 10 or 12 years. He died at Gallatin March 13, 1913. 
Mrs. Pierce was born Aug. 12, 1829, in West Virginia, and died March 24, 
1915. She was a cousin of Robert E. Lee of Confederate fame. Mr. and 
Mrs. Pierce are buried at Gallatin. Richard Pierce's father was William 
Pierce, a native of Ohio. He died at the age of 90 years in Indiana, the 
result of an accident, a tree falling on him. 

To Richard Carter and Sarah Ann (Lee) Pierce ten children were 
born, as follows: Wiley W., deceased; Isaac D., Gallatin; Ed S., Gallatin; 
Flora, deceased, was the wife of Loren Patterson; Hattie, deceased, was 
the wife of John Patterson ; Charles C, Stephens, Ark. ; Geo. W., Dallas, 
Texas ; Lewis J., Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Fred L., the subject of this sketch, 
and one son who died in infancy. Isaac and Ed Pierce are both blind. 

Fred L. Pierce was reared on a farm in Indiana and received his educa- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 403 

tion in the district schools and Leona, Kans., High School. For ten years 
he worked as a farm hand, and in December, 1896, he came to Missouri with 
his wife and two children. They made the trip in a covered wagon with a 
team of horses and Mr. Pierce had but 90 cents. They settled in Gallatin, 
and he worked at hauling wood to town. The following spring he rented 
land in Liberty Township where he carried on farming. He purchased 
his present farm in 1899, on which he has made extensive improvements. 
He is a well known breeder of Poland China hogs, and a fancier of fine 
stock, especially mules. 

Mr. Pierce was married Jan. 30, 1893, to Addie Brant, a daughter of 
William and Sarah (Schaen) Brant, natives of Germany, who settled in 
Ohio in 1846 and later, in 1881, came to Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Brant were 
the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Pierce was the youngest ; she 
was born Sept. 30, 1872, in Seneca County, Ohio. To Fred L. and Addie 
(Brant) Pierce eight children were born, as follows: Lee R. ; Lloyd F. ; 
Walter H. ; Mary M. ; Olive B. ; Mildred R. ; Bessie P. ; John M. ; all of the 
children are living at home, except Lee R., who lives in Gallatin, and are 
very well educated. 

Mr. Pierce is a Republican and has clerked more sales than any other 
man in the county. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an energetic man 
who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens. 

Seth Macy, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of 
Monroe Township, was born July 12, 1886, in Union Township, Daviess 
County, a son of Perry and Ollie (Critten) Macy, who now reside in Union 
Township. 

Mr. Seth Macy was educated in the district schools and the Kidder 
Institute, Kidder, Mo. After finishing his education he engaged in farm- 
ing. During one winter he and his father fed 1800 sheep, as they were 
engaged in stock raising. 

In March 1915, Mr. Macy was married to Mattie Weldon, of Harrison 
Township, a daughter of J. H. and Amanda (Ramsbottom) Weldon. Mr. 
and Mrs. Weldon are now retired and are living in Gallatin. Mrs. Macy is 
a graduate of the public schools of Gallatin. 

Mr. and Mrs. Macy are the paren!s of two children, Mary Elizabeth 
and James Weldon. 

When Mr. Macy married he settled on the home farm for one year, 
and then moved to his present farm. In 1918 he erected a modern bun- 
galow. He handles and feeds a great many cattle. Mr. Macy now operates 
540 acres of land. He also owns 160 acres of well improved land in Union 
Township. The farm on which he resides with his family contains 80 



404 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

acres. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Mercantile Company of Gallatin. 

Mr. Macy is a member of the Methodist Church and the Ancient Free 
and Accepted Masons. He is a Democrat and one Of the substantial citi- 
zens of Monroe Township and Daviess County. 

Perry Macy, a prominent and successful farmer and stockman of 
Union Township, was born Oct. 25, 1865, on the farm where he still resides. 
He is a son of Seth and Malinda (Atkinson) Macy. 

Seth Macy was born in Indiana and later came to Grundy County, 
Mo., where he lived for a while, later buying his present farm. At the 
time of his death he was a large property owner. Upon his father's 
death. Perry Macy became heir to 565 acres of land and has since that time 
acquired 171 acres. He has 75 acres of heavy timber. 

Mr. and Mrs. Seth Macy were the parents of four children; W. C, 
deceased ; Samantha, deceased, was the wife of James Critten of Jackson 
Township; Naoma F., deceased, was the wife of C. K. Gwinn; and Perry 
Macy, the subject of this sketch. 

Perry Macy was married to Ollie E. Critten, a native of Daviess 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Macy were the parents of the following children: 
Seth, Monroe Township, whose sketch appears in this volume ; Ina, 
deceased, was married to W. C. Wynne ; Icy, educated in Lexington, Center 
College; Randolph, Macon College in Virginia, also a graduate of Chicago 
University and a graduate of Yale, with Ph. D. degree and a degree at 
Boulder, Colo., now teacher of Chemistry in Berkley, Calif. ; and Robert 
at home. 

Mr. Macy is a Democrat and has served on the township board. He 
is a member of the Methodist church. He has been a director in the Gall- 
atin Co-operative store for three years. Mr. Macy does general farming 
and is a well known breeder of Aberdeen cattle. He is a good farmer and 
stockman and successful manager. 

William Ramsbottom, deceased, who was a prominent citizen of 
Daviess County, was born March 17, 1845, in Liberty Township, this 
county, the son of Obadiah and Matildia (Hemery) Ramsbottom, natives 
of England and Ohio, and among the first settlers of Daviess County. 

Obadiah Ramsbottom was born in Yorkshire, near Leeds, England, 
March 3, 1814. His father was a manufacturer of clothing and when 
Obadiah Ramsbottom finished school he went in business with his father. 
In 1840 he came to this country and settled in New York City for a short 
time, later coming to Daviess County, where he settled on a farm near 
Gallatin, remaining there until 1865. He then moved to Harrison Town- 
ship, where he owned a well improved farm of 480 acres, at the time of his 
death. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 405 

Mr. Ramsbottom was married Jan. 15, 1844, to Matilda Hemery, a 
native of Oiiio. She was born March 17, 1822. Ten children were born 
to this union, as follows: William, the subject of this sketch; John, de- 
ceased; Julia Ann, now Mrs. E. M. Folley, Jr., Monroe Township; Sarah 
Jane, deceased; Angeline, deceased; Thomas, Monroe Township; Amanda, 
now Mrs. J. H. Weldon. Gallatin; Ruth, Gallatin; Charles Pittsburg, Pa. 

William Ramsbottom was a farmer during his entire life. He served 
in the Missouri State Militia for three months, Co., C, 33 Reg. In 1886 he 
moved to Baner County, Neb., and became engaged in stock raising and 
farming. Later, in 1898 he moved to Columbus County, and there lived 
until 1909, when he returned to Gallatin, and in 1920 he returned to his 
farm in Harrison Township, where he died, Jan. 19, 1921. At the time of 
his death he owned 222 acres of land. 

Mr. Ramsbottom was a Republican, and a member of the Baptist 
church, being deacon of his church for 40 years. He helped to organize 
a church in Nebraska, and also helped to build one in North Carolina. Mr. 
Ramsbottom was one of the substantial members of the church at Gallatin, 
and at his death was member of the Lick Fork church. 

William Ramsbottom was married Sept. 3, 1888, to Abbie Lowe, a 
native of DeKalb County, born Mar. 15, 1870. She was the daughter of 
Wm. and Martha Ray Lowe, natives of England and Missouri. 

William Ramsbottom and wife were the parents of four children ; 
Ethel, a graduate of Grand River College, and the Southern Baptist Train- 
ing School at Louisville, Ky. She is a missionary worker and has been 
stationed in China for the past two years, in Tsinan Shantung Province; 
James H., born in Baner County, Neb., July 7, 1892. He is a graduate of 
William Jewell College, Liberty, and one of the first seven men to leave in 
the draft during the World War, was sent to Camp Funston, and stationed 
there until May, 1919, with Co. C, 356 Inf., 89th Division, was in active ser- 
vice overseas, taking part in the St. Milhiel, and the Meuse-Argonne drives, 
and during the Meuse-Argonne drive he was shot through the chest, Nov. 
3, 1918, and remained in a hospital until his discharge April 19, 1919, when 
he returned home, and is now associated with his family in general farm- 
ing, and during the war he was promoted from corporal to sergeant ; John 
Ray, a high school teacher at Lock Springs, is a graduate of William 
Jewell College, Liberty ; Marguerite Ruth, teacher in the home district 
school, is a graduate of Grand River College, and student for two years at 
Stephens College. She was born in Columbus County, N. C. 

The Ramsbottom family are well known and highly respected through- 
out the country. At the time of his death Mr. Ramsbottom had many 



406 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

friends and was known as a hospitable and genial citizen, whose purse 
strings were always unloosed to the needy. 

J. H. Weldon, a retired farmer and owner of 1800 acres of land in 
Daviess and Livingston Counties, was born Feb. 28, 1858, in Harrison 
Township, Daviess County, a son of J. B. and Elizabeth (Gillilan) Weldon. 

J. B. Weldon was born in Kentucky and went west in 1849, crossing 
the plains and mountains with oxen. He returned by water around Cape 
Horn, and settled in Harrison Township, where he took up farming and 
stock raising. At the time of his death he was the owner of several hun- 
dred acres of land in Daviess County. He died at the age of 30 years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Weldon were the parents of three childi-en ; Benedict, who died 
in infancy ; J. H., the subject of this sketch ; Charity A., wife of J. G. 
Lawson, Harrison Township. 

Mrs. J. B. Weldon then married Humphries Weldon, a brother of J. 
B. Weldon, her former husband, and to this union two children were born: 
Mary L., deceased; Ella E., wife of T. T. Hale, Monroe Township. Mrs. 
Weldon was married the third time to G. W. Gillilan, and one daughter 
was born to this union, Cora, wife of Abe Higgins, Gilman City. 

J. H. Weldon was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. 
Jan. 2, 1883, Mr. Weldon was married to Amenda Ramsbottom, a daughter 
of Obediah and Matilda (Hemry) Ramsbottom, both deceased. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ramsbottom were among the early settlers of Daviess County. Mr. 
and Mrs. Weldon are the parents of three children, as follows: Matilda E., 
wife of Seth Macy, Monroe Township, Mr. and Mrs. Macy have two child- 
ren, Mary E. and James W.; Floyd J., Harrison Township, husband of 
Mary G. Seay. They have two children, Chas. F. and James C. ; Loyd C, 
Harrison Township, husband of Helen Hamilton. They have one child, 
Lloyd H. 

Mr. Weldon moved to Gallatin in 1907. He now is the owner of five 
farms in Daviess County, all of which are well improved. He is also a 
stock feeder. Mr. Weldon is a stockholder of the Farmers Exchange Bank, 
and was collector of Harrison Township for a time. At present he is look- 
ing after his farming interests, which are many. 

Mr. Weldon is identified with the Democratic party and is a member 
of the Masonic lodge. He is a citizen who can always be depended upon, 
and one who has been successful because of his energy and perserverance. 

Lloyd C. Weldon, a well known farmer and stockman of Harrison 
Township, was born Nov. 26, 1894, at Breckenridge, Mo., a son of James 
H. and Amanda (Ramsbottom) Weldon. He is a twin brother of Floyd 
J. Weldon, and they operate about 800 acres of land together in Harrison 
Township. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 407 

Mr. Weldon was educated in the same schools with his brother, being 
a graduate of high school and Park College at Parkville, Mo. He also 
attended the University of Missouri. 

April 29, 1920, Mr. Weldon was married to Helen Clark Hamilton, 
born in Parkville, a daughter of A. C. and Katie M. (Clark) Hamilton, 
natives of Cleveland, Ohio, and Salisbury, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton 
were among the early settlers of Piatt County, and now reside at Park- 
ville. Mrs. Weldon was educated in Park College. 

Mr. and Mrs. Weldon have one child, Lloyd Hamilton. Lloyd C. was 
inducted into service in the World War on Sept. 19, 1917. He trained at 
Camp Funston and also one month at Newport News, Va., before sailing 
for overseas April 6, 1918. He was with Headquarters Company, 4th In- 
fantry Regiment, 3rd Division. He took part in the following battles: 
Champagne, Marne, Meuse-Argonne and St. Milheil. He was known as a 
runner on the front lines and was later made Regimental Clerk at head- 
quarters. He was discharged from service Aug. 30, 1919, as a corporal. 
He then returned home and began farming the home property again with 
his brother, Floyd. 

Mr. Weldon is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church and his 
wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the 
Masonic lodge. Like his brother, Floyd, Mr. Weldon is progressive, and 
they both have an extensive acquaintance in Harrison Township. 

Floyd J. Weldon, a prominent farmer and stockman of Harrison Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born Nov. 26, 1894, in Breckenridge, Mo., a son 
of James H. and Amanda (Ramsbottom) Weldon. 

Mr. Weldon was educated in the public schools and is a graduate of 
Park College at Parkville. He also attended the University of Missouri 
for two years. During the summers he farmed on his fathers' land. 

In 1917 Mr. Weldon began farming with his brother Lloyd on the home 
farm. Oct. 15, 1918, he was married to Mary G. Seay, a daughter of 
George E. and Barbara Ellen (Grace) Seay, natives of Livingston County, 
Mo. Mrs. Weldon was born at Chillicothe. Mrs. Seay died Jan. 10, 1919, 
at the age of 44 years. Mr. Seay now resides at Chillicothe, and is a grain 
inspector. 

Mr. and Mrs. Weldon are the parents of two children: Charles Frank- 
lin and James Seay. 

Mr. Weldon is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He 
is also a member of the Masonic lodge. Mr. Weldon is a reliable young man 
and highly esteemed in his community. 



408 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

W. p. Townsend, a retired farmer, and owner of 76 acres of land in 
Harrison Township, was born July 9, 1834, in Claibourne County, Tenn., 
a son of George and Elizabeth (Long) Townsend, who were natives of 
England and Holland, respectively. 

On March 31, 1855, W. P. Townsend was married to Telitha Lay, who 
was born in Green County, Tenn., Feb. 4, 1839. She died Sept. 4, 1906. 
To this union 11 children were born, as follows: John N., Monroe Township; 
Mary, deceased was the wife of John W. Wantland; William, deceased; 
Joseph, Denver, Colo. ; George A., Kansas City ; Levi M., Harrison Town- 
ship; Clinton W., Bakersfield, Cal., who served and was wounded in the 
Spanish American War, a member of Company H., 20th Kansas Regiment; 
Forrest, deceased; James A., Marion, Kans. ; Luther M., living with his 
father; Charlie, Kansas City, Mo., who enlisted in the W(irld War and 
served with Company F, 12th Engineers, and was gassed. Mr. Townsend 
has 33 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren. 

W. P. Townsend was reared in Tennessee, and in 1857, he with his 
wife and one child walked from Tennesse to Clay County, 111., making the 
long trip in a little over a month. After arriving in Illinois, Mr. Townsend 
began working as a farm hand, and later became the owner of 80 acres of 
land there. 

He enlisted in the Civil War at Greenville, III, on Aug. 7, 1862, and was 
assigned to Company F, 130 Regiment Illinois Infantry. His first battle 
was at Port Gibson ; then followed Magnolia Hills ; Champion Hills ; Jack- 
son, Miss. ; Black River Bottom ; Black River Bridge and a number of skir- 
mishes until the Siege of Vicksburg. He was taken prisoner April 6, 

1864, at Sabin Cross Roads and was in a Confederate prison 13 months and 
20 days. He was twice wounded, at Vicksburg and Sabin Cross Roads. 

He was discharged June 17, 1865, and mustered out of service July 6. 

1865. He then returned to Illinois and in 1867, went to Marion County, 
where he farmed until 1878, when he came to Harrison Township, Daviess 
County, where he has since made his home. 

In 1860 Mr. Townsend made a trip from Illinois to Daviess County, 
driving oxen and was on the road from April 7th to May 7th. On the 
return trip he stopped along the way and hunted, as the country was full 
of game. Joseph I. Early and his wife returned to Illinois with Mr. and 
Mrs. Townsend. 

Mr. Townsend is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R. He was 
commissioner of highways in Illinois and has served on the school board in 
Illinois and Harrison Township. He is a member of the Baptist church. 
Mr. Townsend is a self educated man, never having attended school in his 
life. He learned to read and write while in the army. 




W . r, Ti i\\ N.SK.XI I 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 409 

Benedict W. Patrick, a prominent farmer and stockman of Harrison 
Township, Daviess County, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Living- 
ston County, July 28, 1874, a son of John and Ann (Weldon) Patrick, both 
also natives of Missouri. 

John Patrick was born in Livingston County in 1831 and was killed in 
Texas in 1875. His wife died in May, 1920 at the age of 74 years. They 
were the parents af three children as follows: Lucy, married Fred Walker 
and they live in Harrison Township ; Lena, married William Kline, Walsen- 
burg, Colo. ; and Benedict W., the subject of this sketch. 

Benedict W. Patrick was reared on a farm in Harrison Township and 
attended the district school. When a young man be bought 40 acres of 
land which was the small beginning of his present large holdings. He 
bought more land from time to time until he is now the owner of 500 acres. 

Mr. Patrick's splendid residence is one of the attractive homes of 
Daviess County. He started its construction in 1921, and without doubt it 
is one of the finest modern farm residences in the state. The house has 
ten rooms and basement, a complete water system, with hot and cold run- 
ning water, both hard and soft water being supplied. The hard water is 
pumped from a 14 foot well which is located one-fourth mile west of the 
house, by an electric pump which is operated by a motor which is located 
in the basement. The house is built of pressed faced brick, lined with 
hollow tile and the design of the building is of the Colonial architecture 
type. It presents a magnificient appearance. The place is located four 
and one-half miles north of Breckenridge which is the nearest shipping 
point. 

Mr. Patrick was married on Dec. 17, 1897 to Miss Edith Bennett, a 
daughter of R. F. and Frances (Maddox) Bennett, natives of Daviess 
and Caldwell Counties, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick have been 
born two children as follows: Frances who was educated in Breckenridge 
High School, Central College, at Lexington, Mo., and the University of 
Missouri at Columbia; and John, who is at home. 

Mr. Patrick is one of Daviess County's successful men and attributes 
no small amount of whatever success that has come to him to able co-opera- 
tion and assistance of his capable wife. He is a Democrat and says that he 
is the only man in the county who has always voted the ticket straight. 
He is one of the dependable men of Daviess County . 

G. W. Ridinger, prominent farmer and breeder of Harrison Township, 
was born in Brown County, 111., March 23, 1861, a son of James F. and 
Diana (Vance) Ridinger. James F. Ridinger, father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Ohio, Nov. 15, 1824. He enlisted in the Civil War 
from Scuyler County, 111., becoming a member of Co. H, 56 Vol. Inf., and 



410 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

served throughout the war. He was with Sherman on his famous march 
to the sea, and in the review at Washington, D. C. In 1866 he came to 
Caldwell County, Mo., and began farming. In 1883 he purchased the farm 
now owned by G. W. Ridinger, and resided there until the time of his death, 
Oct. 5, 1907. His wife was born in Ohio, in 1830, and died April 3, 1898. 
They are both buried in Lick Fork Cemetery in Harrison Township. They 
were members of the Baptist church, and were the parents of eight chil- 
dren, two of whom are deceased. 

G. W. Ridinger has a twin brother in Monroe Township. Mr. Ridinger 
began farming for himself when eighteen years of age. He was educated 
in Caldwell County at Breckenridge, Mo., and then went west where he 
got his start as a cattle man. 1886 he returned home and began farming 
across the road from where he now resides, and in 1900 he bought out 
the heirs on his father's farm and has had charge of it since that time. 
He began breeding Percheron horses in 1898 and eight years later he 
started breeding Jacks and Jennietts. He has been very successful in this 
field of work, and also as a breeder of Jersey cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs, 
and brown leghorn chickens. Mr. Ridinger has had all of his stock on ex- 
hibition at various fairs and is very well known throughout the country. 

July 4, 1885, Mr. Ridinger married Lillie Belle Grove. She is a 
daughter of Abraham and Cathrine (Frank) Grove, native of Licking 
County, Ohio, and Virginia. Abraham Grove was born May 10, 1830, and 
died in 1913. Mrs. Grove was born Aug. 21, 1825, and died Nov. 7, 1908. 
They are also buried in Lick Fork Cemetery, Harrison Township. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Ridinger have been born two children, both deceased ; 
Una, who died at the age of one and one-half years ; and the other in 
infancy. Mr. Ridinger is a Democrat, and has held the offices of tax col- 
lector, road overseer, constable, and is now road overseer. He is a member 
of the Baptist church. 

In October, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Ridinger took a daughter to rear, 
Ethel Scott, now the wife of Joe Evans, living on a farm in Caldwell County. 
In July, 1917, they took a boy, Rabe Weaver, from an orphan home in St. 
Louis, but two years later his mother took him. Then in August, 1920, 
Mr. and Mrs. Ridinger took another boy from the same orphan home, 
Raymond Cooper, born May 23, 1910. 

Mr. Ridinger is the owner of 140 acres of land and his wife also has 
80 acres of land in Harrison Township. 

I. L. Wade, well known bank cashier of Lock Springs, was born March 
18, 1860, in Clinton County, 111., a son of John and Martha M. (Yingst) 
Wade. John Wade was a native of Cumberland County, Pa., and at the 
age of 11 years his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Clinton County. 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 411 

He was born and reared a farmer but in his early life was a carpenter. 
He died in November, 1907, and his widow came to Missouri and located at 
Lock Springs in 1914. She died in 1920. Six children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Wade, four of whom are living. 

I. L. Wade, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and edu- 
cated in the district schools, and also studied telegraphy for one year in 
St. Louis school. He served as a telegrapher for the Wabash Railroad 
from 1888 until 1899 at Sampsel, Lock Springs, and Pattonsburg. He had 
charge of the Lock Springs station for about eight years, beginning in 1889. 
In 1889 he resigned from this line of work and went into the mercantile 
business at Lock Springs, and was postmaster for a time in 1902. The 
following year he sold out his business and took Representative Frank 
Lawrence's place as cashier of the Lock Springs Bank, which position he 
still holds. 

In October, 1901, Mr. Wade married Margaret M. Brookshier, who was 
born in Livingston County, about two miles east of Lock Springs, the 
daughter of Thomas B. and Elizabeth (Brooks) Brookshier, natives of 
Missouri and Virginia. Mrs. Wade was brought up on her father's farm. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Wade five children were born, as follows: Raymond B., 
Kansas City, who enlisted in the World War in Illinois and was stationed 
at several camps in Texas, but did not see active service ; Clarence C, 
Ogden, Utah, who enlisted in the World War and was stationed at Fort 
Sheridan and later at Camp Grant, where he was in the Officer's Training 
Camp. He was attached to the Hospital Corps, but did not see active ser- 
vice ; Ashley B., Columbia University. He also enlisted in the World War 
from Gallatin, and was later sent to the Officer's Training Camp at Camp 
Taylor, from where he was discharged a second lieutenant; Isaac Neil, 
deceased ; and Esther May, who resides with her parents. 

Mr. Wade is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and the Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are members of the 
Methodist church. Mr. Wade has an excellent standing in the community 
and is a reliable citizen. 

The Bank of Lock Springs was established Aug. 9, 1895, with a capital 
stock of $10,000.00, by I. J. Meade, from Pattonsburg. Mr. Meade now 
resides in Lawrence, Kan., where he is vice president of the Lawrence 
National Bank. 

When the Bank of Lock Springs was organized the stock holders were 
mostly of Daviess and Livingston Counties. 

The officers for 1922 are as follows: B. F. Ware, president Lock 



412 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Springs ; Peter Johnson, vice president, Livingston County ; I. L. Wade, 
cashier, Lock Springs. 

The Bank of Lock Springs is capitalized at $10,000. 

George B. Houston, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, was born May 30, 1857, in Jackson Township, a quarter 
of a mile south of where he now lives. He is a son of Nathaniel and Rachael 
(Minnick) Houston, natives of Washington County, Va., who were among 
the early settlers of Jackson Township, in 1849. 

Nathaniel Houston served in the Civil War as a Confederate and was 
engaged in the Wilson Creek Battle near Springfield. After settling in 
Daviess County he took up farming and at one time conducted a general 
mercandise store at Lock Springs. He died in 1905 at the age of 81 years 
and his wife died in 1907, being 83 years of age. Mr. Houston was a Dem- 
ocrat and a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church. He and his wife are 
buried in the Lock Springs Cemetery. 

Nathaniel Houston and wife were the parents of six children, four of 
whom are now living, as follows : Esther Tye, Livingston County ; George 
B., the subject of this sketch ; Chas., Livingston County ; Mollie, Dugan, 
New Mexico. 

George B. Houston, was reared on the places where he now resides, 
and helped to clear off the timber, and tells of using oxen to break up the 
land. He later bought out the heirs to the farm. On Oct., 26, 1882, Mr. 
Houston was married to Elizabeth Hickey, a daughter of John and 
Elizabeth Hickey, born in Washington County, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Houston 
have no children. 

Mrs. Houston's father, John Hickey died in the army in Virginia and 
his widow with three daughters came to Livingston County, Mo. Mrs. 
Hickey died Jan. 20, 1922, at her home three miles east of Lock Springs, 
at the age of 91 years. 

Nathaniel Houston, being one of the pioneer settlers of Jackson Town- 
ship, used to trap wild game, using a rail pen. 

Geo. B. Houston is a Democrat and an elder of the Presbyterian church. 
His farm contains 234 acres of land, and his methods of farming and stock 
raising have made him one of the well known and successful farmers of 
Jackson Township. 

T. A. Martin, a well known retired farmer and veteran of the Civil 
War, who lives in Gallatin, was born Nov. 9, 1842, in Belmont County, 
Ohio, a son of Robert and Sarah A. (McBride) Martin, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. Mr. and Mrs. Martin moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and later 
to Indiana. They were the parents of two children, of whom T. A. Martin 
is the only survivor. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 413 

T. A. Martin was reared on a farm and was engaged in farming until 
the Civil War. He enlisted in 1862 at Lafayette, Ind., in Company G, 72 
Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In June, 1863, his regiment was 
mounted in the brigade, which was known as the Wilder Brigade and the 
14th Army Corps, commanded by Colonel Johnson. The advance to 
Hoover's Gap was the first skirmish of any consequence. The next battles 
Mr. Martin was engaged in was Chickamauga, and Murfreesboro. In 1864 
they started south and were engaged in another battle. They were ordered 
back to join the brigade south of Nashville. After being in the Atlanta 
campaign for 18 days they were ordered to watch Hood, and later ordered 
to turn their horses over to Kilpatrick. The brigade was then ordered 
back to Louisville, to receive new mounts. Six weeks later they joined 
the Wilson command at Nashville in March, 1865. 69,000 men were mobil- 
ized to start south. They crossed the Tennessee River and were engaged 
in a battle at Selma, Ala., where they captured 2000 men. After marching 
through Montgomery, Ala., to Columbus, Ga., they took part in a battle 
there. Just 14 miles outside of Macon, Ga., they met a courier, who in- 
formed them that an armistic between Sherman and Johnson had taken 
place. Lee surrendered on April 9th, and his brigade did not hear of the 
armistice until April 22, 1865. Mr. Martin was mustered out of service at 
Indianapolis, Ind., July 6, 1865. 

Mr. Martin then engaged in farming, and worked in a saw mill. He 
also taught school in Indiana. In 1868 he removed to Daviess County, Mo., 
where he taught school, four miles west of Gallatin. After living in Lib- 
erty Township, for some time, Mr. Martin sold his land there and returned 
to Indiana. Later, however, he again returned to Liberty Township, where 
he purchased more land and improved it. He farmed there for 40 years, 
selling out in 1909. He then moved to Gallatin, where he has since resided. 
Mr. Martin was a widely known breeder of Shorthorn cattle. He held 
private sales, and usually sold his cattle to shippers. 

Oct. 5, 1869, Mr. Martin was married in Boone County, Ind., to Nancy 
J. Rude, native of Indiana. Mrs. Martin's father, Isaac Rude, made his 
home with his daughter, Mrs. Martin, for several years before his death. 
To T. A. Martin and Nancy J. Rude Martin nine children have been born, 
as follows: Bertha, the wife of John Speaker, Pomona, Calif.; Eva. the wife 
of John Everman, Gallatin; Addie, the wife of George Tedric, Altamont; 
Thomas, was killed by lightning ; Thaddus, engaged in the lumber business 
at Gallatin ; Hugh, carpenter, Gallatin ; Ora A., Utah, served three years in 
the Phillipine Islands as a soldier; Chauncey, Liberty Township; Charles 
C, engaged in the Automobile business in Gallatin. Chauncey and Charles 



414 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Martin are twins. Mr. Martin has nine grand children and three great 
grand children. 

Mr. Martin is a Republican and a member of the Christian church. 
He attributes his success in life to hard work, and his ability to save. His 
greatest asset in life is, he says, his wife. Mr. Martin is well and favorably 
known in Daviess County. 

George H. Peniston, a successful farmer and stockman of Union Town- 
ship, was born Aug. 23, 1883, on the farm where he now resides. He is a 
son of George. W. and Mary A. (Preston) Peniston. 

George W. Peniston was born in Jackson Township in 1851. He was 
a farmer during his entire life. His wife was the daughter of Thomas A. 
and Martha A. (Mark) Preston, natives of Virginia and Lafayette County, 
Ohio. They were married Aug. 9, 1853, in Livingston County, Mo., and 
later returned to Daviess County where they spent their lives. Mr. and 
Mrs. Peniston were the parents of five children : Jessie, wife of J. B. Drum- 
mond, Chillicothe, Mo. ; Mattie P., wife of Sam Wynne, Grand River Town- 
ship; George H., the subject of this sketch; Thomas J., Union Township; 
Mary Frances, clerk in the Farmers Exchange Bank, Gallatin. Mr. Penis- 
ton died Aug. 26, 1889, and his wife died Sept. 25, 1912. They are both 
buried in Centenary Cemetery in Union Township. Mr. Peniston was a 
member of the Methodist church. 

George H. Peniston became heir to part of his father's fann and later 
he and his brother Theo. purchased the remainder. George H. Peniston 
was married Sept. 12, 1906, to Anna S. Sneed, who was born Jan. 3, 1887, 
in Jamesport Township, a daughter of James E. and Mary H. (McCue) 
Sneed. James E. Sneed was born Sept. 3, 1863, in Livingston County, and 
his wife was born Oct. 12, 1865, in Hancock County, 111. She died March, 
1920, at her home near Pawnee City, Okla., where Mr. Sneed still resides. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sneed moved to Oklahoma in 1906. They were the parents 
of 12 children, nine of whom are living. Mrs. Peniston was the oldest 
child. 

Mr. and Mrs. Peniston are the parents of one child, George Ii-win, who 
was born Sept. 30, 1911. 

Mrs. Peniston has been a Sunday School teacher since she was 11 years 
old, and is a very active church worker. Mr. Peniston has also been active 
in church work having been Suday School superintendent. Their son be- 
came a member of the Baptist church Aug. 2, 1920. Mr. Peniston has been 
a deacon of the Baptist church since 1912. He is a member of the Brother- 
hood of American Yoeman and is a Democrat. 

Mr. Peniston owns 80 acres of land in Union Township, and is one of 
the progressive and enterprising citizens of this county. He is a member 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 415 

of the Carlow Consolidated School Board District No. 2, and has been pres- 
ident since 1920. 

Mark Tolen, a substantial farmer and stockman of Union Township, 
Daviess County, and owner of 316 acres of well improved land, was born 
Sept. 12, 1867, in Adair County, Iowa, the son of James W. and Elizabeth 
(Polen) Tolen. 

James W. Tolen was born in Hendricks County, Ind., and came to 
Missouri in 1869, locating in Grand River Township, Daviess County. He 
died in Monroe Township, in May, 1902, at the age of 59 years. Elizabeth 
(Polen) Tolen was born in Hendricks County, Ind., and is now living in 
Carlow, Mo. She is 77 years of age. 

To James W. Tolen and wife, eight children were born, of whom five 
are now living: Mary E., wife of F. G. Fulton, Union Township; Mark, 
the subject of this sketch ; Frank, Jackson Township ; Clarence O., Jack- 
son Township ; Charlie L., Jackson Township. 

Mark E. Tolen grew up on his father's farm and received his education 
in the district schools. At the age 21 years he began for himself, rent- 
ing land. He later became heir to some land, and purchased his present 
farm about 30 years ago. He is a well known breeder and feeder of 
hogs and mules. 

June 28, 1894, Mr. Tolen was married to Mildred Youtsey, a native 
of Grand River Township, and a daughter of John and Samantha (Brown) 
Youtsey, natives of Indiana and Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. Youtsey 
are among the pioneers of Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. Tolen five 
children have been born, as follows: Edna, at home; Bryan, who was in the 
navy during the World War and stationed at Brest, France, now living at 
home; Etta Marie, the wife of Vernon E. Chapman, Gallatin; Velma, at 
home ; and Mark Y., at home. 

Mr. Tolen is a Democrat and a member of the Church of Christ. He 
is public spirited and enterprising and one of the leading citizens of Union 
Township. 

B. F. Ware, a progressive farmer and owner of 155 acres of land in 
Jackson Township, was born Sept. 18, 1869, in Livingston County, a son of 
Alexandria and Mildred Ann (Callahan) Ware. 

Alexandria Ware was a native of Kentucky, and one of the pioneer 
settlers of Missouri. He crossed the plains in 1849, seeking gold. His 
first wife was a Miss Boone, and to that union 13 children were born, all 
of whom are now deceased. His second wife, Mildred Ann (Callahan) 
Ware, was born in Campbell County, Ky. This was her second marriage, 
having been married the first time to J. L. Hise. By her first marriage 
three children were born, two of whom are now living; A. W. Hise, Chariton 



416 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

County ; and J. L. Hise, of Jackson Township. To Alexandria and Mildred 
Ann (Calahan) Ware three children were born, two of whom are now liv- 
ing: John T., Jackson Township; and B. F., the subject of this sketch. Mr. 
Ware died in 1899, at the age of 83 years, and Mrs. Ware died in 1905, at 
the age of 72 years. 

B. F. Ware attended the district school and was reared on the farm. 
He remained at home for a number of years with his parents, purchasing 
the home place after the death of his father. After making extensive im- 
provements he sold the farm and then bought his home in Jackson Town- 
ship, three miles north of Lock Springs. His residence in in Lock Springs. 

Mr. Ware is president of the bank of Lock Springs, having been elected 
to that office Feb. 2, 1922. He had served as vice-president for a number 
of years. 

Mr. Ware was married to Sarah E. Rupe, now deceased. To this union 
seven children were born, of whom three are now living; Nellie F., Nona E., 
and Benjamin F., all living with their father. 

Mr. Ware is a Democrat and has served in the offices of township 
trustee and treasurer. He is a member of the Methodist church and 
Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Ware is favorably known throughout 
Daviess County as a man of enterprise and ability. In Lock Springs, also, 
he is esteemed as a progressive business man. 

James B. Bennett, who is the owner of 190 acres of land in Harrison 
Township, is one of the well known farmers and stockmen of this county. 
He was born in Harrison Township, Daviess County, one and one-half miles 
southwest of his present farm, on Aug. 16, 1856, and is a son of Fisher R. 
and Elizabeth (England) Bennett. 

F. R. Bennett was married the first time in April, 1844, to Miss Sophia 
A. Trosper, and to that union two children were born: Sophia A., and 
Nicholas T., both deceased. Mr. Bennett's second wife, the mother of 
James B. Bennett, was born in Carroll County, Mo., about 1845, and died 
in 1920. Two children were born to this union : W. P., and Daviess County, 
and James B., the subject of this sketch. 

F. R. Bennett was born in Kentucky about 1813, and died in 1879. He 
was reared a farmer but for some time after starting out for himself, he 
followed flat boating on the Mississippi River. He came to Daviess County, 
in 1842. He crossed the plains to the gold fields riding a mule the entire 
distance, and had nothing to eat during the trip except parched corn which 
he had to share with the mule. The mule acted as a good body guard on the 
trip against the Indians, snorting when they would approach. 

James B. Bennett was reared on a farm, and attended the district 
school. The school house was furnished with split elm benches, and he 




J. B. r.ioNNR'ir 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 417 

worked as a farm laborer in early life. In August, 1874, he married Sarah 
Jane McCrarey. She was born in Daviess County, in 1854, and died in 
1896. Three children were born to them, as follows: James M., deceased; 
Newton B., deceased; and Mary E., was married three times and is now 
deceased. She had one child, Hartrell Bennett, who lives in Caldwell 
County, Mo. 

When Mr. Bennett was married he only had $10 and he rented land 
for 12 years. He then, in 1886, bought 80 acres of land in Jackson Town- 
ship. He improved this and sold it in 1920. In 1890 he bought the farm 
where he has made his home since that time. He is very active and has 
always gotten up at four o'clock in the morning the year around, and says 
he has worked many nights doing chores. He has cleared off heavy timber 
from all his land. 

Mr. Bennett carries on general farming and raises Shorthorn cattle 
and Poland China hogs. He is recognized as one of the substantial and 
well known farmers of Harrison Township. He is a Democrat and a mem- 
ber of the Methodist church. 

J. Forrest Brown, the efficient and well known cashier of the People's 
Bank of Carlow, Mo., was born May 22, 1899, at Jamesport, the son of J. 
Mack and Delia (Andre) Brown, who now reside in Jamesport, Mo. 

J. Forrest Brown was reared on a farm. He was educated in the dis- 
trict schools, and attended the State Teachers College at Maryville. He 
then took a position with the Standard American Jewelry Company of 
Detroit, Mich. In November, 1920, Mr. Brown came to Carlow, and the 
following month became cashier of the People's Bank of Carlow. 

Mr. Brown was married Aug. 23, 1921, to Verna Williams, who was 
born in Gilman City, a daughter of LaFayette and Delcina Williams. She 
was educated in the high school at Gilman City and attended Cedar Valley 
Seminary, Osage, Iowa. 

Mr. Brown enlisted in the Students Army Training Corps, but was 
never called into active service during the World War. He enlisted at 
Maryville. 

Mr. Brown is a Democrat and an enterprising young man of his com- 
munnity. 

The Peoples Bank of Carlow was organized in July, 1919, by S. L. 
Gibson, now of the Chillicothe Trust Company, president; Ivo W. Livley, 
now cashier of the Bank of Jamesport, Jamesport. 

The first officers of the Peoples Bank of Carlow were: S. L. Gibson, 
president; J. C. Oxford, vice-president; and Flavel P. Girdner, cashier. 
The bank was organized with a capital stock of $10,000. 

The Peoples Bank of Carlow has enjoyed a very rapid growth, due in 



418 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

no small part, to the integrity and efficiency of its officers. It is now a 
members of the Missouri Bankers Association. The bank's stockholders 
consist of the present officers and the progressive farmers of Carlow dis- 
trict. 

The present officers are: Robert J. Murphy, president, Chillicothe; S. 
W. Blakely, vice president, Carlow ; and J. Forrest Brown, cashier. 

S. W. Blakely, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson Township, 
Daviess County, was born March 31, 1889, on a farm in Jackson Township, 
where he now resides. He is the son of M. P. and Elizabeth (Hooper) 
Blakely. 

M. P. Blakely was born in Daviess County, on the farm where he now 
lives with his son, Feb. 25, 1841. During the Civil War he enlisted from 
Daviess County, in the Confederate Army and served during the entire 
war. At the end of the war Mr. Blakely worked as a laborer in Sangamon 
County, 111. He then returned to Missouri, and purchased his present 
farm in Jackson Township from the heirs. M. P. Blakely was the son of 
Pleasant and Nancy (Girdner) Blakely, natives of Whitley County, Ky., 
who came to Daviess County in 1834, and located on the present Blakely 
farm. They were the parents of nine children, two of their sons having 
served in the Civil War. Pleasant Blakely preempted the land from the 
government at $1.25 per acre, securing in return three sheepskin land 
grants. 

Elizabeth (Hooper) Blakely was born in Clinton County, July 10, 
1855,, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (St. John) Hooper, natives of Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, who came to Clinton County. M. P. and Elizabeth 
(Hooper) Blakely had but one child, S. W., the subject of this sketch. 

S. W. Blakely was reared on his father's farm in Jackson Township, 
and received his education in the district schools. In 1920 he became heir 
to the old home farm where he is now engaged successfully in farming and 
stock raising. He is a well known breeder of Poland China hogs. 

Mr. Blakely was inducted into military service during the World War 
on Sept. 18, 1917. He was stationed at Camp Funston, Kans., for nine 
months. He was then sent to New York and sailed for overseas June 28, 
1919, in the 89th Division, 314 Military Police Company. Mr. Blakely took 
part in the St. Mihiel Battle and the Meuse-Argonne Drive. After the 
armistice he was assigned to the Army of Occupation, and was stationed 
in Germany for some time. He sailed for France March 13, 1919, and 
was mustered out of service June 13, 1919, at Camp Funston, Kans. 

In December, 1921, Mr. Blakely was elected president of the Peoples 
Bank of Carlow, Mo. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 419 

the American Legion. Mr. Blakely is a Democrat and one of Daviess 
County's most enterprising and substantial citizens. He is unmarried. 

James Critten, who is now hving retired in Jackson Township, is a 
Cilvil War veteran and one of the early pioneer settlers of Daviess County. 
He was born March 26, 1840, in Putman County, Ohio, a son of Isaac and 
Mary (Nichols) Critten. 

Isaac Critten was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 20, 1814. He 
was a farmer during his entire life. In 1855 he moved to Daviess County, 
locating on a farm in Jackson Township. In 1900 he retired and moved 
to Gallatin, where he died in August, 1901. Mary (Nichols) Critten was 
born in Licking County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1818, and died in 1902. They 
were members of the Presbyterian church and are buried in Centenary 
Cemetery in Union Township. To Isaac and Marry (Nichols) Critten ten 
children were born, of whom four are now living: Catherine, widow of 
S. M. Carter, Chetopa, Kans.; Phoebe, the wife of J. R. Adkins, Mission, 
Tex. ; Emily, wife of W. T. Tribbey, Jackson Township ; and James, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

James Critten came to Missouri when very young with his parents 
and was educated in the district schools. He worked on his father's farm 
until the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company B, 1st Cavalry, Missouri 
State Militia. During the war he was stationed in Kansas, Arkansas and 
Missouri. Mr. Critten served three years under Colonel J. H. B. McFerran 
and was engaged in the battles of Kirksville, Little Blue and near Fort 
Scott, Kans. He also took part in the raid with Shelby at Jefferson City, 
and had several skiiTnishes with bushwackers. 

At the close of the Civil War Mr. Critten settled on his present farm 
of 170 acres in Jackson Township, where he was engaged in general farm- 
ing. He was a well known stock feeded. When Mr. Critten purchased his 
land it was all unbroken prairie. 

On Sept. 13, 1868, Mr. Critten was married to Samantha Macy, daugh- 
ter of Seth and Marinda (Adkinson) Macy. Mrs. Critten was born Feb. 
2, 1852, in Daviess County. She died in 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Macy were 
natives of North Carolina and South Carolina. They are both deceased. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Critten three children were born, one of whom is now 
living. Otto E., Jackson Township. 

Mr. Critten is a Republican and has served as a justice of the peace 
several times. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is one of 
the substantial and highly respected pioneer citizens of Daviess County. 

Judge W. E. Naylor, deceased, was a prominent farmer and business 
man of Jackson Township. He was born May 30, 1868, in Daviess County, 
a son of F. M. and Sarah A. (West) Naylor. 



420 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

F. M. Naylor was born in Bath County, Ky., Oct. 11, 1829, a son of 
Ignatius and Susan (Kerns) Naylor. Ignatius Naylor was a carpenter by 
trade. He died Feb. 10, 1875, in Platte County, Mo. F. M. Naylor died in 
1900, and his wife died Oct. 15, 1908. To F. M. and Sarah A. (West) 
Naylor nine children were born, one of whom is now living: Mrs. Howard 
Pogue, Gallatin. 

Judge W. E. Naylor was reared on a farm and received his education 
in the district school and attended school two years at Jamesport. He then 
became engaged in farming in Jackson Township. Later he purchased his 
father's farm and lived there until his death Feb. 14, 1918. At the time 
of his death he owned 336 acres of land, 160 acres in Jackson Township 
and 176 acres in Kansas. 

Oct. 6, 1887, Judge Naylor was married to Mary Lee Sandidge, a 
daughter of Dabney and Rebecca (Hill) Sandidge. Mr. and Mrs. Sandidge 
were the parents of two children : Mrs. Naylor and Rule A. Faulkner, now 
living in Harrison, Ark. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sandidge are now deceased. 
Mrs. Naylor was born two and one-half miles southeast of Jamesport. and 
received her education in the district schools. Tq Judge and Mrs. Naylor 
four children were born, as follows : Glenn, was killed by an acetylene gas 
explosion in 1915; Frankie, the wife of W. H. Etter, living near Jamesport; 
Ross, living with his mother; Katherine, the wife of Corwin Miller, 
Gallatin. 

In 1918 Mrs. Naylor sold the old home farm and purchased 95 acres of 
land west of the former home in Jackson Township. She has erected a 
new home and made other improvements. 

Judge Naylor was a Democrat. He was elected county judge, which 
office he had held for two years. He was a member of the Christian church 
and was a deacon at the church at Carlow. In all the phases of his life, 
as a business man, as a citizen, and in his capacity as a judge. Judge Naylor 
was industrious and sincere. He merited the high regard in which he was 
held by the community. He is buried in Brown Cemetery, Gallatin. 

J. B. Drummond, Sr., a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, was born Feb. 4, 1851, in Union Township, Daviess County, a 
son of Joshua L. and Mary (Rhea) Drummond. 

Joshua L. Drummond was born June 20, 1818, in Monroe County, Va. 
He removed to Missouri in the early forties, locating on a farm in Union 
Township. He came to Missouri with his mother and step-father, J. B. 
Foster, who settled in Grand River Township, which was then known as 
Awbury Grove. Mary (Rhea) Drummond was born in Greenbrier County, 
Va., March 26, 1825. She died in Texas, Nov. 13, 1837. Joshua Drum- 
mond died Oct. 9, 1859, and is buried in the old Jordin Cemetery in Jackson 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 421 

Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Drummond six children were born, three of 
whom are now living: J. B., the subject of this sketch; Susan, the wife of 
William Douthit, Fayette County ; Elizabeth C, the wife of Warren Mur- 
ray, Gallatin. 

J. B. Drummond was reared on a farm and educated in the district 
schools. He learned the blacksmith trade, which he worked at for about 
15 years in Odessa, Jamesport and Carlow. He later owned a grocery 
and hardware store at Carlow, which was burned Sept. 14, 1909. Mr. 
Drummond then became engaged in farming and stock raising. He is a 
breeder of standard bred trotting horses. In the early days Mr. Drum- 
mond tells of using oxen to break up the prairie land. He has been very 
successful in his work and owns 138 acres of well improved land at the 
southeastern part of Carlow. 

Mr. Drummond was married, first, Oct. 13, 1899, to Iva Bashford, a 
daughter of David and Sarah (Hodd) Bashford. She was born in Jack- 
son Township. To J. B. and Iva (Bashford) Drummond two children were 
born: one died in infancy, and William L., employed with the Morris Pack- 
ing Company, St. Joseph. Mrs. Drummond died April 7, 1919. 

Dec. 19, 1920, Mr. Drummond was married to Frances (Tulley) Poe, 
a native of Hamilton County, Ind. 

Mr. Drummond is an independent voter. He is a stockholder in the 
Peoples Bank of Carlow. Mr. Drummond is a reliable citizen who is highly 
esteemed by his fellow citizens in Jackson Township. 

W. F. Burge, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Jackson Township, 
was born Feb. 17, 1876, in Daviess County, a son of George D. and Nannie 
E. (Knight) Burge. 

George Burge was born in Patrick County, Va., April 28, 1844, and 
came to Jackson Township, Daviess County, with his father in 1851. Here 
he followed farming until 1908 when he moved to Oklahoma where he now 
lives at ElReno. His wife, Nannie E. Knight was born in Daviess County, 
and died in August, 1876. To this union was born one child, W. F., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. George D. Burge was later married to Martha J. 
Faulkner, a native of Daviess County, and to this union six children were 
born. 

W. F. Burge was reared on his father's farm and received his education 
in the district school and high school of Gallatin. At 20 years of age he 
purchased 40 acres of land, on which he has since resided. He has added 
to his original land holdings until he now owns 200 acres in Jackson Town- 
ship. He also operates his father's farm of 280 acres, which is an exclusive 
stock farm. Mr. Burge specialized in registered Poland China hogs and 



422 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

also is a breeder of mules and sheep, in wRich work he has been veiy 
successful. 

On April 2, 1896, W. F. Burge was married to Pearl E. Jenkins, a 
daughter of W. E. and Caroline (Drummond) Jenkins, now living in James- 
part. Mrs. Jenkins was born in Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. Burge 
have been born 13 children, as follows : Carrie F., teacher at ElReno, Okla. ; 
Nina M., the wife of F. H. McMahan, living near Jamesport; Wilma R., 
teacher in Monroe Township district school ; James Raymond, Jamesport ; 
and Fred F., Woody A., Garland L., Margaret, William F., Jr., Jesse W., 
Betty L., all living at home. The other two children died in infancy. All 
of the Burge children are very well educated. 

Mr. Burge is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. 
He is an energetic man who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and 
fellow citizens. 

J. M. Snider, a well known farmer and stockman of Jackson Township, 
and owner of 388 acres of land, was born Aug. 5, 1846, in Pike County, Ohio, 
in the village of Cynthann, the son of Samuel and Martha (Vanzant) 
Snider. 

Samuel Snider was born in Greenbrier County, Va. When a child he 
floated down the Ohio River with his parents in a boat which they had built 
themselves. They brought all of their furniture, live stock and clothing 
with them. During the day they floated with the current. They settled 
in Highland County, Ohio, where Mr. Snider was reared. He removed to 
Daviess County, Mo., in 1868, and settled in Jackson Township, where he 
lived until his death, March 15, 1886, aged 65 years. Martha (Vanzant) 
Snider was born Jan. 14, 1824, in Greenbrier County, Va., and died in 
Daviess County, Mo., Jan 15, 1876. They were both buried in Clear Creek 
Cemetery, Jackson Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Snider six children 
were born, of whom Stella L. is the youngest. She is the wife of E. J. 
Snyder, Los Angeles, CaHf . 

J. M. Snider was reared on a farm in Highland County, Ohio, and 
remained there until September, 1864, when he enlisted in the National 
Guard of Ohio. He served 63 days, when he was sent to Georgia and held 
in the Reserve Guards there. Mr. Snider lived in Ohio until 1868 when he 
removed to Missouri with his parents. His father was a carpenter by 
trade. Upon their arrival in Missouri they became engaged in farming, 
where they remained until Mrs. Snider's death, after which J. M. Snider 
went to Colorado, where he lived one year. He then returned to Missouri, 
married, and settled on the home place, which his father deeded to him in 
1880. Mr. Snider has made extensive improvements on the farm, and has 
been very successful in general farming and stock raising. 



J 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 423 

On Dec. 17, 1876, Mr. Snider was married to Phena L. Youtsey, a 
daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (George) Youtsey. Mrs. Snider 
was born in 1858, in Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. Snider four child- 
ren have been born, as follows: Clauda M., the wife of William E. Jenkins, 
Jackson Township; Emma C, at home; Samuel A., at home, and Mahlon 
E.. also at home. 

In politics Mr. Snider is a Republican. He is a citizen who stands 
well in his community, both for his enterprising disposition and for his high 
standards of welfare. 

Joseph M. Cox, a substantial farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
ship, and owner of 258 acres of land in Jackson Township and 58 acres in 
Livingston County, was born Feb. 25, 1853, across the road from where he 
now lives in Jackson Township, a son of Levi P. and Elizabeth (Stamper) 
Cox. 

Levi P. Cox, Sr., was born Jan. 20, 1817, in Williamsburg, Ky., and 
came to Missouri the summer of 1840, settling on what is now known as 
part of the old L. P. Cox farm in Jackson Township. Mr. Cox was married 
Sept. 30, 1841, to Elizabeth Stamper. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox eight children 
were born, as follows: Larkin J., born Aug. 12, 1843, was shot during the 
Civil War in the Battle of Corinth, Miss. He died of his wounds ; Lucy M., 
deceased, was the wife of Reuben Ketron ; Emily, deceased, was the wife 
of I. F. Minnick; Nathan T., Gainsville, Texas; Maria A., deceased; Joseph 
M., the subject of this sketch; Jess Cox, deceased; Levi P., Breckenridge ; 
and John S., deceased. 

Levi P. Cox died Jan. 20, 1886, at the age of 69 years, and his wife 
died May 18, 1864, at the age of 38 years. They both are buried in Clear 
Creek Cemetery. 

Joseph M. Cox was reared on his father's farm and received his 
education in the public schools and the high school at Breckenridge. He 
later taught school for two terms. At his father's death, Mr. Cox inherited 
200 acres of land in Jackson Township, upon which he has made many im- 
provements. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has been 
very successful. 

On Nov. 10, 1877, Mr. Cox was married to Mattie Tye, a daughter of 
Joshua and Elizabeth (Miller) Tye, natives of Kentucky and early settlers 
of Missouri. Mrs. Cox was born in Livingston County. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Cox eight children have been born, as follows: Charlie, Jackson Township; 
Joshua, St. Joseph ; Effie, the wife of Fred B. Hurd, San Jose, Calif. ; Levi 
Chester, deceased; Ernie, Oklahoma; Mabel, principal of Lock Springs 
high school ; Manona, a bookkeepei in Kansas City ; John, at home. 

Mr. Cox is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Mercantile Com- 



424 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

pany of Lock Springs, and was one of the organizers of the Lock Springs 
Bank. He was its first vice president. He is a Democrat and a member 
of the Methodist church. He has been a trustee for 20 years. He is re- 
liable and an efficient member of the community. 

C. E. Ernst, the prosecuting attorney of Gentry County, is a member 
of an old and well known pioneer family of the county. For three genera- 
tions the Ernst name has been connected with the development of Gentry 
County and the members of the family have been people of worth and 
merit in civic affairs. 

C. E. Ernst was born in Mound City, June 23, 1871, the son of Rev. 
James Henry and Martha J. (McCurry) Ernst. Rev. Ernst was a native 
of Gentry County, where his father and uncle, Godfrey and Andrew Ernst, 
built the first frame house ever erected in their neighborhood. This house 
is on the Ernst farm six miles southeast of Albany. It was a favorite 
stopping place for travellers taking the route to the Pattonsburg Mills and 
to the Gentryville Mills in the old frontier days. The old house is thus of 
historical interest, not only in the story of the Ernst family, but also in 
connection with the trade growth of the county. At this house Godfrey 
Ernst died, and here, in 1871, his son, James Henry, also died. The re- 
mains of both are buried in the Ernst burying ground on the farm. This 
place is still used at a public graveyard. Rev. James Henry Ernst was a 
minister in the Methodist church to which he devoted years of earnest and 
tireless work. C. E. Ernest, the subject of this sketch, was the only child 
of the union of Rev. J. H. and Martha J. (McCurry) Ernst. 

Martha J. (McCurry) Ernst was the daughter of James McCurry, who 
came from Green County, Tenn., with his father-in-law, William Duke, in 
1868. They settled near Albany where they spent the remainder of their 
lives. They both died several years ago and their remains are buried in 
the City Cemetery at Albany. After the death of Rev. James Henry Ernst 
his widow married John M. Canaday, a son of Caleb Canaday, who was at 
one time probate judge of Gentry County. John M. Canaday is now dead 
his widow lives with her son, C. E. Ernst. She is 76 years old. 

C. E. Ernst was educated in the public school of Albany and later at- 
tended Christian College at Albany. He then read law with W. F. Dalbey 
and was admitted to the bar in December, 1900, and has since practiced suc- 
cessfully. When former Governor Hadley was in office, he appointed Mr. 
Ernst the circuit clerk and recorder of deeds of Gentry County to fill out 
the unexpired term of Horace J. Peery. This was in April, 1910, and Mr. 
Ernst held the office for two years, working under Don Hawthorne. Mr. 
Ernst's success and popularity as an official of the county is shown by the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 425 

fact that his county elected him to lill the office of prosecuting attorney 
in 1918 and reelected him in 1920. 

C. E. Ernst was married in 1901, to Alice Sparks, a daughter of Col- 
W. P. Sparks of Grant City. Mrs. Ernst was born and reared in Grant 
City. To this union of C. E. and Alice (Sparks) Ernst two children have 
been born: Charles, a graduate of the Albany High School, now a student 
at Palmer College, and interested in electrical engineering; and Ernestine 
also a graduate of Albany High School, and at present student at Palmer 
College from which she was graduated in music in 1922. 

Mr. Ernst is a member of the Baptist church and is identified with the 
following lodges: the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows of which he is a Past Grand Master, the Yoeman, and 
the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Ernst is very fond of good horses and 
keeps four standard bred horses at his home. He uses them both for driv- 
ing and riding. He is a citizen of whom his community is proud. As a 
private citizen, he has been interested in the advancement of the town and 
the county, and as a public official he has been efficient, just and considerate. 

W. T. McClure, a prominent banker of Jamesport, was born Nov. 13, 
1879, in Jamesport Township, a son of Jonathan and Mary L. (Hamilton) 
McClure. 

Jonathan McClure was born in Ohio. Before the Civil War he came 
to Grundy County, Mo., with his father and they started a flour mill on 
Hickory Creek. They had moved to Grundy County, Mo., from Van 
Buren County, Iowa. During the Civil War, Mr. McClure enlisted as a 
soldier from Missouri and served on the Union side. After the war he 
traded a horse for 160 acres of land in Jamesport Township, where he 
moved and made his home until his death, Feb. 5, 1917. At the time of 
his death he owned 640 acres of land. He helped organize the Commercial 
Bank of Jamesport, which was first known as the Farmers and Merchants 
Bank. He was a stock holder and director until his death. Mr. McClure 
was a member of the Methodist Church and a member of the Masonic lodge, 
being a charter member of No. 564 Jamesport. He was a progressive citi- 
zen who devoted much of his time and energy to public welfare. Mrs. 
McClure was born in Daviess County, and is now living on the old home 
farm near Jamesport. 

To Jonathan and Mary L. (Hamilton) McClure seven children were 
born, as follows: Arthur, living with his mother; Alice, the wife of James 
W. Parker, Jamesport Township; Rose, the wife of Thomas Hamilton, 
Long Beach, Calif.; Nellie, the wife of R. D. McCray, Lincoln Township; 
Pinke, the wife of R. M. Cole, Lincoln Township; W. T., the subject of this 
sketch ; Harry, Jamesport Township. 



426 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

W. T. McClure was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
district schools and the Kirksville Normal School. After finishing school 
he taught in the district schools for about eight years. He was then en- 
gaged in farming for a number of years. Aug. 9, 1908, Mr. McClure be- 
came the bookkeeper in what was then known as the Farmers and Mer- 
chants Bank at Jamesport. An May 30, 1911, the bank consolidated with 
the First National Bank, and was then known as the Commercial Bank of 
Jamesport. For a short time, Mr. McClure was assistant cashier of the 
bank, and in September, 1912, he became cashier. On Jan. 1, 1920, he was 
elected president, which office he now holds. 

On Jan. 9, 1916, Mr. McClure was married to Roberta Doty, a native 
of Daviess County, and daughter of William and Elizabeth Doty, both of 
whom are now deceased. 

Mr. McClure is a Republican and a member of the Masonic lodge in all 
its branches. He is well and favorably known in Jamesport and takes an 
active interest in the affairs of his community. 

The Commercial Bank of Jamesport, Mo., was organized in 1911 by the 
consolidation of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and the First National 
Bank. It has a capital of $80,000 and a surplus of $14,500. 

The present officers of the Commercial Bank are as follows: W. T. 
McClure, president : George Pogue, vice-president ; C. A. Lewis, cashier ; 
Kathleen Reed, assistant cashier; Mabel Martin, assistant cashier; C. R. 
May, assistant cashier. 

The Commercial Bank of Jamesport is a member of the Missouri Asso- 
ciation and the American Association of Banks. It is located on the main 
thoroughfare of Jamesport and is modernly equipped in every respect. 

The stockholders of the Commercial Bank are made up of citizens of 
Jamesport Township. The bank is well known throughout the state and is 
in high standing due to the efficiency of its officers. 

Ivo W. Lively, the competent and well known cashier of the Bank of 
Jamesport, was born in Monroe, La., the son of Chapman H., and Ella 
(Humble) Lively, natives of Louisana. 

Chapman H. Lively was born in 1863, and was a plantation owner 
during his life. He owned land in Louisana where he raised cotton, having 
many negroes working the plantation. He died in Monroe, La., in 1915, at 
the age of 52 years. Mrs. Lively is now living in Monroe, La. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Lively four children were born, as follows: Ivo W., subject of this 
sketch ; E. H., San Francisco, Calif. ; Edith, the wife of August Swayze, 
Monroe, La. ; the fourth child died in infancy. 

Ivo W. Lively was reared in Monroe, La., being educated in the public 
schools there and later attending the business college at Chillicothe, Mo. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 427 

When 18 years of age he was engaged as a messenger boy in the Ouachita 
National Bank, at Monroe, La. In two years he became bookkeeper in the 
same bank. In 1906, he went to Kansas City, where he was engaged as 
a bookkeeper in the Commerce Trust Company, later becoming teller. Six 
years later, Mr. Lively removed to Las Vegas, N. M., where he became the 
assistant secretary of the Peoples Bank and Trust Company. In 1914 he 
went to Santa Fe, N. M., where he became cashier of the Santa Fe Bank. 
He remained there until 1916, when he came to Jamesport and organized 
the Bank of Jamesport. 

Mr. Lively was married Nov. 4, 1907, to Dorothy Stephenson, a native 
of Marceline. To this union one son has been born, Ivo W., Jr. 

Mr. Lively is a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist church and 
the Knights of Phythias. Mr. Lively is a good business man who possesses 
both capability and courtesy. He is well known in Daviess County, and 
merits the esteem with which he is held in his community. 

The Bank of Jamesport, Jamesport, Mo., was organized in 1916 by 
Ivo W, Lively, with a capital stock of $10,000, which was increased in three 
years to $15,000. 

While is it numerically the third bank in the town, it is truly the first in 
point of community spirit and development. Mr. Lively convinced his 
associates from the beginning that it was to be their bank, and they were 
to be, therefore, one body of boosters. They caught the spirit immediately 
and a really marvelous growth has resulted. One featui-e inaugurated by 
Mr. Lively was the annual stockholders' banquet, the first being held in 
1919, at the time of the summer divident payment. This was such a suc- 
cess that all were heartily in favor of the plan for each year to follow. 

The oflScers of the Bank of Jamesport are: I. C. Hill, farmer of Jackson 
Township, president ; W. L. Arnold, merchant of Jamesport, vice-president ; 
Ivo W. Lively, cashier; Miss Roberta Goodvin, assistant cashier; Lois 
Rayburn, second assistant cashier. 

The deposits at present are $134,495.63, the total resources are 
$191,851.00. The stockholders of the bank are mainly farmers of James- 
port and vicinity. 

The phenomenal growth of the bank of Jamesport is due in no small 
degree to co-operation, and the stockholders are to be congratulated upon 
having for their leader a man of Mr. Lively's business foresight. 

Ralph Wiles, the popular and efficient postmaster of Jamesport, is a 
native of Jamesport Township, Daviess County, born Sept. 11, 1894. 

Ralph was reared on his grandparents' farm. His grandparents are 
Thomas and Georgianna (Haines) Wiles. Mr. Wiles is now retired, living 
in Jamesport. Ralph Wiles was educated in the public schools and the high 



428 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

school of Jamesport. He then attended the Gem City Business College at 
Quincy, 111. After completing his education, Mr. Wiles worked as a farm 
hand until the outbreak of the World War. He enlisted in December, 1917, 
and was sent to Fort Sill, Okla. He was stationed there until his discharge, 
being a member of Headquarters Company, 9th Field Artillery. On March 
29, 1919, Mr. Wiles was mustered out of service and returned home, where 
he engaged in farming until Sept. 16, 1921, when he was appointed post- 
master at Jamesport. 

Mr. Wiles is a member of the Masonic lodge- and India Temple Shrine 
at Oklahoma City, and the Consistory at Guthrie, Okla. He also belongs 
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Eastern Star and Rebeccas. He 
is a member of the Methodist church. In politics Mr. Wiles is a Repub- 
lican. He is unmarried. He is one of Daviess County's public spirited 
and enterprising young citizens. 

J. L. McCue, a successful and widely known business man of James- 
port, was born Oct. 1, 1855, in Grundy County, a son of Isaac M. and 
Martha J. (Livingston) McCue. 

Isaac M. McCue was born in Greenbrier County, Va., April 6, 1830, and 
came to Missouri in 1844. He was a farmer during his entire life. He 
died July 3, 1905, in Jamesport. In politics Mr. McCue was a staunch 
Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. His wife was a daugh- 
ter of Dr. James and Eliza R. (Tootle) Livingston, natives of Ohio. After 
removing to Grundy County in 1838, Dr. Livingston practiced medicine 
fi'om his farm, which was located on the Daviess, Grundy and Livingston 
County lines. To Isaac M. and Martha J. (Livingston) McCue three child- 
ren were born, as follows: J. L., the subject of this sketch; Milton T., 
deceased ; and P. S., Jackson Township, Daviess County. 

Shortly after J. L. McCue was born his parents moved to Daviess 
County, and settled on a farm, where he grew up. He attended the dis- 
trict schools and the state university. After completing his education, he 
taught school for a number of years. In 1881 he came to Jamesport, where 
he was engaged in the general merchandise business with his brother, 
P. S. McCue, under the firm name of McCue Brothers. After one year 
Mr. McCue bought out his brothers' interest and took James Guerin, an 
uncle, into partnership. In 1887 Mr. McCue sold out his interest to Mr. 
Guerin, after which he taught school for four years. 

Following the failure of the Citizens Bank in Jamesport, Mr. McCue 
purchased the building and improved it with a fine large building, cover- 
ing three lots. The building is modern in every respect and Mr. McCue 
carries a full line of dry goods, ready to wear garments, shoes, etc. From 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 429 

1894 until 1904 Mr. McGue led a retired life and in 1905 he was appointed 
county assessor by Joseph W. Folk. In 1906 he again became engaged 
in the general merchandise business with Hazelip Witten. In a few 
months Mr. McCue became the sole owner. In 1919 he took into partner- 
ship his son, Robert E., and the firm is now known as J. L. McCue & Son. 

Mr. McCue was mai-ried the first time to Emma I. McClung in 1883. 
She was the daughter of John F., and Miriam (Bowen) McClung, natives 
of Jamesport Township, Daviess County. Mrs. McCue was born in James- 
port Township. To this union two children were boi-n: Mabel L., the wife 
of S. W. Reed, Trenton, Mo. ; and Robert E., married to Bessie I. McCray, 
a native of Daviess County. Robert E. McCue was born Nov. 24, 1885, in 
Jamesport, and received his education in the public schools of Jamesport, 
the Methodist school at Fayette, and the state university. He studied 
law for two and one-half years. He enlisted in the World War in Decem- 
ber, 1917, and was sent to Fort George Wright. Ten days later he went 
to Waco, Texas, where he trained in the aviation service for four months. 
He also was stationed at Fort Omaha four months, and sailed for overseas 
in November, 1918, a few days before the armistice was signed. He re- 
turned home in May, 1919, and became engaged with his father in the dry 
goods business. 

Mr. McCue was married the second time to Joan Chenoweth on April 
7, 1910. She is a daughter of Joseph S. and Sarah Ann (Forshea) Cheno- 
weth, natives of Ohio and Indiana. They are both deceased. Mr. Cheno- 
weth was a carpenter by trade and one of the early settlers of Jamesport. 

Mr. McCue is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He 
is one of the prominent and progressive men of Jamesport, where his name 
has always stood for enterprise, industry and integrity. 

A. H. Warren, a well known and enterprising druggist of Jamesport, 
was born March 15, 1859, in Jackson Township, Daviess County, a son of 
John W. and Jane (Cathcart) Warren. 

John W. Warren was born in Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 24, 1825. He came 
to Missouri from Ohio, and during his life was engaged in farming, plaster- 
ing and as a machinist. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Missouri 
State Militia. He was a Democrat and had held the offices of constable 
and township collector. He died Sept. 24, 1913, in Jamesport. Mrs. War- 
ren was born in North Carolina, Aug. 10 1815, and died in 1909. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Warren four children were born, of whom two are now living: 
Martha, the widow of Andrew Harrah, Jamesport; and A. H., the subject 
of this sketch. John A., deceased, was a commission merchant in St. 
Louis. 



430 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

A. H. Warren was reared in Jamesport, and received his education in 
the public schools there. In 1876 he was engaged as a drug clerk and was 
a registered pharmacist under the old law. He engaged in the drug busi- 
ness in 1884 in partnership with L. A. Phillips. At that time Mr. Warren 
was also postmaster, which office he filled for four years under President 
Cleveland's administration. During that period, Mr. Warren sold out his 
interest in the drug business. Later, in 1888, he again went into the drug 
business in Jamesport, where he has been since engaged, with the excep- 
tion of two and one-half years, which he spent in St. Louis. He carries 
a full line of drugs, paints, wall paper, druggists sundries, toilet articles, 
glass, etc., and has a very successful business. 

On Oct. 31, 1884, Mr. Warren was married to Sarah R. Hawley, a 
native of Janesville, Wis. They have no children. 

Mr. Warren is a Democrat and a member of the Knights of Pythias. 
He is well and favorably known in Jamesport, and takes a commendable 
interest in the affairs of his town. 

W. L. Arnold, a prominent business man of Jamesport, was born May 
16, 1868, in Carroll County, 111., the son of John and Hanna (Strickler) 
Arnold. 

John Arnold was born in Chambersburg, Pa., and was a farmer during 
his entire life. He came to Daviess County, in 1882, locating on a farm one 
and a quarter miles east of Jamesport. Since 1902, Mr. Arnold has resided 
in Horton County, Texas, and is now 92 years old. His wife was also a 
native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1914 at the age of 82 years. To John 
and Hanna (Strickler) Arnold 12 children were born, one of whom is now 
deceased. 

W. L. Arnold was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools 
and the Jamesport High School, from which he was graduated in 1888. 
For a short time Mr. Arnold taught school and in 1891, he engaged in the 
mercantile business at Kansas City, Mo. Six years later he started in the 
grocery business at Jamesport, in partnership with his brothers, S. E. and 
C. L. Arnold. In October, 1920, W. L. Arnold with his two sons became 
the owners of the business. It is one of the high grade grocery stores in 
the county, and Mr. Arnold has been very successful in his business. He 
was one of the organizers of the Jamesport Bank, now holding the office of 
vice president of same. 

On Feb. 16, 1898, Mr. Arnold was married to Minnie L. Hutchison, a 
native of Jamesport, and daughter of Charles and Anna (Lindsey) Hutch- 
ison, both deceased. Charles M. Hutchison was born in Carey County, Ky., 
Oct. 15, 1837, and was the son of Judge Thomas Hutchison, a native of 
Virginia. His mother's maiden name was Polly Ann Tate, a native of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 431 

Lincoln County, Ky. Charles M. Hutchison was three years of age when 
his parents moved to Missouri and settled in Livingston County, where he 
was reared and educated. He began life as a school teacher at the age 
of 23 years and followed that profession for 13 years. He came to James- 
port in 1870, and began merchandising which business he followed for 23 
years. In 1873 he was elected assessor and collector of Jamesport, for 
three years. He also served in the capacity of postmaster of Jamesport. 
He was married in Daviess County, Dec. 31, 1869, to Annie Lindsey, a 
daughter of James and Rebecca Lindsey, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Hutch- 
ison was born in Mechanicsville, Iowa, Oct. 18, 1846. To this union five 
children were born, four of whom are now living, as follows: W. T., ; Mrs. 
Minnie L. Arnold, Jamesport; Mrs. Etta Hart; Mabel Hutchison, Chicago, 
111. Mr. Hutchison died Dec. 21, 1893, following a stroke of paralysis. 
After the death of Mr. Hutchison, his wife was appointed postmistress, 
and assisted by her two daughters she carried on this work for eight years. 
Mrs. Hutchison died in Gallatin, June 3, 1907, where she and her daughter, 
Mabel, had moved with her son, W. T., when he was appointed sheriff of 
Daviess County. 

To W. L. and Minnie L. (Hutchison) Arnold three children have been 
born, as follows: L. H., in business with his father; J. T., also in business 
with his father ; and Frances, at home. 

Mr. Arnold is an independent Republican. He is a member of the 
Church of Christ, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Arnold 
is an enterprising citizen of Daviess County, and stands high in his com- 
munity. 

James Guerin, a progressive business man and merchant of Jamesport, 
was born in St. Louis, Oct. 23, 1894, the son of Simon and Mary (Kane) 
Guerin. 

Both Simon and Mary (Kane) Guerin were natives of Ireland. Mr. 
Guerin was a weaver by trade. After his death in Ireland, Mrs. Guerin 
came to this country and settled in St. Louis, where she died. They were 
the parents of seven children, all of whom are deceased except James, the 
subject of this sketch. 

James Guerin was reared in St. Louis, and at the very young age of 
12 years he was engaged as a painter. He later clerked in his brother 
Michael's store at Roanoke, Mo., after which he went into partnership with 
him in the general merchandise business at Forrest Green. In 1882, Mr. 
Guerin removed to Jamesport, and became engaged in the merchandise 
business, where he has since remained. 

On July 7, 1869, Mr. Gurin was married to Sarah J. (Livingston), a 
native of Grundy County. They have no children. Mrs. Guerin is the 



432 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

daughter of Dr. James, and Elizabeth R. (Tootle) Livingston. Dr. James 
Livingston was born in Ohio. He practiced medicine in Grundy, Livingston 
and Daviess Counties in 1847-49-50. He vi^as the first representative of 
Grundy County after its organization. 

Mr. Guerin was one of the organizers of the Commercial Bank of 
Jamesport, and is now a director. He is a Democrat, and has served in the 
offices of mayor, township trustee, and also school director for 20 years. 
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Guerin is a progressive 
man who can always be relied upon to aid in anything for the public wel- 
fare or the community improvement. 

Walter Cox, the proprietor of the Albany Garage at Albany and the 
authorized salesman of Ford automobiles and repairs, was born at Grant 
City, Oct. 16, 1884, the son of Enoch and Rebecca Cox. 

Enoch Cox and his wife are both natives of Worth County. They are 
now living at Grant City, but Mr. Cox continues to operate his farm in 
Worth County. 

Walter Cox graduated from the Grant City High School and later 
accepted a position as bookkeeper in the First National Bank at Grant 
City. He remained in this place for three years, but resigned in 1911 to 
to open a garage there. He managed his new business with acumen and 
industry and at the end of three years sold the garage and came to Albany 
where he bought the garage belonging to Carmack & Son. Mr. Cox has 
enlarged the garage by the addition of a shop 30x70 feet and has installed 
a steam heating plant for the entire building. The Albany Garage now 
occupies two buildings, one 50x110 feet facing Clay Street, and the other 
30x120 feet fronting on Hundley Street. Both these buildings as well as 
the one on the corner of Clay and Hundley Streets are owned by Mr. 
Cox. Mr. Cox keeps a force of six men at work in his shops and here he 
does all kinds of automobile repair work and some electrical work. He 
features the Ford automobiles and Fordson tractors and has established 
and extensive and rapidly growing business. 

Walter Cox was married Feb. 10, 1916 to Ellyn Ebersole, a graduate 
of the Grant City High School. Her parents were Abraham and Isabell 
Ebersole, early settlers of Gentry County, and both now dead. Mr. and 
Mrs. Cox have one son, George, born Nov. 21, 1916. 

Walter Cox is one of the capable and farsighted young business men 
of the county. His sale record of more than 500 cars in three years is an 
indication of his enterprise and his progressive methods. 

T. E. Hamilton, an enterprising and practical farmer and breeder of 
Jackson Township, Daviess County, was born Jan. 25, 1870, in Union Town- 
ship, Daviess County, a son of H. D. and Elizabeth R. (Hill) Hamilton. 



i 



1 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 433 

H. D. Hamilton was born in Bedford County, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1824. 
During his entire life he was a farmer. In 1834 he came to Union Town- 
ship, Daviess County, and in 1849 he crossed the plains. While West he 
met with considerable success and returned to Missouri in 1852. At one 
time Mr. Hamilton owned 520 acres of land in Daviess County. H. D. 
Hamilton was the son of William and Holly (Tucker) Hamilton, who came 
to Grundy County, in the early days, and where H. D. Hamilton lived until 
the age of 21 years. The wife of H. D. Hamilton was born in Greenbrier 
County, Va., in September, 1832. She died June 9, 1896, and both she and 
Mr. Hamilton are buried in Hill Cemetery, west of Jamesport. Mr. Hamil- 
ton died March 21, 1916. He was a Democrat and a member of the Metho- 
dist church. To H. D. and Elizabeth R. (Hill) Hamilton ten children were 
born, of whom four are now living, as follows: 'Anna, the wife of J. T. 
Doty, Miller County, Mo.; T. E., the subject of this sketch; Alta M., the 
wife of E. G. Knight, Jackson Township, ; Henry, the oldest, a teacher of 
the Carlow consolidated schools. 

T. E. Hamilton was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- 
cation in the district schools. He began farming for himself when 23 years 
old, renting land for one year. In 1894 he purchased 40 acres of land and 
since that time has- added to his holdings, now owning 203 acres. In 1921 
he erected his fine modern home, which contains electric lights, hot air 
heat, running water and bath. The house is built of cement and stucco. 
Mr. Hamilton began breeding, Aberdeen Angus Cattle in 1916. He also 
breeds high grade Jersey cattle. Besides breeding cattle Mr. Hamilton 
is a grain farmer and raises a great deal of clover. He has been very suc- 
cessful and is one of the prosperous farmers of Daviess County. 

On Jan. 25, 1893, Mr. Hamilton was married to Ollie Macy, a native 
of Jackson Township, and a daughter of W. C. and Mary (Nichols) Macy. 
To this union six children have been born, as follows: Eva, a graduate 
of Gallatin High School, now living at home; Armond, at home; Nuburn, 
at home; Doris, deceased; Marshall, at home; and Aleene, at home. 

Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, being an 
elder. Mr. Hamilton stands well in his community, both for his enterpris- 
ing disposition and for his high standards of civic welfare. 

L. C. Marlow, a successful merchant of Jamesport, was born Jan. 19, 
1857, in Livingston County, the son of W. H. and Amanda (Hutchinson) 
Marlow. 

W. H. Marlow was born in Kentucky in 1834. He came to Missouri 
many years ago, and settled on a farm in Jackson Township, Livingston 
County. In making the trip from Kentucky, Mr. Marlow drove a team of 



434 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

oxen. During the Civil War he served under General Price in the Con- 
federate Army. Mr. Marlow became a successful farmer of Livingston 
County and at one time was the owner of 1000 acres of land. After many 
years of farming he retired and resided in Chillicothe, until his death in 
June, 1911. Mr. Marlow was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of 
Jamesport, which is now extinct. He also organized many other banks. 
Mrs. Marlow was born in Kentucky in 1840. She died Jan. 27, 1921. To W. 
H. and Amanda (Hutchison) Marlow three children were born, as follows: 
L. C, the subject of this sketch; Belle, the wife of Barton Hosman, Colo- 
rado Springs, Colo. ; Benjamin, residing on the old home farm in Livingston 
County. 

L. C. Marlow was reared on a fann and received his education in the 
district schools. When a young man he became engaged in farming, later 
becoming heir to some land. He now owns 300 acres of well improved land 
in Jackson Township, Livingston County, upon which he has made exten- 
sive improvements. It is one of the finest farms in Livingston County. 

In 1914 Mr. Marlow left the farm and became engaged in the hardware 
and implement business at Jamesport, in partnership with J. W. Harris, 
who died soon after. Mr. Marlow purchased his interest and then went 
into partnership with A. L. Jenkins, and the firm name is now known as 
Marlow and Jenkins. Mr. Marlow is a stockholder in the Commercial Bank 
of Jamesport and in the First National Bank of Chillicothe, also the Peoples 
Exchange Bank of Jamesport. 

In 1882 L. C. Marlow was married for the first time to Jennie Ramsey, 
a native of Jackson Township, Livingston County, and a daughter of James 
and Linnie (Wingo) Ramsey, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Liv- 
ingston County. To L. C. and Linnie (Wingo) Ramsey four children were 
born, as follows: Howard, a first-class carpenter and contractor of James- 
port; Fay, deceased, was the wife of Robert Muiiihy ; Edith, the wife of 
Virgil Dixon now at Trenton ; Darrell, carpenter, Jamesport. Mrs. Marlow 
died Jan 4, 1915. On July 2, 1916, Mr. Marlow was married to Ida (May) 
McClung, widow of H. F. McClung, and sister of Mrs. John L. Leopard, of 
Gallatin. Mrs. Marlow is the daughter of Gabe and Martha (Giddens) 
May, natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Daviess County. Mr. May 
is now deceased and his widow lives in Gallatin. By her first marriage, 
Mrs. Marlow had one son, Robert Earl McClung, now residing in Kansas 
City. Mrs. Marlow is a well educated woman, having taught school in 
Daviess County, for about 11 years. 

Mr. Marlow tells of his father being engaged as a freighter across the 
plains in 1860 from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., to a Colorado fort for the 
government. 



J 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 435 

Mr. Marlow is a Democrat, and has served on the township board at 
different times and one term on the Jamesporf~city board. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason. Mr. Marlow has the esteem of the residents of Jamesport, as 
well as those of the surrounding territory and stands high in the com- 
munity. 

James M. Drummond, a well known retired hotel man of Jamesport, 
was born June 3, 1853, in Union Township, Daviess County, the son of J. 
P. and Sydney (Nickell) Drummond. 

J. P. Drummond was born in Monroe County, W. Va., Sept. 25, 1813. 
He was the son of George and Easter (Boyd) Drummond, natives of Vir- 
ginia. On June 14, 1836, J. P. Drummond was married to Sydney Nickell, 
a native of Monroe County, Va. In 1839 Mr. Drummond left Virginia and 
settled in Daviess County, where he purchased 160 acres of land in Jackson 
Township, and carried on general farming for a number of years. To J. 
P. and Sydney (Nickell) Drummond the following children were born: 
Margaret N. Mann ; Elizabeth E. Baldwin ; Amanda J. Musselman ; Mary 
Barnett; George W. and Andrew J., twins; William N. ; John K. ; Caroline 
Jenkins; James M., the subject of this sketch; Charles R. Mrs. Drum- 
mond died in 1858. On July 14, 1859, Mr. Drummond was married for the 
second time to Maria F. Mann. J. P. Drummond died Aug. 2, 1898. 

James M. Drummond was reared on his father's farm in Jackson 
Township, Daviess County, and attended the district schools. He then 
carried on farming until 1885, when he moved to Jamesport, where he 
conducted a livery and feed barn, and 1886 returned to the farm. In 1887 
he again removed to Jamesport, and was in the livery business until 1896, 
when he engaged in the hotel business. In 1910 Mr. Drummond moved to 
Fayette, Mo., to educate his daughter. He remained there two years, then 
returning to Jamesport. He was in the hotel business for a few years, his 
father erected a two story hotel at Jamesport, in 1894. In connection with 
the hotel, Mr. Drummond also conducted a livery and feed barn, which he 
sold in 1903. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator. 

On Oct. 21, 1886, Mr. Drummond was married to Inez Thurlow, a 
daughter of David M. and Minta (Mullens) Thurlow. Mrs. Drummond 
was born near Chillicothe. Mr. and Mrs. Thurlow are natives of Sullivan 
County. To James M. and Inez (Thurlow) Drummond one child has been 
born, Beulah, now the wife of D. J. Rossa, Browning, 111. They have 
three children: Irma; James E., and Howard W. Roosa. 

Mr. Drummond now owns part of the old home farm of 120 acres in 
Jamesport Township. He is a Democrat, and in 1886 served in the office 
of mayor of Jamesport, and also served as trustee. He is a member of 
the Methodist church, and of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Mr. Drum- 



436 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

mond has met with success in his business because of his energy, industiy, 
and business foresight. 

J. William DeVorss, a prominent and successful merchant of James- 
port, was born March 14, 1872, in Jamesport Township, Daviess County, 
the son of F. M., also known as Marion, and Mary (Lucas) DeVorss. 

F. M. DeVorss was born in Jamesport Township, Dec. 15, 1851. He 
was a farmer in his early life, and later came to Jamesport, in 1882, and 
built the present hotel building, which he conducted for 25 years. He 
died in Jamesport, Sept. 6, 1918. His parents were John and Martha 
(Wiggleworth) DeVorss, natives of Virginia. John DeVorss was born in 
1820, and died in 1900, in Jamesport. When a very small child he came 
to Missouri with his parents and settled in St. Joseph. They drove oxen 
here from Virginia, and were among the pioneer settlers of Daviess County, 
having settled in Jamesport Township, in the early forties. Mary (Lucas) 
DeVorss was born in Grundy County, Oct. 9, 1852, and died Feb. 12, 1914. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. DeVorss are buried in the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows Cemetery at Jamesport. Mrs. DeVorss was the daughter of 
James and Margaret (Estes) Lucas, natives of Kentucky and early settlers 
of Grundy County where they both died. To F. M. and Mary (Lucas) 
DeVorss five children were born, as follows: J. Wm., the subject of this 
sketch ; John M., Nampa, Idaho ; Charles 0., Wichita, Kans. ; George W., 
engaged in the grocery business at Jamesport; Henry, Denver, Colorado. 
Charles and George DeVorss are twins. 

J. William DeVorss was reared in Jamesport, and was educated in the 
public schools there, from which he was graduated in 1890. In 1893 he 
traveled on the road and later became engaged in the grocery business at 
Trenton. Three years later, Mr. DeVorss sold out his share and became en- 
gaged in farming in Macon County, on his father-in-law's farm. Then in 
1900 he returned to Jamesport, and opened a racket store. He now owns 
a variety store in Jamesport, and has a very profitable business. Mr. 
DeVorss is a stockholder and director in the Bank of Jamesport, and owns 
a fine residence and several business buildings in Jamesport. 

On Dec. 20, 1893, Mr. DeVorss was married to Sarah E. Taylor, a 
daughter of James H., and Elizabeth (Simms) Taylor, natives of Tennessee 
and Kentucky, and later of Macon Countj'. Mrs. DeVorss was born June 
25, 1873, in Macon County. She was a teacher of music before her mar- 
riage. To this union three children have been born, as follows: Earl, 
Trenton; Claude, deceased; and Ruth, at home. 

Mr. DeVorss is a Democrat, and has served in the ofliices of city mar- 
shal, school director, city collector, and on the park board. He is member 
of the Methodist church and belongs to the Knights of Phythias, Modem 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 437 

Woodmen of America and the Yoeman lodge. Mr. DeVorss is prominent 
in business affairs of Jamesport, and because of his interest in public affairs 
he is ranked among the substantial citizens of the county. 

James W. Long, a well known retired farmer of Gallatin, was born 
Feb. 5, 1859, in Shelby County, the son of Joseph and Sallie (Whaley) 
Long. 

Joseph Long was born in Washington County, Md., Oct. 9, 1816. In 
about 1848 he came to visit an uncle in Marion County. He returned to 
Maryland, and six years later came back to Missouri, and married. He 
then lived in Maryland until 1855, when he returned to Missouri and settled 
on a farm in Shelby County. In March, 1864, Mr. Long removed to a farm 
five miles east of Paris, Mo., where he died the same year, on September 
25. Sallie (Whaley) Long was born in Marion County, June 11, 1824. 
After Mr. Long's death she married the second time to S. W. Pugh, on 
Jan. 9, 1872. They removed to Grand River Township, Daviess County, 
where James W. Long was reared. Sallie (Whaley) Long Pugh died on 
June 8, 1904. Both of James W. Long's parents are buried in the Mai'ion 
County Home Cemetery. 

James W. Long continued to farm the original family farm for 40 
years after the death of his step-father in 1876, and he with his mother 
purchased the land. Later, in 1880, Mr. Long bought out his mother's 
share, made extensive improvements, set out a ten acre orchard, and 
became one of the largest fruit growers in the county. He made many 
exhibits at the street fairs in Gallatin, and Trenton, of his apples and 
always won premiums on his entries. In 1915, Mr. Long sold his farm 
and moved to Gallatin, where he now resides. He now has a small orchard 
and owns ten acres within the city limits. 

Mr. Long was married for the first time, Feb. 10, 1880, to Martha A. 
Mills, born Feb. 24, 1848, in Grand River Township. She died March 7, 
1899. To this union three childi'en were born, all of whom are now 
deceased. Mr. Long was married the second time on Nov. 5, 1901 to 
Rhoda Smith, a native of Grand River Township, and daughter of Ephriam 
and Mary (Smith) Smith. No children were born to this union. James 
W. Long was one of seven children, all of whom are now deceased with the 
exception of a sister, Elizabeth, the wife of S. P. Mills, Jameson. In the 
spring of 1887, Mr. Long took to raise a son S. W. Harris, who died April, 
1907, at Colorado Springs, Colo. Mr. Long gave him. an education. He 
is buried on Mr. Long's lot in Grand River Cemetery. 

Mr. Long breeds pure bred chickens. Single Comb Buff Orphingtons 
and Plymouth Rocks. He also breeds Jersey Cows. Mr. Long became a 
member of the Baptist church in Grand River Township, April 1876, and 



438 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

later the Jameson church, where he now belongs. He is a Democrat. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Long are well known and highly respected citizens of Daviess 
County. 

V. H. Scrivner, a well known retired farmer of Daviess County, was 
born in Estell County, Ky., July 4, 1841, the son of John and Hulda (Tudor) 
Scrivner. 

John Scrivner was born in Estell County, Ky., and was a farmer 
during his life. He settled in Clay County, Mo., for a time, but returned 
to Kentucky after the death of his first wife. To John and Hulda (Tudor) 
Scrivner three children were born, two of whom are now living; V. H., the 
subject of this sketch; and Hulda, the wife of Clifton Oldham, Long 
Beach, Calif. After his wife's death, Mr. Scrivner married Leu Ann 
Williams, and five children were born to this union, of whom one is now liv- 
ing, Susan, the wife of Leslie Oliver, Richmond, Ky. Mr. Scrivner died 
in Kentucky. 

V. H. Scrivner was reared in Kentucky, and in 1875 came to Daviess 
County, locating on a farm near Winston. There he carried on farming 
for 17 years, later moving to Smith County, Kans., where he remained for 
19 years. He then moved to southern Nebraska, and in 1918, came to 
Gallatin, where he now lives retired. During the Civil War, Mr. Scrivner 
enlisted in Company C, 8th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and 
served for three years and four months. He was the 7th man to climb 
Lookout Mountain during the battle that was fought "above the clouds". 
The 8th Regiment remained there for eight days. 

Mr. Scrivner was married the first time in 1867 to Dorothy Webb, a 
native of Kentucky. Ten children were born to this union, as follows: 
Laura, the wife of Charles Barrett, Red Cloud, Neb.; Mattie, the wife of 
Jesse Sappe, deceased; Albert, Eckley, Colo. ; Edith, the wife of Sam Mount- 
ford, Red Cloud, Neb. ; Frances, deceased ; Oscar, Haigler, Neb. ; William 
J., Tulsa, Okla. ; Valley, deceased; C. M., Red Cloud, Neb.; Susan, the 
widow of Walter Mays, Red Cloud, Neb. Mrs. Scrivner died in Nebraska 
Oct. 8, 1917. 

Mr. Scrivner was married the second time to Phoebe A. (Witt) widow 
of Henry White. To Henry White and Phoebe A. (Witt) the following 
children were born: W. H. White, Excelsior Springs; Jeramiah Ann, the 
wife of Frank Ray, Oilman City; George N. White, Liberty Township; 
Daviess County; Ota B., deceased; Hallack H. White, Excelsior Springs. 
After Mr. White's death Mrs. White later married Judge Frank Ewing, 
and to this union one child was born, Maud H., the wife of T. J. Collins, of 
Grundy County, now deceased. After the death of her first husband Mrs. 
White removed to Gallatin, where she remained a widow four years, when 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 439 

she married Judge Ewing. She had been a widow for 22 years when she 
married Mr. Scrivner on July 15, 1918. 

Mr. Scrivner is a Republican and has served as constable and collector 
for 11 years, and was deputy sheriff under James H. Witt. In 1890 he was 
one of the census enumerators. He also served as justice of the peace for 
four years in Kansas, and was nominated in 1888 for sheriff but was de- 
feated. Mr. Scrivner was nominated in Nebraska for judge and in 1922 
was nominated for police judge of Gallatin. He was educated in the 
Estell County, Ky., district schools. 

Mr. Scrivner is a member of the Christian church, the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is the 
owner of five and a half acres of well improved land on the edge of Red 
Cloud, Nebr., and also owns a fine residence in Gallatin. Mr. Scrivner has 
always been a progressive citizen with high standards of civic pride and 
stands high in his community. He has owned a good deal of property, 
both farms and city and has been very successful in his undertakings. 

M. N. Knight, a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson Township, 
Daviess County, and owner of 180 acres of well improved land, was born 
Aug. 9, 1874, in Union Township, Daviess County, the son of James and 
Sarah (Peniston) Knight. 

James Knight was a native of Virginia, born Jan. 8, 1843. During 
the Civil War he was a soldier. He came to Daviess County, after the 
war and settled in Union Township, where he farmed the remainder of his 
life, owning at his death, June 21, 1889, 120 acres of well improved land. 
Sarah (Peniston) Knight was a native of Livingston County. She died in 
1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Knight seven children were born, as follows: Oma, 
the wife of George Jones, Jamesport; Verona, deceased, was the wife of 
George Cinder; V. E., Union Township; M. N., the subject of this sketch: 
Jesse, Bates County ; Elizabeth, the wife of Eugene Roeark, Sedalia ; Mary, 
deceased was the wife of Robert Williams. 

M. N. Knight was reared on his father's farm and I'eceived his educa- 
tion in the district schools. He began farming for himself, renting land 
when very young. In 1915, Mr. Knight purchased his present farm in 
Jackson Township, where he has made extensive improvements. He has 
been very successful in general farming and stock raising. 

On Oct. 4, 1896, Mr. Knight was marrid to Maggie B. Macy, a daughter 
of W. C. and Mary (Nichols) Macy, natives of Union Township. Mr. Macy 
died July 20, 1921, and Mrs. Macy is now residing in Gallatin. Mrs. Knight 
was born Jan. 7, 1879, in Jackson Town.ship, Daviess County. To M. N. 
and Maggie (Macy) Knight one child was born, Macy, born Feb. 9, 1898, 
now employed at Cameron. 



440 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AhfD GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Knight is a Democrat, and served in the office of county judge in 
1919 and 1920, in the southern district. He is a member of the Methodist 
church and of the Modern Woodman of America. Mr. Knight is one of the 
rehable and progressive citizens of the county, energetic and far sighted 
in his methods of business and dependable in his dealings. 

T. R. Shockley, a qualified embalmer and a member of the firm of the 
Shockley & Stapleton Furniture and Undertaking Establishment, was born 
in Bogle Township, Gentry County, July 22, 1868, the son of L. L. and 
Calrissa (Schooler) Shockley. 

L. L. Shockley was born in Gasconade County, Mo., Dec. 21, 1826, and 
came to Gentry County, Aug. 31, 1846. He entered 160 acres of land in 
Bogle Township and improved it. He married first, a Miss Burgess and 
to this union seven children were born, three of whom died in infancy, and 
the remaining four are as follows : Minerva, later Mrs. Jackson, died at 
Hopkins, in Nodaway County, in 1903 ; Martha, married Mr. Korn, and 
died in Bogle Township in 1915; Victoria, now Mrs. Ray of Colorado; and 
Nevada, now Mrs. Korn of Grant City. 

Mr. Shockley was married the second time in Worth County in 1867 to 
Clarissa Scholer and to this union one child, T. R., the subject of this 
review, was born. Mrs. Shockley died on the home place in April, 1876, 
and her remains are buried in the cemetery at the Old Brick Church. 
Lunsford L. L. Shockley was married the third time to Mrs. Elizabeth 
Green in 1880. She died in 1896. Mr. Shockley died Dec. 5, 1899 and his 
remains are buried in the New Friendship Cemetery. 

T. R. Shockley attended the public schools. His first teacher was 
Robert M. Ross who taught the Shockley school which was located on 
the Shockley farm. Mr. Shockley farmed the home place, later becoming 
owner of 84 acres of it. In 1901 he bought 80 acres more, and in 1907 he 
sold the first part of his holdings, later selling the remainder. He moved 
to Albany in 1906 and in 1908, he formed a partnership with Edward E. 
Stapleton and bought the Holden Furniture and Undertaking Establish- 
ment. In 1911 Mr. Shockley became sole owner of the establishment and 
since then he has- conducted same as an up to date furniture and under- 
taking business. A year later Mr. Shockley became an embalmer. 

T. R. Shockley was married Feb. 22, 1900 to Mattie E. Quigley, a 
daughter of James and Eliza (Malsom) Quigley of Athens Township. Mrs. 
Shockley was born in Gentry County and attended the Eureka school 
which was located on her father's farm. She later was a student at the 
Stanberry Normal School and qualified herself to teach. The death of her 
stepmother however necessitated her remaining at home. 

T. R. Shockley is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 




T. I.. SHOCKI EY 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 441 

and the Woodmen of the World. He is an able and industrious business 
rhan, one who is qualified to make the success which has marked his en- 
terprises. Mr. Shockley tells some interesting things relating to the his- 
tory of his father, Lunsford L. L. Shockley, who was an astute business 
man and had many adventures. He enlisted for service in the Mexican 
War and was sent to St. Louis where he remained stationed for several 
weeks, but was never sent to the scene of the struggle. Years later he 
enlisted for service in the Civil War on the Confederate side and served 
three months under General Sterling Price. Mr. Shockley was unable to 
read or write but he was very apt in figuring out the amount due him on 
stock, making all of his calculations "in his head" but with absolute 
accuracy. 

J. W. Tolbert, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of 
Union Township, Daviess County, was born Sept. 18, 1858, in Monroe 
County, W. Va., the son of Charles Alex and Mary (Meadows) Tolbert. 

Charles Alex Tolbert was born in Virginia, where he farmed until his 
death. His wife was a native of West Virginia and died there. They were 
the parents of nine children, one of whom is deceased. J. W. Tolbert, the 
subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Virginia, and 
educated in the public schools. He was the only member of the Tolbert 
family to come to Missouri. In 1873 he came to Vernon County, and the 
following year to Daviess County, where he rented land for a few years, 
later buying a farm of 70 acres south of his present farm. Mr. Tolbert 
purchased his present farm in 1902, where he has made extensive improve- 
ments. 

J. W. Tolbert was married Aug. 5, 1880, to Ada Poage, who was born on 
the farm where she now resides, Sept. 24, 1863, the daughter of Samuel 
D. B. and Sallie (Allen) Poage, natives of Greenbrier County, W. Va. Mr. 
and Mrs. Poage were the parents of nine children, two of whom are 
deceased. They came to Missouri in 1855, locating on the farm now owned 
by J. W. Tolbert. Mr. Pogue was one of the prosperous farmers of the 
county. Both he and his wife are deceased. 

To J. W. and Ada (Poage) Tolbert seven children have been born, as 
follows: Bessie, the wife of Forrest Poage, Grand River Township; Gar- 
nett, Grand River Township; Bert, Union Township; Sidney, Concordia, 
Kans. ; Samuel, Trenton ; Roy, Gallatin ; Winifred, a stenographer, grad- 
uated from Gem City Business College. Quincy, 111., on Dec. 23, 1921. 

Mr. Tolbert is a Democrat. Twenty-five years ago he served as road 
commissioner for a term of two years. He is a member of the Methodist 
church and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Tolbert owns 133 



442 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

acres of well improved land in Union Township, and is a substantial citizen 
of his community. 

E. A. Croy, a substantial farmer and stockman of Union Township, 
Daviess County, and owner of 123 acres of land, was born Dec. 13, 1863, 
in Madison County, Iowa, the son of Sampson and Susan (Railsback) Croy. 

Sampson Croy was born in Montgomery County, and carried on general 
farming during his life. He removed to Iowa and later, in 1865, came to 
Daviess County, locating on a farm in Grand River Township. Two years 
later Mr. Croy moved to the farm now occupied by his son, E. A. Croy. 
Mr. Croy died there in 1898. Mrs. Croy was a native of Kentucky. She 
died in Western Kansas. To Sampson and Susan (Railsback) Croy three 
children were born, as follows: Malen, residing in western Kansas; E. A., 
the subject of this sketch; and Mary, deceased, was the wife of D. H. 
Sherrard. 

E. A. Croy was reared in Union Township, Daviess County, and attend- 
ed the district schools.He began farming on rented land, at the age of 22 
years. In 1888 Mr. Croy purchased a farm in Grand River Township, 
which he improved. He removed to the old farm place in Union Township 
in 1893. He has made extensive improvements and now carries high grade 
stock. Mr. Croy purchased the farm two years after taking possession of 
it. 

On March 11, 1888, Mr. Croy was married to Ida Hays, a native of 
Jamesport, born Dec. 27, 1869, the daughter of John and Caroline (Everly) 
Hays. Mr. and Mrs. Hays were natives of Iowa and Missouri. To E. A. 
and Ida (Hays) Croy eight children were born, as follows: Lillie M., the 
wife of Virgil Jenkins, Grand River Township; Fleet E., Grand River 
Township; Synthia,, the wife of E. D. Brown, Grand River Township; 
Naomi Fay, teacher in the home district ; Mary A., teacher in the district 
schools; Dorothy, deceased; Glenn H., attending high school; Olive, at 
home. 

Mr. Croy is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is 
a stockholder of the Farmers Co-operative Store, at Gallatin. Mr. Croy 
is a reliable citizen, industrious and enterprising. He merits the esteem 
with which he is held in the community. 

James Franklin Johnson, deceased, was a well known farmer and land 
owner of Union Township, Daviess County, was born Dec. 5, 1837, in Rap- 
pahannock County, Va., the son of David and Fannie (Huff) Johnson, 
natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson were natives of Green 
County, Ohio, who came to Daviess County, before the Civil War. 

James Franklin Johnson, enlisted during the Civil War in the 2nd 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 443 

Ohio Artillery, and served the last two years of the war. He then came 
to Daviess County, where his parents had settled in Union Township, and 
there he remained the rest of his life. 

Mr. Johnson was married in 1866 in Ohio, to Mary J. Johnson, a 
native of Rappahannock County, Va., born Aug. 5, 1835. She died on 
Oct. 28, 1915. To this union seven children were born as follows: Turner, 
deceased; Quint, Sioux City, Iowa; Melvin, bachelor, living on the home 
place ; Frances, at home ; Eugene, bachelor, living on the home place . 
The other children died in infancy. 

James Franklin Johnson was one of the organizers of the First Nat- 
ional Bank of Gallatin. At the time of his death, March 31, 1906, he 
owned 500 aa-es of land in Union Township. His hobby was the purchas- 
ing of land. After his death his property was divided among his children. 
In politics he was a Democrat. 

Melvin Johnson was born in Union Township, Daviess County, Oct. 
12, 1871. He was educated a quarter of a mile from the home farm. Mr. 
Johnson now owns 450 acres of land in Union Township. He served on 
the township board for eight years and is well and favorably known in 
Daviess County. 

Eugene Johnson was born in Union Township, Aug. 6, 1876. He was 
educated in ths district schools and has been engaged in farming during 
his entire life. He owns 633 acres of land in Union and Grand River 
Township, being the place where "Adam's Grave" is located. Every year 
the Mormons v.sit this grave. 

Frances Johnson is unmarried and keeps house for her two brothers. 
She was born Nov. 2, 1873, in Union Township. She owns the home place 
and 130 acres ol land. 

James Frani^lin Johnson was a Democrat. He was a man of integrity 
and industry. He was one of the reliable and substantial men of his 
community. 

H. C. McMalan, a successful farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 225 acres of well improved land, was 
born Jan 3, 1867, in Jamesport Township, the son of J. F. and Sarah 
(Mann) MaMahan. 

J. F. McMahaa was born in Union Township, Daviess County, July 1. 
1835. He carried on general fanner during his life and lived on several 
different farms in Daviess County. He lived in Jamesport for 28 years, 
where he was engaj^ed in the grocery business. J. F. McMahan was the 
son of James McMdian an early settler of Missouri. Mrs. J. F. McMahan 
was born in Virginii, March 2, 1835, and she now lives in Jamesport. Mr. 



444 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY v-;OUNTIES 

McMahan died June 17, 1919, and is buried in the Jamesport Cemetery. 
To J. F. and Sarah (Mann) McMahan three children were born, as follows: 
Lydia, deceased, was the wife of J. H. Edwards ; Mollie, the wife of L. R. 
Smith, Jamesport; and H. C, the youngest, subject of this sketch. 

H. C. McMahan was reared on the farm and educated in the district 
schools. At the age of 21 years he rented land, later in 1890 purchasing 
160 acres, upon which he now carries on general framing and stock raising. 
Mr. McMahan is a prominent breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs. 

On April 21, 1891, Mr. McMahan was married to Olivia Wetzel, a 
native of Clinton County, Pa., and a daughter of Reuben and Matilda (Poor- 
man) Wetzel. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel were natives of Pennsylvania who 
came to Daviess County in 1870, locating on a farm in Jackson Township. 
They are both now deceased. 

To H. G. and Olivia (Wetzel) McMahan five children have been born, 
as follows: Fern, farming the home place; Hubert, Colorado; Mildred, a 
teacher; Julian, Nebraska; Gertrude, the wife of E. F. Bedford, Hale, Mo.; 
and Howard, living at home. 

Mr. McMahan is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. 
He is a stockholder of the Peoples Bank of Jamesport, of which he was an 
organizer. Mr. McMahan is an energetic man who stanis well in the 
esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens. 

W. T. Brown, a prominent and successful stock buyer of Jamesport, 
and owner of 240 acres of land in Jamesport Township, was born Aug. 29, 
1853, in Grand River Township, the son of Moses and Elizabeth (Wiles) 
Brown. 

Moses Brown was a native of Indiana, and removed to Daviess County, 
about 1838, where he was engaged in farming during his entire life. He 
served in the office of county judge for two terms. He nade his home in 
Gallatin for a number of years prior to his death, which occurred when he 
was 71 years of age. His wife was born in South Carolira, and died when 
about 72 years old. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are burie4 in Brown Ceme- 
tery, Gallatin. To Moses and Elizabeth (Wiles) Brown 13 children were 
born, of whom four are now living as follows : W. T., tie subject of this 
sketch ; A. C, Cheyenne County, Kans. ; A. T. Altammt ; and Missouri 
the wife of D. D. Dean, Winston. 

W. T. Brown grew up on his father's farm in Daviess County. He was 
engaged in farming after his marriage in Lincoln T)wnship, for about 
20 years, after w-hich, in about 1897, he removed to Jimesport, where he 
purchased 240 acres of land adjoining the city limits m the north. Here 
Mr. Brown has since been engaged in buying and shippug stock to all parts 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 445 

of the country. He has been very successful in his work and is widely 
known. 

On Feb. 22, 1873, Mr. Brown was married to Susan Croy, a native of 
Grand River Township, and a daughter of Alex and Sophia (Railsback) 
Croy. To this union one child was born, Mary, the wife of D. T. Reed, 
Jamesport Township, Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have two child- 
ren, Hugh and Clinton Reed. 

Mr. Brown is a Republican and has served as a justice of the peace in 
Lincoln Township. He is a stockholder of the Commercial Bank of James- 
port. Mr. Brown is a member of the Baptist church of which he is a 
deacon. He is a substantial and reliable citizen who has made a success in 
life by virtue of his energy, his progressive ideals and his enterprising 
methods. 

Daniel Landes, a prominent citizen of Jamesport, who departed this 
life May 10, 1922, was born Feb. 2, 1852, in Grand River Township, the son 
of Levi and Mary (Wiles) Landes. 

Levi Landes was born in Henry County, Ind., and came to Daviess 
County in the early days when it was but a wilderness. He got his land 
in Grand River from the government and carried on general farming until 
his death. Mrs. Landes was also a native of Henry County. They were 
the parents of twelve children, four of whom are now deceased. 

Daniel Landes was reared on a farm and began for himself at the 
age of 22 years, purchasing his land on time payments. He was unable 
to build a house at first, so lived in a small building 16x16 feet which he 
built. Mr. Landis owned 40 acres of land then, and by adding to it from 
time to time he owned 255 acres of well improved land in Grand River 
Township. 1897 he erected a two story house containing eight rooms, 
and also a large barn. Mr. Landes was a well known feeder of cattle for 
20 years, and was very successful in his work. 

Mr. Landes was married three times, the first time being to Martha 
E. Kemp, now deceased. To this union five children were born, two of 
whom are now living; Flora Belle, the wife of Albert Terry, Gault; Neuma, 
the wife of William Courtney, Ewing. 

Mr. Landes was married the second time to Sallie Hyett. No children 
were born to this union. The third marriage of Mr. Landes was to 
Martha E. Beeler, a native of Sullivan County, a daughter of Noah and 
Mary Ann (Jones) Beeler. Mr. and Mrs. Beeler were natives of Virginia 
and Alabama, who came to Sullivan County, in the early days. They re- 
moved to Daviess County in 1857, and located near Pattonsburg, where 
Mrs. Landes lived until about 22 years ago, when she removed to James- 



446 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

port, where she and her father hved. She clerked in J. P. Malon's store 
until her marriage, Oct. 11, 1905. No children have been born to this 
union. 

Mr. Landes was a stockholder in the Bank of Jameson, at Jameson, 
of which he was an organizer. He was a Republican and a member of the 
Baptist church. Mr. Landes' success in life was due to hard work, good 
management, and the ability to overcome the many reverses he encountered 
in his work. He was a highly esteemed citizen of his community. 

John W. McClaskey, a well known retired farmer and merchant of 
Gallatin, was born Oct. 4, 1951, near Aubery Grove, Jamesport Township 
the son of Albert and Martha (Roger) McClaskey. 

Albert McClaskey was born in Indiana, Jan. 11, 1826. He owned a 
grist and saw mill in Gallatin, and later one in Aubery Grove, and one in 
Livingston County. In 1854 Mr. McClaskey went to California, in search 
of gold. He died there a year later. Mrs. McClaskey was born in Ken- 
tucky, March 8, 1828. After the death of Mr. McClaskey she was married 
to Lathan Goben, and to that union one child was born, Elijah Goben, living 
in Oklahoma. To Albert and Martha (Koger) McClaskey three children 
were born, as follows: Eliza, the wife of Joseph Lee, Gallatin; John W., the 
subject of this sketch; James M., Union Township, Daviess County. Mrs 
Goben, the mother of John W. McClaskey, died Nov. 30, 1905. 

John W. McClaskey was reared in Daviess County, on a farm. In 
1886 he moved to Gallatin, where he became engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness. Later he was in the produce business at Tipton, and in 1888 he re- 
turned to Gallatin, where he became engaged in the shipping of live stock 
to the eastern markets. Then in 1893, Mr. McClaskey went into the trans- 
fer business until 1910, when he conducted a grain and seed business for 
four years. He then retired in 1915, after which he did a great deal of 
traveling about the country. In 1916, Mr. McClaskey built an all modern 
bungalow in the eastern section of Gallatin. It is built of native stone 
and is one of the attractive residences of the city. 

On Aug. 22, 1876, Mr. McClaskey was married the first time to Alice 
V. Smith, a native of Spencer, Va. They were married at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, 
and to this union four children were born, of whom two are now living; 
Forrest, the wife of C. E. Harris, Phoenix, Ariz. ; and E. C, Fresno, Calif. 
Mrs. Alice (Smith) McClaskey died Sept. 20, 1888. 

Mr. McClaskey was married the second time to Lucy Fannie (Estes) 
Smith, on Jan. 23, 1909. She was the widow of George Smith. Mrs. 
McClaskey was born in Rappahannock County, Va., and her parents were 
pioneer settlers of Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. McClaskey two 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 447 

children were born, as follows: Martha Yates, at home; and Harry Newton, 
deceased. 

A brother of Mr. McClaskey, James M., narrowly escaped losing his 
life when a baby. While he was playing on the floor of the house, and 
his mother busy with her work, a large hog walked in through the door, 
grabbed the baby and ran off with it. Mrs. McClaskey was able to rescue 
it before any hami was done. 

In politics Mr. McClaskey is a Democrat. In 1914 he was elected 
mayor of Gallatin, which oflSce he held for a term of two years. At that 
time the power house was moved to higher ground. During his adminis- 
tration, Mr. McClaskey had a hard time fighting bootleggers. He was also 
mayor of Spencer, W. Va., from 1877 until 1878, where he was employed 
as a clerk in a dry goods store. 

Mr. McClaskey is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the Baptist 
church. He is well and favorably known in Gallatin, and takes an interest 
in the affairs of his town. 

Novia Doak, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Township, 
was born Nov. 26, 1886, in Union Township, a son of Rev. Peter P. and 
Lucretia (Parker) Doak. 

Peter P. Doak was born in Sullivan County, Feb. 28, 1848. In 1880 
he married Lucretia Parker, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of James 
M. and Eliza (Lewis) Parker. Mr. and Mrs. Doak were the parents of six 
children, as follows: Harry, Union Township; Novia, the subject of this 
sketch ; Edgar, living with his mother, and a daughter who died in infancy. 
Mr. Doak died in 1919. 

Novia Doak was educated in the district schools and attended the 
public schools at Gallatin. He was reared on a farm and remained on the 
home farm until he was 21 years old, when he began farming with his 
brother Olin E. They owned 157 acres of land. In 1912 he sold his share 
to his brother Olin, and purchased his present farm from 0. R. Whitt. It 
had been improved by John New of California. Mr. Doak has made ex- 
tensive improvements on the farm, having erected a cement silo 14x35 
feet. 

April 26. 1908, Mr. Doak was married to Mary E. Bonnett, a daughter 
of P. M. and Jeanette (Fittspatrick) Bonnett, natives of Iowa. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bonnett lived in Daviess County, for about ten years. Mr. Bonnett 
died several years ago and his widow now resides in Washington, D. C. 
Mrs. Doak was born in Carroll County. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Doak three children have been born; Zella Irene, at 
home; Novena Edith, at home; and Edna Christina, deceased. 



448 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Doak owns 95 acres of land and is a well known breeder of Short- 
horn cattle. He is also a feeder of hogs and cattle, and breeder of Rhode 
Island Red chickens. 

Mr. Doak is a Democrat and served on the township board. He was 
justice of the peace for four years, and is now constable and collector of 
Monroe Township. He is a member of the Methodist church, and is also 
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Wood- 
men of America. Mr. Doak has been unusually successful and is consid- 
ered one of Monroe Township's most efficient citizens. 

Sam C. Killam, successful manager of the insurance work for 12 
companies and the president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, was 
born in Morgan County, 111., Nov. 5, 1880, the son of Thomas H. and Lida 
C. (Clark) Killam. 

Thomas H. Killam and Lida C. Clark were married in Illinois and came 
to Harrison County, Mo., in 1882, where they bought a farm in Washington 
Township, and where they continued to live until the fall of 1898, when 
they moved to Grant City. There Mr. Killam went into the grain and 
stock business which he continued to conduct until the spring of 1902, 
when he came to Albany and bought the Graves Hardware store. He re- 
mained the in the hardware business until 1909. He is now located in 
Duluth, Minn. To the union of Thomas H., and Lida C. (Clark) Killam 
the following children were born: Samuel C, the subject of this review; 
Edith L., a teacher in Duluth, Minn.; Lawrence T., a resident of McMinn- 
ville, Ore. ; and John W., now working for the United States Steel Corpor- 
ation in Duluth, Minn. 

Samuel C. Killam graduated from the Grant City High School in 1901, 
and then spent one year as a student in William Jewell College at Liberty. 
He later entered the hardware business with his father and remained in 
this work until 1909. The next three years he was with E. K. Williams. 
In 1914 he engaged in the furniture business at Mt. Ayr, Iowa. In the 
spring of 1916, Mr. Killam went into the insurance business and opened his 
present office, where he handles the work in connection with fire, tornado, 
hail, and automobile insurance. From August, 1918, until July, 1921, Mr. 
Killam clerked in the Gentry County Bank. 

The Chamber of Commerce of Albany was organized on Feb. 8. 1921, 
as an outgrowth of the former Commercial Club. At the first meeting 
of the new organization there were 30 men present, at the second meeting, 
two weeks later, there were 75 men present. The membership of the 
organization is now 267 and the work of the members is already felt as a 
strong integrating force in the town. Mr. Killam was elected president of 




SAM C-. KIl.I.AM 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 449 

the new club and was reelected for 1922. Mr. Killam has proved himself 
admirably fitted to the position. In April, 1922, Mr. Killam was appointed 
acting postmaster of Albany. 

Sam C. Killam was married June 7, 1911, to Linnie N. Lainhart, a 
daughter of Robert P. and Melcenia (Sampson) Lainhart. Mr. Lainhart 
was a grocer in Albany for almost 35 years. He retired from active busi- 
ness life a few years before his death which occurred in February, 1920. 
His remains are buried in Highland Cemetery. His widow now lives at 
Albany. Mr. and Mrs. Killam have one daughter, Merilee. 

Mr. Killam is a member of Athens Lodge No. 127, Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons and the Royal Arch Chapter at Albany, also the Josephus 
Council Albany Commandry, and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is 
a past officer in all of these lodges except the Council. He belongs also to 
the Yoeman Lodge and to the Knights of Constantine at St. Joseph. Mr. 
Killam is the chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Gentry 
County and has held this position for the past four years. He is a pro- 
gressive man, one who manifests foresight in his business affairs and high 
ideals in the community in his political views, and in his direction of the 
work of the Albany Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Chris- 
tian church, being an active worker in that church, and is now a deacon. 

W. R. Handy, who operates a real estate, farm loans and abstract 
office in Gallatin, was born near Horse Cave, Ky., Jan. 18, 1865. His 
parents were David W. and Mary (Cook) Handy to whom eight children 
were born. Six of them are still living: J. B., a merchant and banker at 
Coffey ; A. H., in the mercantile business in Kansas City ; Ida, married A. H. 
Thompson of Sioux City, Iowa ; W. R., the subject of this review ; Ollie, the 
Wife of J. P. Stanley of Topeka, Kans. ; and C. P., a resident of Rocky Ford, 
Colorado. 

David W. Handy was born in Virginia in 1830. He married Mary 
Cook in Kentucky. She was born in Pennsylvania. They came to Daviess 
County in the late spring of 1865, and for 12 years lived on a farm. At 
the end of that time they moved to Coffey, where Mr. Handy engaged in 
the mercantile business. He was a successful man, and at one time owned 
790 acres of land adjoining the site of Coffey. He was one of the well 
known stock feeders of the community, and a man highly esteemed 
throughout the county. His wife died at Coffey in 1910, at the age of 76 
years, and he died at the same town in 1914. The remains of both are 
buried in the Masonic Cemetery there. They were members of the Baptist 
church, and Mr. Handy was a Democrat in his political views. 

W. R. Handy grew up at Coffey and attended the schools there. In 



450 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

1883 he entered Grand River College at Edinburg, and remained for a 
year taking the commercial course. He then became a student in the Gem 
City Business College at Quincy, 111., and then became connected with his 
fathers' business. He conducted a store for his father and G. B. Duke, at 
McFall in 1886. The next year he went back to Coffey, where he again 
entered the mercantile business, and remained in it until Fbruary, 1889, 
when he accepted a position as clerk for Irving Brothers. In 1891, he 
with J. H. Townsend, W. T. Osborn, C. A. Stout, J. H. Gilchrist became the 
organizers of the Gallatin Dry Goods and Grocery Company, and Mr. Handy 
was placed in charge of the dry goods department, and was also the sec- 
retary of the company. In 1892 he was forced to resign from his work 
because of his health, and a year later he became associated with S. D. 
Stephens in the real estate and loan business. In 1896 this enterprise was 
incorporated as the Stephens Farm Loan Company, and in 1914, the firm 
went into the hands of a receiver. Following this Mr. Handy began mak- 
ing loans for himself, and has now established an excellent business. 

Mr. Handy was married on Sept. 5, 1889 to Lillian Dugger, born in 
Madison County, 111., in April, 1869, the daughter of Cornelius Dugger. 
Mr. Dugger spent all of his life in Illinois, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. 
Handy had six children born to their union: Vada I., mamed to Charles 
Blizzard of St. Joseph ; Dean E., Beggs, Okla. ; Glenn D., living at Rocky 
Ford, Colo. ; Giles K., a resident of St. Joseph ; and Dorothy and Mary, 
both at home. 

Mr. Handy was elected mayor of Gallatin in 1902 and held that office 
until 1906. A few years before that time he was appointed a member of 
the advisory committee to put water and lights in the city. He served as 
chairman of the central county committee and was the congressional com- 
mitteeman for the Third District for his political party. During the 
World War, Mr. Handy served on the Council of Defense, the Food Admin- 
istration Board, Agricultural Extension, and was the sale director for the 
Third and Fourth Liberty Loans for Daviess County. He also had charge 
of all overseas Christmas packages for the soldiers. In 1916 he was asked 
by the council to take the city clerkship and was assigned to the work of 
helping plan the rebuilding and extension of the old water plant. He 
also served on the building committee for the Y. M. C. A. building. On 
March 15, 1921, Mr. Handy was presented with a silver medal from the 
Home Insurance Company of New York City, in recognition of 25 years 
of continuous service with that company, dui'ing which time he had been 
their fire adjuster for his district. 

Mr. Handy is a Democrat and is identified with the Baptist church. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 451 

He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Modern 
Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the well known men of the county, a 
reliable and substantial citizen who has always manifested keen discerning 
interest in everything that pertains to the improvement and growth of his 
community. 

W. T. Cooper, deceased, was one of the well known men of Gallatin, 
and of the northwestern part of Missouri. He was born at Gallatin Dec. 
8, 1857, the son of John and Maria (Trotter) Cooper. 

John Cooper and his wife were early settlers of Daviess County. He 
was born on April 8, 1825. He was a well known farmer and stockman. 
During the Civil War he enlisted for service and was assigned to Company 
M. 4th Regiment, Missouri Militia. When the rush to Oklahoma began, 
Mr. Cooper went west, and staked a claim on the present site of the town 
of Enid. He improved this land, and later moved to Hennesy, Okla., 
where he engaged in the grocery business. He died at Hennesy, April 8, 
1889. His wife, Marie (Trotter) Cooper, was born, May 12, 1834, and died 
in August, 1908. Two of the children born to John Cooper and his wife 
grew to maturity: W. T., the subject of this review; and Nannie, married 
G. P. Rush, and is now dead. 

W. T. Cooper was reared at Gallatin, and attended the Gallatin school. 
Early in his life he became interested in mercantile pursuits. He clerked 
in Etter's store, and later became interested in the jewelry business. He 
disposed of his interest in the jewelry store and became a traveling sales- 
man for the Tom Ray Cutlery Company of Kansas City. He continued in 
that work for 15 years, and then accepted a similar position with the 
Quincy Stove Company of Quincy, 111. He remained in that work until his 
death, June 18, 1921. 

W. T. Cooper was married. May 28, 1885, to Leona Casey at Gallatin. 
Mrs. Cooper was born at Richmond, Feb. 18, 1865, the daughter of Thomas 
and Martha (Mann) Casey. Both Mr. and Mrs. Casey died when their 
dughter was 13 years old, and the little girl was taken to Gallatin, where 
she grew up in the homes of her uncle, E. M. Mann, and her aunt, Mrs. 
Belle Sheets. Mrs. Cooper attended the school at Gallatin, and later was 
a student in Christian College at Columbia. To the union of W. T. and 
Leona (Casey) Cooper the following children were born: Maybelle, married 
Dr. W. L. Howard, a member of the faculty of the Horticulture department 
of Berkeley College, and spent the summer of 1921 in Europe ; Mattie, the 
wife of J. M. Evvard, an instructor in the Animal Husbandry Department 
of the Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa; T. E., a physician, a sketch of 



452 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

whose life appears in a later paragraph ; and Nannie Rush, a successful 
teacher at Pattonsburg. Mrs. Cooper has the following grandchildren: 
Thomas, Robert, Edwin and Walter, Jr., Howard ; Margaret, John C, and 
Martha J. Evvard; and Clarence Casey Cooper. 

W. T. Cooper was a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist church 
to the support of which he always contributed most liberally. He belonged 
to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows lodges. At the time of his death, he was the oldest member 
of the latter lodge in Gallatin. He was a firm believer in good educational 
advantages, and it was his plan for all his children to receive college 
degrees. For 13 consecutive terms, one of his children, and part of the 
time two of them, were students in the Missouri state university. Mr. 
Cooper always felt, however, that an investment in an education meant 
more for his children, than any accumulation of property could ever mean 
later on. He was a man whose friends were numbered by the scores. His 
business called him into many towns, and various parts of the state. 
Wherever he went he made staunch friends. As a business man, he was 
alert and energetic, and his customers always had the greatest respect for 
his judgment. As a citizen, he held ideals of civic progress and beheved 
most thoroughly in city government. He was the kind of man whose 
presence in the community is an asset, and whose death is a real loss. 

Thomas E. Cooper, a progressive physician and sui'geon of Gallatin, 
was born Nov. 6, 1890, the son of W. T. Cooper, the subject of this sketch. 
Dr. Cooper grew up in Gallatin and in 1908, he entered the Missouri State 
University. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor or Arts in 1912 ; 
entered the Medical College of St. Louis University at St. Louis, and in 
1914 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine there. For the next three 
and one-half years he was an intern in the St. Louis City Hospital, where 
he received training that was both practical and scientific. 

In January, 1918, Dr. Cooper received a commission as a medical 
oflflcer for service in the World War. He served in several camps, and was 
then sent overseas with No. 227 Aero Squadron. In July, 1919, he was 
discharged from service, and returned to Gallatin, where he began the 
practice of his profession. He attained the rank of captain before receiv- 
ing his discharge. 

Dr. Cooper was married in August, 1916, to Flora Kreis, and to this 
union one child, Clarence Casey, was born. Mrs. Cooper died in October, 
1917, at the age of 22 years. On March 20, 1921, Dr. Cooper was married 
to Alleyne Yates, a daughter of Howard and Lulu Yates of Gallatin. 

Dr. Cooper is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist church and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 453 

belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a young man of 
keen intellectual and professional ability, and has established an excellent 
practice in Gallatin. 

The Cooper family is one of the well and favorably known families of 
Daviess County. 

Shannon Adkison, a prominent farmer and stockman of Monroe 
Township, was born June 6, 1868, in Madison County, Ky., a son of Thomas 
and Nancy Belle (Broaddus) Adkison. 

Thomas Adkison was born Dec. 24, 1832, in Kentucky. He was a 
fanner during his entire life. In 1879 he came to Missouri from Moultrie 
County, 111., and settled on a farm in Clinton County. In 1884 he moved 
to Daviess County. During the Civil War, he enlisted in Company G, 
United States First Kentucky, Volunteer Cavalry. He enlisted Aug. 20, 
1861, and was discharged Dec. 31, 1864. Mr. Adkison was a Republican 
and a member of the Baptist church at Gallatin. His wife, Nancy Belle 
Broaddus was born in Madison County, Ky., Oct. 10, 1846, and died July 
2, 1920. Mr. Adkison died Dec. 19, 1921, at the home of his son in Monroe 
Township. 

Thomas Adkison and wife were the parents of six children: Cora, the 
wife of George Rea, Clinton County; Shannon, the subject of this sketch; 
Mary, the wife of W. P. Stone, Drumright, Okla. ; Lukette, Lathrop ; Anna, 
decea.sed ; Bertha, deceased, was the wife of J. W. Allsup. 

Shannon Adkison was reared on a farm in Daviess County, and was 
educated in the district schools of Monroe Township. When he became of 
age he rented a farm from his father. In 1892 Mr. Adkison was married 
to Emma Lynch, a native of Monroe Township, and a daughter of Thomas 
and Mary A. (Moore) Lynch, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Adkison taught 
school several years before her marriage. 

In 1902 Mr. Adkison purchased the Taylor farm in Section 8, Monroe 
Township. He improved it and sold it in 1910. He then purchased a 
farm in Sheridan Township, after which he again moved to Union Town- 
ship. After owning several farms, Mr. Adkison bought the farm which 
he now occupies in Monroe Township. In 1913 he built a modern residence. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Adkison ten children have been born, two of whom 
died in infancy. The others are as follows: Thomas R., Monroe Town- 
ship; Robert, deceased, was inducted into service during the World War, 
and assigned to Company D, 138th Infantry, 35th Division, sailed for 
overseas May 3, 1918, and was killed in the Battle of the Argonne Forest, 
Sept. 27, 1918, and his body was buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin, 
Aug. 14, 1921; Rosa, the wife of Samuel D. Halcomb, Union Township; 



454 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Ross, Monroe Township ; Mary, teacher in Union Township ; Reva, at home ; 
Frances, at home ; Rayburn, at home. 

Mr. Adkison is a Republican. He owns 150 acres of land in Monroe 
Township, which is well improved. Mr. Adkison has put much energy, 
thought and time into his business of farming and stockraising, and merits 
the marked success which he has made. 

Levi P. Cox, one of Caldwell County's efficient farmers, and owner of 
930 acres of land in Harrison and Jacksan Townships, was born Dec. 23, 
1857, a son of Levi P. Cox, Sr.. and Elizabeth (Stamper) Cox. 

Levi P. Cox, Sr., was born Jan. 20, 1817, in Williamsburg, Ky., and 
came to Missouri the summer of 1840, settling on what is known as part of 
the old L. P. Cox farm in Jackson Township. Mr. Cox was married Sept. 
30, 1841, to Elizabeth Stamper. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox eight children were 
born, as follows : Larkin J., Born Aug. 12, 1843, was shot during the battle 
of Corinth, Miss., which caused his death Nov. 1, 1862, aged 19 years; 
Lucy M., was born Sept. 26, 1844, married Reuben Ketron, Edinburg, and 
she died at the age of 26 years; Emily Cox, born Nov. 22, 1845, was the 
wife of L T. Minnick, now deceased, and she is now living in St. Joseph, 
Mo. ; Nathan T. Cox, born Nov. 12, 1847, now living in Gainesville, Texas, 
and the owner of 500 acres of land there on which he raises wheat, oats, 
etc.; Maria A. Cox, born April 11, 1851, died Sept. 24, 1864, at the age of 
13 years ; Joseph M. Cox, born Feb. 25, 1853, living on his farm in Jackson 
Township ; Jess Cox, born April 6, 1860, died in infancy ; Levi P., the sub- 
ject of this sketch; John S. Cox, born May 13, 1861, died March 22, 1905, 
aged 43 years, at his home in Breckenridge, Mo. 

Levi P. Cox, Sr., died Jan. 20, 1886, at the age of 69 years, and his 
wife died May 18, 1864, at the age of 38 years. Mr. Cox died at Brecken- 
ridge, and his wife in Jackson Township, Daviess County. 

Levi P. Cox, Jr., was six years old at the time of his mother's death. 
He was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the dis- 
trict schools and the high school of Breckenridge. After completing his 
education, Mr. Cox began farming in Jackson Township. In 1896 he 
moved to Breckenridge, where he has since resided. 

Mr. Cox was married for the first time Sept. 10, 1879, to Sarah F. 
Mauzey, of Piatt County. To this union five daughters were born, as fol- 
lows: Mollie E., the wife of G. B. Grumbine of Oklahoma City, Okla., was 
born Sept. 27, 1880, and has four children: Lucy J., Born Sept. 3, 1882, is 
the wife of F. N. Campbell of Cameron, and they have two children ; Minnie 
May, born Nov. 15, 1884, married F. L. Runkle, of Denver, Colo., and died 
Dec. 11, 1918, at the age of 34 years, leaving three small children; Clarrisa 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 455 

D., was born Aug. 27, 1888, and was the wife of John H. Benney, of Breck- 
enridge, and died June 21, 1915, at the age of 26 years, leaving a small 
daughter; Mattie Lee, a twin sister of Clarissa, now the wife of Richard 
M. Hicks, living on the old homestead, Daviess County, and they have three 
children. Mrs. Cox died June 22, 1894, at the age of 34 years. 

Mr. Cox was married the second time to Mary Bell Wood, of Macon, 
July 1, 1896. To this union one son was born who died in infancy, and a 
daughter, Vivian I. Cox, now the wife of Jess B. McClure of Kansas 
City. Mrs. McClure was born Aug. 5, 1899. They have one daughter. 
Mrs. Cox died March 15, 1911, at the age of 53 years. 

Mr. Cox was married Nov. 26, 1914 to Mrs. Laura A. Brogan, of Macon, 
and they now reside in Breckenridge, where he erected a modern residence. 

Mr. Cox is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is 
also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, 
Eastern Star, Yoeman lodge, and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He 
has served on the Bi-eckenridge School Board and also on the council. Mr. 
Cox has been successful because of his energy and perserverance. He is 
one of the dependable citizens of Caldwell County and is widely and favor- 
ably known. 

Dr. J. T. Nugent, a successful physician and surgeon of Winston, Mo., 
was born May 31, 1884, on a farm in Audrian County, the son of George and 
Melissa (McGee) Nugent. 

George Nugent was born near Frankfort, Ky., and his wife was born 
near Greencastle, Va. They were the parents of four children, of whom 
two are now living: William, hardware merchant of St. Joseph; and Dr. 
J. T., the subject of this sketch. 

Dr. J. T. Nugent was reared in Monroe County, and lived with an aunt 
Mrs. Tom Adams, his mother having died when he was three months old. 
He was graduated from the Paris, Mo., high school and spent two years at 
the state university in the medical department. He then attended the 
Washington University of St. Louis, from which he was graduated in June 
1919, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Nugent was then 
appointed house physician of the Martha Parsons Hospital, where he re- 
mained for one year. He then practiced at Centralia, where he remained 
until May, 1921. At that time Dr. Nugent began practicing medicine and 
surgery in Jamesport, where he established a good practice, and remained 
there until June, 1922, when he began practice at Winston. 

On June 24, 1913. Dr. Nugent was married to Anna Harris, a native 
of Audrian County. While growing up in practically the same neighbor- 
hood with Dr. Nugent, they did not become acquainted with each other 



456 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

until a year before their marriage. Mrs. Nugent is a graduate of Columbia 
College and taught school for two years. She is the daughter of Robert 
G. and Mary E. (Proctor) Harris, natives of Boone County. Mr. Harris 
is now deceased and his widow resides in Centralia. 

To Dr. J. T. and Anna (Harris) Nugent one child has been born 
Thomas Harris Nugent, born June 17, 1914. 

Dr. Nugent is a Democrat in politics. He belongs to the Masonic lodge 
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Chris- 
tian church, and of the Knights of Phythias. Dr. Nugent is a substantial 
citizen of Daviess County and a progressive man in his profession. 

John Francis Green, deceased, was born in Gentiy County in the house 
where his widow now lives, July 20, 1868. His parents were John and 
Sarah J. Green, the latter now living at Albany at the age of 79 years. 

John Green, the father of John Francis Green, was born in Richland 
County, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1822, the son of William Green, native of Massa- 
chusetts, and Martha (Stanton) Green, born in Connecticut. John Green 
came to Gentry County in 1849, and that same year was employed by the 
government to work on the western plains. In the spring of 1850 he went 
to California where he remained for three years engaged in mining. At. 
the end of that time he returned to Gentry County, where he lived until 
his death, Jan. 2, 1882. His remains are buried in the Carter Cemetery. 
He was a large land holder, owning at the time of his death, 705 acres. On 
Dec. 8, 1864, John Green married Sarah J. Glendenning, and to this union 
the following children were born: William H., a farmer in Bogle Township; 
John Francis, the subject of this sketch; Edwin P., of Athens Township; 
Clara A., deceased; and Effie, now Mrs. Abarr of Bogle Township. 

John Francis Green attended the rural schools of Gentry County, 
and followed fanning all of his life. At the time of his death, he owned 
264 acres of land, and was a man of prominence in his lines of work. He 
died, Sept. 7, 1915, and his remains are buried in the Highland Cemetery. 
His son, John Ervin, now runs the home farm. 

John Francis Green was married Jan. 10, 1892 to Phoebe E. Burgess, 
a daughter of Thomas E. and Nancy J. (Mahoney) Burgess. Thomas E. 
Burgess was born in Gascanade County, Jan 23, 1838. and died in Gentry 
County, June 9, 1915. His remains are buried in Grand View Cemetery. 
He served in the Union Army for three years and nine nwnths during the 
Civil War. His wife was born in Ripley County, Ind., March 28, 1844, was 
married in Bogle Township in 1866, and lived in Gentry County ever since. 
Her children were: Orlando Ransom, deceased; Phoebe, now Mrs. Green; 
Emma, the wife of J. W. Siddens; Cora, the wife of George Goode, of 
Merino, Col.; G. E., a resident of Albany; Flora, married to Charles Redd, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 457 

and living on the Burgess farm in Bogle Township ; Perry, living in Boone, 
Col. ; and Almina, the wife of W. DeWitt of California. 

To the union of John Francis and Phoebe E. (Burgess) Green the fol- 
lowing children were born: John Erwin, born Nov. 17, 1892; Vesta, living 
at home ; and Verna J., died at the age of three years. 

In 1912 the members of the Green family held a family reunion at the 
home of John Francis Green, and more than 100 were present. Among the 
cherished possessions of Mrs. Green is the collection of photographs made 
on the day of the Green reunion. The guests were all descendents of 
either William, Daniel, John, Julia or Caroline Green. 

John Francis Green was a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows at Albany. He was a man esteemed in his community for his 
integrity, and spirit of cooperation in all civic affairs. 

George B. Koch, a prominent business man and president of the 
Peoples Exchange Bank of Jamesport, was born in Clinton County, Mo., 
Oct. 22, 1885, a son of J. A. and Mary (Ward) Koch. 

J. A. Koch was a native of Pennsylvania and mary Ward Koch a native 
of Illinois. To this union was born three children, the eldest of whom died 
in infancy, Geo. B., being the second child. 

George B. Koch was reared on the farm and attending the country 
schools, and in 1901 entered William Jewell College at Liberty, where he 
was graduated in 1906, the youngest member of his class with the degree 
A. B. After graduation he prepared for business life in the Gem City 
Business College at Quincy, 111., and entered the First National Bank and 
Trust Company, King City, Mo., in 1908 as junior clerk. He left that in- 
stitution in 1911 to organize the Peoples Exchange Bank of Jamesport, of 
which he is now president, and actively engaged in its management. In 
1920 he again became interested in the First National Bank and Trust 
Company of King City, as one of the largest stockholders in that pioneer 
financial institution of Gentry County, and was elected vice-president, 
which position he now holds. 

On July 27, 1910, Mr. Koch was married to Anna Claxton, a native of 
Andrew County, and to this union have been born two children, twins, 
Geo. B. Jr., and Mary Ann, on Oct. 23, 1914. 

Mr. Koch is president of the Board of Trustees of the M. E. church at 
Jamesport, and in 1922 was Worshipful Master of Jamesport Lodge No. 
564, A. F. & A. M., and Chancellor Commander of Banner Lodge No. 88, 
Knights of Phythias. at Jamesport. He is also a 32nd Degree Mason and 
Knight Templar and a Shriner, as well as a member of the Odd Fellows, 
Easter Star, Phythian Sisters, Modern Woodmen and Yoemen fraternities, 



458 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and of the last he has served as state treasurer. Politically he is a 
Democrat. 

Mr. Koch is well known throughout his section as a good banker and 
a live wire in anything that tends to the welfare and upbuilding of the 
community in which he lives. 

The Peoples Exchange Bank of Jamesport, Mo., was organized by 
Geoi'ge B. Koch, on Dec. 15, 1911. The first officers were Judge John W. 
Thompson, president, H. L. Faulkner, vice-president; Geo. B. Koch, cashier; 
and Myrtle C. Davis, assistant cashier. In 1917 Geo. B. Koch was elected 
president and J. Ed Tye, cashier, and continue to the present time. 

The stockholders are among the most substantial citizens of James- 
port and vicinity. The bank occupies one of the handsomest banking 
houses in northwest Missouri, being erected in 1914, at a cost of $15,000. 
It is strictly modern throughout and is built of brick and concrete with 
terra cotta columns and trim on the exterior and the interior is finished in 
Circasian Walnut. 

The bank has made a steady continuous growth from the date of its 
organization. Its resources now exceed $200,000 and has a surjlus and 
undivided profit account of $12,500. 

Geo. B. Koch, as president and J. Ed Tye as cashier are the active 
managers of the bank and under the guidance the bank has established an 
enviable reputation as a sound, conservative financial institution, and as 
such it has upon its books the names of the most substantial, influential 
and progressive citizens of the community. 

The bank is a member of the American Bankers' Association, and 
the Missouri Bankers' Association and President Koch has served the Mis- 
souri Association on several committees. During the World War the bank 
was most liberal in supporting the Liberty Bond and Red Cross work and 
owned more U. S. Bonds than any other in the county. The U. S. Treasury 
Department presented them with a special certificate expressing apprecia- 
tion for the loyal support accorded the government in the Liberty Loan 
drives, by the bank. 

P. S. McCue, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Jackson Township, 
Daviess County, better known to his many friends as "Jeff," was born July 
24, 1861, in Jackson Township, the son of Isaac M. and Martha J. (Living- 
ston) McCue. 

Isaac M. McCue was born in Greenbrier County, Va., April 6, 1830, 
and came to Daviess County in 1844. He was a farmer during his entire 
life. He died July 1, 1904, in Jamesport. Mr. McCue was a staunch Dem- 
ocrat and a member of the Methodist church. His wife was a daughter of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 459 

Dr. James and Eliza R. (Tootle) Livingston, natives of Ohio. After re- 
moving to Grundy County, in 1838, Dr. Livingston practiced medicine from 
his farm which was located on the Daviess, Grundy and Livingston County 
lines. To Isaac M. and Martha J. (Livingston) McCue three children were 
born, as follows : J. L., Jamesport ; Milton J., deceased ; and P. S., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

P. S. McCue was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the 
schools of Jamesport. He engaged in farming at the age of 28 years, pur- 
chasing a farm in Grundy County. In 1891 he bought 80 acres of land 
in Jackson Township, Daviess County, improved it, and his son Paul, is 
now farming it. Mr. McCue now owns 440 acres in Daviess County, and is 
a well known breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs. 

On Dec. 19, 1889, Mr. McCue was married to Fannie Peery, a native 
of Livingston County, born July 30, 1873. She was the daughter of John 
H. and Elizabeth (Crews) Perry, also natives of Livingston County. To 
P. S. and Fannie (Peery) McCue one child was born, Paul, the husband of 
Manta Davis, a native of Gallatin. They have two children, Mary Jane 
and Martha McCue. 

Mr. McCue is a Democrat. He is a progressive citizen, as well as an 
energetic farmer and stockman, and an asset to the citizenship of Daviess 
County. 

Charles E. Hays, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jamesport 
Township, Daviess County, was born Dec. 23, 1877, in Jamesport Town- 
ship, the son of John B., and Carrie (Everly) Hays. 

John B. Hays was born in Iowa, June 25, 1845. He was a well known 
farmer of Daviess County. He enlisted during the Civil War and served in 
the Militia and later in the Missouri State Cavalry. He was discharged 
July 7, 1865, at Benton Barracks. He then engaged in farming in James- 
port Township, where he owned 80 acres of land. To John B., and Carrie 
(Everly) Hays six children were born, as follows: Ida, the wife of E. A. 
Croy, Union Township; EfRe, the widow of George Harding, Des Moines, 
Iowa; Charles E., the subject of this sketch; Virgil, living with his mother 
in Jamesport Township; Dora, also living with her mother; and Walter, 
deceased. Mr. Hays died Sept. 1, 1883. His wife is now living on her 
farm of 120 acres in Jamesport Township. 

Charles E. Hays was reared on the larm and received his education in 
the district schools. When a young man he and his brother Virgil farmed 
their mother's land. Charles E. Hays now resides on his wife's farm of 
185 acres in Jamesport Township, and is widely known as a successful 
breeder of Percheron horses and jacks for the past nine years. 



460 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

On Jan. 31, 1897, Mr. Hays was married to Mary Lee Gillilan, a native 
of Jamesport Township, and a daughter of John D. and Angeline (Thomp- 
son) GilHlan, natives of Nicholas County, Va., and Grundy County. John 
D. Gillilan came to Daviess County in 1837 with his parents from Ross 
County, Ohio. His parents were Nathan and Ann (Dunlap) Gillilan, who 
lived and died in Jamesport Township. John D. Gillilan was nine years 
old when he came to Missouri. He grew up on the farm and attended 
school in a log cabin and attended school three months out of each year. 
An uncle, Robert Williams, taught school and later became a judge. Mr. 
Gillilan became very prosperous and at the time of his death, in 1895, was 
the owner of 940 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Gillilan were the parents of 
three children, as follows: Nathan, St. Joseph; James, living with C. E. 
Hays ; and Mrs. Hays. Mrs. Gillilan was born in Grundy County, the 
daughter of Dow and Nancy (Oats) Thompson, natives of Kentucky and 
early settlers of Missouri. Mrs. Gillilan died in 1904, at the age of 63 
years. 

To Charles E., and Mary Lee (Gillilan) Hays two children were born, 
one of whom died in infancy .The oldest child. Pearl, is a graduate of James- 
port high school and living at home. 

Mr. Hays is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist church and 
of the Masonic lodge and the Eastern Star. Mr. Hays has been successful 
because of his thorough understanding of farm problems and of the energy 
and determination he has brought to the handling of the situations he has 
met. 

John B. Hays, deceased was a prominent farmer in Daviess County for 
many years. He was a native of Worth County, Mo., born June 25, 1845. 

Mr. Hays carried on farming during his entire life, and came to Daviess 
County when a very young man. During the Civil War he enlisted at Gall- 
atin, serving in the Militia for three months, and furnished his own horse. 
On Feb. 6, 1864, Mr. Hays reenlisted in the Missouri State Cavalry, Com- 
pany B. He was discharged July 7, 1865, at Benton Barracks. He then 
engaged in farming in Jamesport Township, where he owned 80 acres of 
land. 

On March 25, 1869, Mr." Hays was married to Carrie Everly, the 
daughter of William and Hanna (Whitt) Everly. Mrs. Hays was born 
Dec. 27, 1849, in the section now known as Lincoln Township. To John B. 
and Carrie (Everly) Hays six children were born, as follows: Ida, the 
wife of E. A. Croy, Union Township ; EfRe, the widow of George Harding, 
Des Moines, Iowa ; Charles E.. Jamesport ; Virgil, living with his mother in 
Jamesport Township; Dora, living with her mother; Walter, deceased. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 461 

Mr. Hays died on Sept. 1, 1883. His wife is now living on her farm of 
120 acres in Jamesport Township. In politics Mr. Hays was a Republican 
and he was a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Hays merited the high 
regard in which he was held by the community. He was industrious, 
earnest and sincere in all phases of his life. 

John R. McCoy, a substantial farmer and stockman of Jamesport 
Township, Daviess County, was born in Washington Township, on Dec. 30, 
1860, the son of Jesse and Lodema (Goodvin) McCoy. 

Jesse McCoy was a native of Pike County, 111., and came to Daviess 
County, in about 1858. He died when John R., the subject of this sketch 
was about 15 months old. During his life he was a farmer, and was but 
36 years old at the time of his death. To Jesse and Lodema (Goodvin) 
McCoy six children were born, of whom two are now living: John R., and 
Sarah Sprague, the latter now living in Kansas. Mrs. McCoy was a native 
of Pike County, 111., and some time after her husband's death she married 
Daniel Miller. To this union three children were born, one of whom is now 
living, Mattie, the widow of W. T. Day, Whitehall, 111. Mrs. Miller died in 
August, 1920, at the age of 89 years. 

When Jesse McCoy started west from Illinois he settled in Kansas. In 
making the trip he drove a team of oxen. He lived in Kansas a short time, 
then coming to Bates County, Mo., and later to Washington Township, 
Daviess County, where he had several friends, whom he had known in 
Illinois. During the Civil War he enlisted as a cook in the Missouri State 
Militia. Shortly after his enlistment he became ill and was sent home, 
where he died soon after from pneumonia and fever. 

John R. McCoy has always been a farmer. He became heir to 40 
acres of land in Washington Township, which he later sold. He has car- 
ried on farming and stock raising in Jamesport Township since 1883. At 
one time he worked as a farm hand, earning $10 to $15 a month. In 1907 
Mr. McCoy removed to his present farm, which was settled by William 
Ashbrook, an uncle of Mr. McCoy's wife. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy now own 
240 acres of well improved land, and Mr. McCoy is one of the well known 
and successful stockmen of his community. 

On Jan. 16, 1883, Mr. McCoy was married to Hulda DeVorss, a daugh- 
ter of John and Martha (Ashbrook) DeVorss, natives of Pickaway and 
Logan Counties, Ohio, and pioneer settlers of Daviess County. Mrs. 
McCoy was born in Daviess County. Mr. DeVorss at one time owned land 
in the heart of St. Joseph. 

To John R. and Hulda (DeVorss) McCoy two children have been born, 
as follows : Lois, the wife of C. E. Cook, Jamesport ; and Mattie, the wife 



462 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of Ray Hayes, Jamesport. Mr. McCoy has three grandchildren; Carol 
and Marvin Hays and Martha Cook. 

In politics Mr. McCoy is a Republican and is a member of the Masonic 
lodge of Jamesport. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen and is 
widely and favorably know in Daviess County. 

M. P. Whaley, the cashier of the First National Bank of Albany, is 
a member of a family that has been prominent in Gentry County for many 
years an that has been a strong factor in the rapid development of the 
community. M. P. Whaley was born in Albany, the son of R. L. and Mar- 
garet (Clelland) Whaley. 

R. L. Whaley was born in Georgia, May 30, 1846 and came to Albany in 
1874 where he practiced law until 1904 when he became the president of the 
newly organized First National Bank. He operated a lumber business in 
connection with this law practice and was successful in both enterprises. 
Although seventy-five years of age, Mr. Whaley is still an active man of 
business. Mr. Whaley was married at Albany in 1880 to Margaret Clelland, 
a daughter of Peter Clelland of Scotland where both he and his wife died. 
His daughter came to the United States with her brothers and sisters who 
settled northwest of New Hampton in Harrison County, Mo. To the union 
of R. L. and Margaret (Clelland) Whaley the following children were born: 
M. P., the subject of this sketch ; 0. T., operating the Whaley Milling Com- 
pany of Albany ; and L. J., the able assistant cashier of the First National 
Bank, married Ollie Ross of Albany; Margaret (Clelland) Whaley died in 
August, 1900, and her remains are buried in Highland Cemetery. 

In 1901, Mr. Whaley was married the second time to Marguerite Gib- 
son and to this union one child, Martha, was born, now a student in Palmer 
College. Mrs. Whaley's father, John Gibson, was born in Ayrshire, Scot- 
land, Sept. 7, 1831 and came to the United State in 1860 where he started 
farming and stock raising near Portage, Wis. He came to Missouri in 
1868 and settled on a farm of 1100 acres, six miles east of Albany. He 
married Agnes Clelland in Wisconsin in 1862. To this union five children 
were born ; Agnes, married to James Gibson and lives six miles northeast 
of Albany; Mary, married William Main, now deceased; Marguerite, a 
graduate of Edinburg College, and later a student at Glasgow College; 
Daniel, born in Wisconsin in 1867, a farmer and stockraiser of Gentry 
County, married Beatrice Carson in 1895 to which union three children 
were born, Grace, John G., of Hutchinson, Kan., and Doris, married to 
Thomas C. Holden of Albany, a sketch of whose life appears in this volume. 

M. P. Whaley was educated in the schools of Albany and holds a 
diploma from the Northwest Missouri College at Albany. He also has 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 463 

a diploma admitting him to the practice of law fi'om Cumberland Univer- 
sity. Mr. Whaley has been connected with banking ever since he left 
school. He started as the assistant cashier in 1909. This position he has 
filled in a highly efficient manner ever since. Members of his family have 
been active in the management of the First National Bank since its organ- 
ization and an interest in business, as well as a strong commercial ability 
are family characteristics. 

The First National Bank of Albany was organized, April 7, 1904 with 
a capital stock of $30,000 and with the following officers: R. L. Whaley, 
President; V. R. Twist, Vice-President; B. F. Hardin, Cashier; and John 
W. Pierce, Roy F. Forbis, Levi Todd and W. Woodward, Directors in ad- 
dition to the regular officers. The present home of the institution, a one 
story brick building on the southwest corner of the Square, is owned by 
the bank. The present capital stock in $30,000 ; the surplus, $10,000 ; un- 
divided profits, $15,000; and deposits, $193,000. The present group of 
officers are: R. L. Whaley, President; H. W. Bare, Vice President, M. P. 
Whaley, Cashier; L. J. Whaley, Assistant Cashier; and Miss Fern Craven, 
Bookkeeper. The first three officers named above are directors as are also: 
W. H. Green, A. C. Sampson, John Spessard, and V. R. Twist. The bank 
is one of the stable and well known in.stitutions of the county and has been 
a strong factor in the financial development of the county. 

M. P. Whaley is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
a Noble of the Shrine, a Knight Templar, and a Thirty-second Degree 
Mason. He has served as the mayor of Albany for two years, 1910 and 1911. 
Mr. Whaley is a worthy member of his community. 

Orville S. Parman. veteran of the World War and the treasurer of 
Gentry County, is a native of this county where his father and grandfather 
both lived. He was born in Athens Township, Nov. 15, 1892, the son of 
John M. and Linnie B. (Thompson) Parman. 

John M. Parman was born in Gentry County in 1860, the son of Joseph 
Parman, an early settler of the county who died while in the service of the 
Confederate Arm during the Civil War. John M. Parman is a farmer and 
stockman of the county. He resides in Athens Township. To his union 
with Linnie B. (Thompson) Parman six children were born: Myrtle, died 
at the age of three years ; Orville S., the subject of this review ; Irwin, died 
in infancy ; Opal, died at the age of 20 years ; Garnett, living at home ; and 
Ruby, also living at home. 

Orville S. Parman was educated in the public schools. He graduated 
from the Albany High School in the class of 1914. He served as deputy 



464 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

county clerk under Mr. Mothersead until February, 1918, when he enlisted 
for service in the World War. He enlisted at Albany and was at Head- 
quarters Company, 354th Infantry. He went overseas on June 4, 1918 
and participated in the battles of St. Mihiel and the Meuse Argonne. He 
was at the front for more than two and one half months and returned to 
the United States on Jan. 4, 1919. He was mustered out of service at 
Camp Funston on March 1, 1919. 

On March 18, 1919, Mr. Parman was married to Bessie Abington of 
Albany, the daughter of E. P. Abington. Her mother is dead. To the 
union of Orville S. and Bessie (Abington) Parman one child, Anna Lee, 
has been born. 

In November, 1920, Mr. Parman made the race for the office of county 
treasurer and was elected by a plurality of 400 votes. He is an efficient 
officer, capable and just in his dealings. The county is proud of such young 
men who with honorable war records in their past, are ready to take up 
civic duties and serve the community with the same energy with which 
they served the country during the world strife. Mr. Parman is a member 
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge at Albany. 

Jesse T. Hunter, who for the past 33 years has lived on his present 
farm located in Howard Township near Denver, Gentry County, was born 
one mile east of Lone Star, Oct. 6, 1856. 

Mr. Hunter's father, James Hunter, was born in Tennessee, Nov. 2, 
1820. He settled in Harrison County, Mo., before the Civil War, and 
bought 240 acres of land three miles northwest of Martinsville. He was 
a member of the Christian church, and filled the office of trustee in Dallas 
Township for some time. He married Elizabeth Grace, born in Ray County 
in 1832, and to this union the following children were born: John, now 
living on the home place; W. A., living in Dallas Township, Harrison 
County; Marion Y., deceased; Jesse T., the subject of this review; Dorinda, 
now Mrs. VanHoozer of New Hampton ; A. N., a resident of Albany ; S. P., 
of Lebanon, Mo. ; and A. J., living in Cahfornia. James Hunter died in 
1907 at the age of 87 years, and Elizabeth (Grace) Hunter died in 1894, 
at the age of 62 years. The remains of both are buried in the Lone Star 
Cemetery. 

J. T. Hunter attended the rural schools of the county, and has been a 
farmer and stock raiser all of his life. He owns 111 acres in his home 
farm, and 40 acres of the Hunter home place in Harrison County. He does 
general farming, but recently has been renting out part of his land. For 
25 years, Mr. Hunter has been interested in poultry raising. He keeps 
pure bred Light Brown Leghorn Single Comb fowls, usually having between 
300 and 400. He ships eggs for setting, and sells cockerels. Mr. Hunter 



i. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 465 

has exhibited some of his pens at various fairs. In 1920 he exhibited at 
Bethany, and took three first premiums, two seconds and one third. 

J. T. Hunter was married in 1878, to Rachel F. Stephenson, born in 
Gentry County, the daughter of William and Lucinda (Smith) Stephen- 
son, the former born in Kentucky, April 13, 1813, and the latter born in 
Alabama, April 13, 1834. They are both now dead; Mr. Stephenson died 
March 10, 1882, and his widow died Feb. 22, 1907. The remains of both 
are buried in Groom Cemetery. Their children were: Almira, later Mrs. 
Wilson, now dead ; John deceased ; Sina E., now Mrs. Grable of Fort Worth, 
Tex., Terry, James H., and Albay, all deceased ; George on the home place ; 
Rachel F., now Mrs. Hunter W. H., living in Worth County ; Margaret, now 
Mrs. Gibson of Worth County ; and Evaline, now Mrs. Stewart of Idaho. 
By a former marriage of William Stephenson to Anna Whitson, he had one 
daughter, Mary, now Mrs. WTiitson of Gower. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have three children: J. W., born April 14, 1879, 
educated in this county and living in Howard Township when he was acci- 
dently killed by the bursting of a fly-wheel while sawing wood, April 16, 
1901 ; he was married to Melinda Everts who now lives in St. Joseph ; 
Fannie, born June 21, 1881, married E. B. Mounts, and lives in Harrison 
County on the Hunter farm; she has two childi-en. Hunter B., and Galie 
Jessaline; and Jessie Edna, born Jan 17, 1889, died on Oct. 4, 1904, at the 
age of 16 years. 

Mr. Hunter is now serving his seond term on the township board of 
Howard Township, and is especially interested in the project of good roads 
for his community. He is a member of the Christian church, and a relia- 
ble and substantial man. 

Charles H. Mothersead, the efficient county clerk of Gentry County, 
was born near McFall in this county, Dec. 13, 1878, the son of M. O. and 
Nancy M. (Elliott) Mothersead. 

M. 0. Mothersead was born on a farm adjoining the birth place of 
his son, Charles H., Jan. 27, 1850. His father, Charles Decatur Mothersead, 
was a native of Kentucky who came to Missouri in the days when the state 
was a part of the frontier country and entered land northwest of McFall. 
He remained on the farm which he took up there until his death. His re- 
mains are buried in Busby Cemetery. M. 0. Mothersead lived near McFall 
until 1891 when he was elected to the office of county collector. He moved 
to Albany and remained there while he served two terms as collector. He 
later accepted the position of cashier of the Bank of Albany and was hold- 
ing that position at the time of his death on Oct. 1, 1918. His remains 
are buried in Highland Cemetery at Albany. He was a man highly esteem- 
ed in the community. His widow, born Aug. 21, 1854, is now living at 



466 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Albany. To the union of M. 0. and Nancy M. (Elliott) Mothersead five 
children were born : 0. B., married to Mamie Spears who was a student at 
Christian College, has been a resident of Hobart, Okla., for a number of 
years and is the Assistant State Bank Examiner of Oklahoma ; Minnie, 
wife of J. E. Stone, a merchant of Perry, Okla.; C. H., the subject of this 
review; Benjamin F., died Aug. 24, 1921, was a mei'chant at Carthage, and 
was married to Myrtle Conard ; and D. E., married to a Johnson County 
girl whom he met while attending the State Teachers College at Warrens- 
burg, and now living at Warrensburg where he is the assistant superinten- 
dent of public schools. 

C. H. Mothersead was educated in the public school of Albany and 
graduated from the Albany High School in 1896. He later attended Chris- 
tian College from which institution he graduated in the commercial course. 
For the six years following his graduation he taught school in Gentry 
County and at Martinville, Harrison County. He resigned at Martinville 
to accept the position of assistant cashier in the Bank of Albany which 
place he retained until he was elected clerk of Gentry County in 1914. 
In 1918 his county again called him to fill the same office and he is now 
serving his seventh year in the official capacity of county clerk. 

Mr. Mothersead was married Aug. 6, 1902 to Frances Delle Roundtree 
of Albany, a native of Harrison County, and a daughter of J. L. and Emma 
(Baldwin) Roundtree. Mrs. Roundtree died at Martinsville and Mr. 
Roundtree now lives in Idaho. To their union two children were born ; Mrs. 
Mothersead, and Ernest D., living at Albany. To the union of Charles H. 
and Frances Delle (Roundtree) Mothersead four children have been born: 
Marian, a junior in high school, and Frances, Lois, and John, all students 
in the grammer school. 

Mr. Mothersead is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 
lodge, and of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery. His great grand- 
father was a soldier in the Confederate arm and was killed in the Battle 
of Pea Ridge. His remains are buried on the battlefield. Mr. Mothersead's 
family through several generations have been firm in their stand for the 
things they considered right and Mr. Mothersead is a man who carries on 
the family traditions and ideals of civic justice. 

George P. Adams, attorney-at-law at Albany, and the probate judge 
of Gentry County, is a native of this county. He was born at King City, 
June 26, 1875, the son of Philip M. and Hattie A. (Winchester) Adams. 
His parents were both members of families whose names were well known 
in this part of Missouri. 

Philip M. Adams was born in Park County, Ind., in 1841, and came 
to Missouri with a brother, James Adams, in 1869. They settled in Gentry 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 467 

County where they bought a farm near Island City. Philip M. Adams was 
an attorney and practiced law in the county afterwards locating at King 
City. He represented the county in the State Legislatures of 1870 and 
1871, serving Gentry County efficiently and satisfactorily. He was a vet- 
eran of the Civil War in which he served as a member of Company B, 115th 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was in service for three years and later 
kept up his connection with his former comrades as a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, Post at King City. 

Philip M. Adams was married in 1872 at King City to Hattie A. Win- 
chester. She was born in Connecticut in 1852, the daughter of Edwin G. 
and Laura P. (Davis) Winchester. Her parents came to Missouri in 1856 
and settled near King City. They both died at this home farm and their 
remains are buried in the King City Cemetery. To the union of Philip M. 
and Hattie A. (Winchester) Adams the following children were born: two 
infants deceased; George P., the subject of this sketch ; and Maud, now the 
wife of Paul M. Culver, a farmer and stockman of Plattsburg. Philip M. 
Adams died in 1889 and his widow now lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

George P. Adams was educated in the public schools of King City, 
later attending the Northwest Missouri College at Albany for two years. 
He completed his college work in Missouri State University from which 
he graduated in the class of 1898. For the three years following his grad- 
uation from the University, he ran the Mountain Grove Journal with 
marked success. In 1902 he went into the hardware business at King City 
and remained in this work until 1914. In the fall of that year he was 
elected to the office of probate judge of the county on the republican ticket. 
He was admitted to the bar on Dec. 31, 1917 and was re-elected probate 
judge in 1918. He is now serving his seventh year in that capacity. That 
his service has been upright and acceptable to the county is shown by his 
reelection. On Jan. 1, 1922, Mr. Adams became a partner in the insurance 
business with Mr. Sam C. Killam. 

On Dec. 10, 1902, Mr. Adams was married to Leta Vincent, a native 
of Mar.shaltown, Iowa, and the daughter of 0. K. and Sophia (Arnold) 
Vincent, both of whom died at Mountain Grove where their remains are 
buried. Mrs. Adams was educated in Iowa and Missouri. She studied 
music for some time at Drury College in Springfield. To her union with 
George P. Adams three daughters were born: Ruth, Harriett, and Dorothy. 
Ruth and Harriett are both students in the Albany High School. 

Mr. Adams is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 
and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodges. As a private citizen 
and in his official capacity, Mr. Adams is a man of integrity, enterprise, and 
high ideals. He has served his county in the office to which his fellow 



468 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

citizens called him with honesty and fairness, meriting and receiving the 
good will of his community. Mr. Adams and family are members of the 
Presbyterian church, and Mr. Adams is an elder. 

Dale S. Flowers, cashier of the Gentry County Bank, a past officer of 
Gentry County, and the vice president of the Missouri Bankers Association, 
was born in Henry County, Iowa, Nov. 9, 1867, the son of William A. and 
Elizabeth (Stockton) Flowers. 

William A. Flowers was born in Ohio and settled near the present site 
of Stanberry in Gentry County in 1871. He became a prominent farmer 
and stockman there. He served in the Missouri State Militia under Cap- 
tain Comstock and was a leader in public affairs until his death at Stan- 
berry. His widow, a native of Platte County, still lives at Stanberry at the 
age of 78 years. Besides their son. Dale S., the subject of this review, Mr. 
and Mrs. Flowers had a daughter, now Mrs. Samuel M. Jordan of Keytes- 
ville. 

Samuel M. Jordan was born in Gentry County and was the first man 
ever appointed to the position of county farm agent in the United States. 
He held this position at Sedalia in Pettis County and so successfully was 
the experiment made by Mr. Jordan that the plan of county agent work 
has now spread to every state in the union. Much of the popularity of this 
rural movement is due to the initial effort of Mr. Jordan. Mr. Jordan is 
now the head of the State Agricultural Department where he is doing work 
that is proving invaluable to the state. He is a brother to Minnie (Jordan) 
Flowers, wife of Dale S. Flowers. The other Jordan children are: James 
H., Louis P., and John M., all living in Los Angeles, Calif. 

Dale S. Flowers was educated in the pubHc schools of Stanberry and 
the Stanberry Normal. He was a clerk in the postoffice at Stanberry and 
then for three years was a clerk in the railroad mail service. He then ac- 
cepted the position of deputy county clerk of Gentry County and remained 
in this work for four years when he was elected circuit clerk and recorder 
of the county for two successive terms, serving in all eight years in that 
capacity. On Jan. 1, 1903 he accepted a position with the Gentry County 
Bank, and has been an efficient and popular member of the official force of 
that institution ever since. 

The Gentry County Bank has one of the most interesting histories 
among financial institutions in this part of the state. It had its beginnings 
in the work of Charles G. Comstock who came from Albany, New York in 
1859. He located in Albany in this county and became the pioneer banker 
of the community, operating a bank by himself from January, 1870 to July 
of the same year, when the Exchange Bank of Comstock and Millen was 
established by C. G. Comstock and M. L. Millen. This firm continued to do 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 469 

business until July 24, 1876 when it was succeeded by the Gentry County 
Bank, organized with a capital stock of $100,000, thirty per cent of which 
was paid in at the time of organization. The amount of capital stock was 
afterwards reduced to $20,000 in order to comply with the banking laws of 
the state. The officers of the bank in 1881 were: H. L. Peery, President; 
and M. L. Millen, Cashier ; with L. H. Peery, C. G. Comstock, G. S. Hundley, 
M. M. Campbell, J. H. Degginger, R. M. McCammon, W. C. Porter, R. L. 
Wheley, and M. L. Millen, Directors. The bank had a surplus of $9,000 at 
that time and was located at the present site on the corner of Polk and 
Wood streets at the southeast side of the Public Square. 

The bank has proved itself to be a safe institution and since the date 
of its establishment has made a remarkable growth. It is in the hands of 
men of business acumen and commermial ability and is influential in the 
county. The present capital stock is $50,000 ; the surplus and undivided 
profits, $71,000; and the deposits on June 30, 1921, $323,614.32 with no 
bills payable nor money borrowed in any form. The present officers are: 
C. N. Comstock, President ; James O'Mara, Vice President ; Dale S. Flowers, 
Cashier; J. D. Smith, Assistant Cashier; and C. N. Comstock, Dale S. 
Flowers, James O'Mara, G. W. Reed, I. G. Patton, J. H. Degginger, and E. 
Ray Murphy, Directors. C. N. Comstock, J. H. Degginger, and E. Ray 
Murphy are all sons of men who were connected with the development of 
this bank. 

Dale S. Flowers was married on May 4, 1890, to Minnie Jordan, a 
daughter of Samuel and Ann (Puterbough) Jordan. To this union the 
following children were born: Aletha, married to Wallace Applegate of 
Keytesville; Bernice, the wife of J. H. Degginger of Albany; and Cleo J., 
a bookkeeper in the Gentry County Bank. 

Mr. Flowers is one of the leading citizens of the community, a man 
who, as a county officer was unprejudiced and efficient, as an officer in the 
bank is competent and reliable, and as a citizen of Albany and Gentrj^ 
County is deservedly held in high esteem. 

James D. Smith, the assistant cashier of the Gentry County Bank and 
a well known citizen of Albany, is a native of this county. He was born 
at Albany, Sept. 23, 1871, the son of Milton and Mary (Lainhart) Smith, 
both now deceased. 

Milton Smith was born in Athens Township in Gentry County. His 
wife, Mary (Lainhart) Smith, was born in Kentucky, the daughter of Wil- 
liam and Nancy (Smith) Lainhart who came to Gentry County when their 
daughter was but a small child and settled on a farm in Athens Township. 
They both died on this farm and their remains are buried in the Bulla 
Cemetery. About 1875, Milton Smith went to Utah where he engaged in 



470 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the mining business and where he died. His widow later married William 
T. Madden and to this union two sons were born : H. T., now living at Al- 
bany ; and John L., of Manhattan, Kan., who is a veteran of the World War; 
he ser^-ed in the 35th Division. Mrs. Madden died in 1915 and her remains 
are buried in Highland Cemetery. 

James D. Smith was educated in the rural schools, later attending the 
Albany High School from which he graduated. He then entered the Stan- 
berry Normal and was enrolled for a while in the Northwest Missouri Col- 
lege at Albany. He taught one term of school at the Burton District in 
Harrison County, then entered a bank at New Hampton where he remained 
for a short time. In October, 1895, he began work as the bookkeeper in 
the Gentry County Bank at Albany and has been the assistant cashier of 
that institution for the past eighteen years. 

James D. Smith was married on March 29, 1896 to Rosa E. Dillon. 
Her parents were Reverend S. R. Dillon, a Baptist minister, and Joicy M. 
(Dotson) Dillon. They are both now living. Mrs. Smith was born near 
Lone Star and grew up in Gentry County. To the union of James D. and 
Rosa E. (Dillon) Smith two daughters were born: Grace, now the wife 
of C. 0. Lane, a carpenter of Albany; and Mae Pauline, a student in the 
Albany High School. 

All of the Smith family belong to the Baptist church. Mi-. Smith's 
long service of 26 years with the Gentry County Bank attests to his busi- 
ness integrity and his efficiency. His careful work and his commercial 
acumen have been invaluable assets to the institution with which he has 
been so long connected. 

H. W. Bare, the well known senior member of the firm of H. W. Bare 
and Son of Albany, was born in Jefferson County, Ind., Feb. 18, 1847, the 
son of David and Margaret (Jones) Bare. 

David Bare was the son of Henry Bai'e, a native of Pennsylvania who 
moved to Jefferson County, Ind., where he died. David Bare died in the 
same county in August, 1847. His wife, Margaret (Jones) Bare was a 
daughter of John W. and Nancy Jones of Jefferson County, Ind. Mrs. Bare 
and her parents moved to Kentucky when her son, H. W. Bare, was only 
an infant and there Mrs. Bare contracted a second marriage with Israel 
Umenseter and to this union two children were born: Nancy, now Mrs. 
Varble living in Oldham County. Ky. ; and David, dead, who married in 
Kentucky but left no children. Margaret (Bare) Umenseter died in Ken- 
tucky in 1896. Her father, John Wesley Jones was a Methodist minister 
in Oldham County. His wife was Nancy Saunders who was reared near 
Lexington. They were the parents of 14 children. They died in Oldham 
County at the age of 84 years. 

H. W. Bare was educated in public and private schools but the out- 



i. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 471 

break of the Civil War interferred with his school work. He made his own 
way in the world ever since he was a lad of 14 years. He worked on a farm 
drove cattle, and then learned the carpenter trade in Indiana where he 
lived for a while. He came to Gentry County in September, 1868 and work- 
ed as a contractor and carpenter for several years. In December, 1883, he 
opened the H. W. Bare, Furniture and Undertaking business. The firm 
has remained in business for 38 years. The present location, which has 
housed the business since 1898, is a building 40x90 feet with a storage 
basement the same size. Here the company carries a complete line of 
furniture and undertaking. Mr. Bare had done embalming since the open- 
ing of his commercial enterprise but in August, 1895, thei'e was granted 
to him the first state embalmer's license ever issued in Gentry County. 

H. W. Bare was married on Oct. 6, 1866 in Trimble County, Kentucky 
to Julia A. Rouner, a daughter of Jackson and Nancy (Sampson) Rouner, 
both natives of Kentucky who later came to Gentry County and died here. 
Their remains are buried in the Brick Church Cemetery. To H. W. and 
Julia A. (Rouner) Bare the following children were born: Margaret, the 
wife of George Smith of McFall ; Katy Belle, wife of John Murphy of War- 
rensburg; Lavena, married to Francis M. Bray of Chillicothe; Ida, living 
at home; John W., married to Alma Sheets and living at Woodbine, Iowa; 
Hattie, wife of T. L. Collins, of St. Joseph; Charles E., in the furniture 
and undertaking business at New Hampton ; Allen T., a member of the 
firm of H. W. Bare and Son, married first in July, 1906 to Clara Higdon who 
died in October, 1919 leaving four children, Henry, Maurice, Julia, and 
Lovett, married the second time in April, 1920 to Pearl Putman, the 
widow of Bart Putman ; Gussie, wife of J. E. Ruhl, a physician at St. 
Joseph; Thurman, died in 1892 at the age of four years; and Lewis W., 
a resident of Albany, married to Elma Allen of Albany and with one child, 
Catherine Louise. 

Lewis W. Bare is a veteran of the World War. He enlisted for service 
at St. Louis on July 15, 1918 and went to Fort Houston, Texas, then to 
Camp Merritt, N. J., and overseas in November, 1918. He left the United 
States on Nov. 12, the day after the armistice was signed, landed at Brest, 
and was sent to Bordeaux. He was placed in motor service in southern 
France and remained until Oct. 6, 1919 when he started home. He was 
mustered out of service at Camp Dodge, Iowa, Oct. 18, 1918 having been in 
service more than 15 months. Mr. Bare is a member of the American 
Legion at Albany. 

Both H. W. Bare and his son, Allen T. Bare, are members of the 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Royal Arch, the Council, and the Com- 
mandery. They are enterpi'ising and far sighted business men who have 



472 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

achieved commercial success by virtue of hard work and integrity. H. W. 
Bare has been known as a successful business man in the county for many 
years. He is one of the men who have made their own way in the world, 
whose assets were pluck, courage, and ambition. Mr. Bare is an exponent 
of all these traits. 

Levi Todd, deceased, was born in Madison County, Ky., April 26, 1836. 
His wife, Nancy (Vaughn) Todd, was born in the same county, Aug. 26, 
1839. They came to Missouri in 1869, and bought 300 acres of land in 
Bogle Township, Gentry County, from Judge Lewis, for $10,00 an acre. 
Of the old Todd farm, 212 acres are still owned by John L., and Mary E. 
Todd, children of Levi Todd and his wife. 

Levi Todd became a prominet farmer and stockman. He helped 
organize the New Friendship church in 1889, and gave the land that is 
now the cemetery of that church. When Mr. and Mrs. Todd came to their 
farm in Gentry County, they found only a cabin of two rooms on it. This 
they used as a dwelling for many years, and is was the birthplace of most 
of their children. The old cabin was torn down about 10 years ago. The 
present residence was built about 34 years ago, and the barn was erected 
in 1877. Levi Todd died on his farm on April 14, 1908, and Mrs. Todd died 
on April 4, 1914. The remains of both are buried in the New Friendship 
Cemetery. 

To the union of Levi and Nancy (Vaughn) Todd the following child- 
ren were born: Celia, now the wife of J. W. Dills of Bogle Township; Mary, 
Barbara, born on April 2, 1870, and died in infancy ; Florence, the wife of 
A. B. Pierce of Huggins Township; Mary E., known to her family as Betty, 
now keeping house for her brother, John L.; John L., born May 10, 1877, 
now living on the home place ; and Levi, born Aug. 16, 1881, died in infancy. 

John L., and Mary E. Todd were both educated in the Shockley 
School, where James Hinton was their first teacher. They now own most 
of the original land holdings of their father, and operate the farm in a suc- 
cessful way. The place is well improved, and John L. Todd raises cattle in 
addition to the work of general farming. His sister keeps house. 

Both John L. and Mary Todd are known throughout their community 
as energetic, ambitious and successful people. They both inherited from 
their parents the same spirit of courageous independence, and industry, 
and like their parents they have developed business success, and civic pride. 

Emert Akes, the popular circuit clerk and ex-officio recorder of Gentry 
County, was born near McFall on Feb. 3, 1890. He is the son of A. B. and 
Matilda Jane (Osborn) Akes. Mr. Akes was formerly a merchant at 
McFall and he and his wife now live at Stanberry. Their children are: 
Ellis, a resident of Manitau, Okla. ; Permilia, now the wife of W. E. Teel 
of Stanberry; and Ernest, the subject of t"his review. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 473 

Emert Akes was educated in McFall and is a graduate of the McFall 
High School. He later attended the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 
111. After leaving Quincy, he served as the deputy county clerk of Gentry 
County under W. E. Teel. He held this position for four years at the end 
of which time he accepted a position with E. M. Harbor in the Internal 
Revenue Collector's office at Kansas City. While he was working in Kansas 
City, the United States entered the World War and Mr. Akes enlisted for 
service in the army on July 6, 1918. He was sent to Camp McArthur, 
Texas for training and was placed in Company B, 64th Infantry, 7th Divi- 
sion. Mr. Akes sailed for overseas Aug. 13, 1918. He was in the Pruve- 
nelle Sector of the Moselle River from Oct. 10, to Nov. 11, 1918 and then 
was with his division until March 20, 1919 when he was transferred to the 
central records office at Bourges, France. He remained there until Aug. 6, 
1919 when he left for Brest. He sailed for the United States from there 
and arrived in New York July 23, 1919, and was mustered out of service 
at Camp Taylor in Kentucky, Sept. 4, 1919. Since his return home, Mr. 
Akes has been an efficient officer of the county. 

Emert Akes was married on May 9, 1920 to Bonnie Opal Peery, a 
daughter of Thomas L. and Fannie (Cook) Peery of Albany. Mrs Akes 
was born and reared in Missouri. She graduated from the Albany High 
School and later was a student at Stephens College at Columbia. 

Mr. Akes is a member and past commander of the Donald Holden Post, 
No. 106, of the American Legion at Albany. Mr. Akes is a young man of 
whom the county is justly proud. His service was given to the country 
in its most trying days and since his return to this county, he has served 
in an official capacity with the same readiness and in the same capable 
way that he served when he was needed in the army. 

Andrew C. Gartin, a resident of Albany, who for four years was the 
judge of the county court for the South District, was born in Buchanan 
County, March 20, 1844, the son of Nathaniel and Clamentina B. (Steel) 
Gartin. 

Nathanial Gartin was born in Kentucky, the son of Griffy Gartin 
who was a native of Kentucky, born in 1808. Nathaniel Gartin came to 
Missouri when he was a young man. He settled first in Cooper County, 
later in Buchanan County, and came to Gentry County in 1854 where he 
entered land around Darlington. He owned at one time more than 2000 
acres of land. He died at Gentryville, June 22, 1882, at the age of 74 
years. His wife also died at Gentryville. Their children were: Mary 
Jane, married Mr. Graves and died in Buchanan County; Frances, later 
Mrs. Morgan, who died in California; Cynthia, died when a young woman 
in Buchanan County; W. P., died in Gentry County; Tippie, married Mr. 



474 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Gist and is dead; Didamia. later Mrs. Jameson, dead; William, died in 
Washington; Andrew C, the subject of this sketch; Lindsay J., died in 
Gentry County ; John R., a resident of Darlington ; N. K., living in Port- 
land, Ore. ; Miranda, now Mrs. Clark of Gentry County ; James G., living 
at Darlington ; and Marion P., a resident of Los Angeles, Cal. 

Andrew C. Gartin was educated in the public and subscription schools. 
He came to Gentrj' County in 1867 and bought 150 acres of land to which 
he added later until he owned 440 acres. He has since sold all but 200 
acres which constitutes his home place 12 miles southwest of Albany. This 
farm he is now renting out. It is the place where Mr. Gartin lived for 
more than 50 years. The story of this old farm constitutes the history of 
that part of Gentry County. Mr. Gartin moved to Albany, March 1, 1918, 
and now lives on North Hundley street. 

Andrew C. Gartin was married on Feb. 19, 1867, to Cassie F. Ray, a 
daughter of Mark and Mary Ray of Buchanan County. Mr. and Mrs. Ray 
came from North Carolina and settled in Missouri in the forties. Mrs. 
Gartin was reared in Buchanan County. To the union of Andrew C, and 
Cassie F. (Ray) Gartin five children were born: Hattie, dead, was the wife 
of T. A. Cummins of Maryville, Mo., and left four children, Lawrence, 
Andy Chris, who is dead, Fi-ank, and Marguerite; Minnie married to 
William Salisbury of Pharr, Texas; Mitchell, a resident of Cheney, Kans. ; 
Lulu Ellen, wife of Samuel Ferguson of San Bernadino, Cal. ; and Ray 
Steel, a fanner in Gentry County. Mr. and Mrs. Gartin have five grand- 
children; T. A., Inez, and Andy Chris Cummins; Georgianna Fink, and a 
son of Frank Cummins. 

Judge Gartin comes af a family that has been connected with pioneer 
farming for several generations. His great-grandfather, Griffy Gartin, 
was a native of Scotland and came many years ago to Kentucky where he 
was one of the earliest settlers. Mr. Gartin has served his community as 
an able official as well as in the private capacity of a citizen. He was elect- 
ed judge of the South District in 1900 and was tendered the same office 
again two years later, serving in all four years during which time he was 
an able officer, capable and earnest in his work. Mr. Gartin is a member 
of the Masonic lodge, the Eastern Star and the Cumberland Presbyterian 
church. 

William Carson Elder, connected for more than 43 years with the 
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, was born in Warren County, 
111., Dec. 18, 1860, the son of A. Alonzo and Sarah (Hogue) Elder. Both 
the Elder and Hogue names appear in the early annals of the United States 
and both names are associated with the development of the Middle West. 

A. Alonzo Elder was born in Canton, Ohio, in 1838. He came to 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 475 

Illinois in early childhood and later followed the occupation of farming 
there. In Illinois he married Sarah Hogue, a daughter of John Hogue and 
granddanghter of James Hogue. To this union the following children were 
born: William C, the subject of this review; and Margaret I., now the wife 
of Clark McConnell of Fairfax ; and Anna Lee, married to W. H. Kendall 
of Tarkio. A. Alonzo Elder came to Albany a few years before his death 
and was in business with his son in a coal and grain distributing establish- 
ment. Mr. Elder died in Albany, Dec. 31, 1895, at the age of 57 years. 
His wife died at Tarkio. 

James Hogue, mentioned above, was born in Ireland in 1754, and came 
to the United States when he was 15 years old. A year later he found 
work at Carlisle, Pa., but later enlisted for service in the Colonial Army in 
Captain's Herrick's Rifle Company and three days after his enlistment 
was on his way to Boston. There his company was assigned to duty in the 
Quebec Expedition under General Benedict Arnold. Mr. Hogue was in the 
arduous campaign to the St. Lawrence River, participated in the storming 
of the Heights of Quebec, and was taken prisoner after Gen. Montgomery 
was killed. A threat was made of sending back to England to be hanged 
as traitors all of the captured Irish, Scotch and British unless the men 
agreed to join the forces fighting against the colonies. Before such a 
plan could be carried out James Hogue, and a comrade, Thomas Walker, 
escaped. They were recaptured but again escaped. They went to stay for 
awhile among the French and there James Hogue was again taken prisoner 
by the British who sent him back to England. Here he escaped from his 
captors while on the way to prison, hid in a cellar for days, and finally 
reached London. On the way, he and his companions were accosted by 
the Duke of Gloucester, brother to the king, and asked the name of their 
ship. They escaped further questioning by saying that they had permis- 
sion to go overland to London. In London they were once more taken into 
custody. Again they escaped and at last James Hogue was placed on 
board a British ship bound for Halifax. He was sent from there to 
Charleston, South Carolina, and then back to Halifax where he was put on 
an English privateer which fell in with an American vessel, and in the 
fight that ensued, the British ship was captured. Mr. Hogue at once made 
friends with the captain of the American ship, was taken to Baltimore and 
there was reassigned to service in the American frigate, Trumball. After 
five and one-half years of the vicissitudes incident to his adventures, Mr. 
Hogue reached Philadelphia where he was granted payment for his work 
in the patriot cause. The payment was a ticket for 40 shillings. In 1784, 
Mr. Hogue moved to Kentucky, and in 1788, he went to Butler County, 
Ohio, where he lived until 1826. 



476 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

W. C. Elder was educated in the public schools of the county and at 
the age of 18 years he began to work for the Chicago, Burlington and 
Quincy railroad, first as an extra man in the telegraph office and then as the 
regular incumbent of the office at Alsey. This was in August, 1879, and a 
little later Mr. Elder was sent to take charge of the office at Gerlaw, 111., 
where he remained for two years, leaving that place to go to Mt. Ayr., 
Iowa, on the recommendation of W. C. Brown, former president of the New 
York Central lines. From Mt. Ayr, Mr. Elder went to Humeston, Iowa, 
.as the station agent and operator. This station was made a joint agent 
station and an older man was appointed to the position of agent so Mr. 
Elder came to Ridgeway as agent and stayed there two years. On Jan. 12, 
1886, he came to Albany as the agent and has held that position ever since. 
Only one man in this division of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy rail- 
road, C. M. Ketcham of Leon, Iowa, has a longer record than Mr. Elder. 
The present station at Albany was built in 1921 in place of the old one 
which was burned to the ground in 1918. When Mr. Elder first came to 
Albany, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad had only a small office 
but in 1911 this old building was improved by the addition of two rooms 
and the new station was a commodious and pleasant building until it was 
destroyed. Mr. Elder is .iustly proud of his fine record of service with his 
company. He has lost only about four months of active work during his 
entire tenure of service and for a period of 25 years he took no vacation at 
all. 

W. C. Elder was married on April 25. 1888 to Lola C. Twist, a daugh- 
ter of B. F. and Urana Twist of Albany, and to this union eight children 
were born: Frank Cleo, died at the age of three years; Frederick A., an 
operator for the Burlington railroad at Aurora, Neb., maiTied to Bernice 
Jones of Albany, to which union two children, Donald and Kathlyn, were 
born; Harry T., died while in the United States Army and a brief sketch 
of him appears below ; Morris D., an operator at Albany, in the office with 
his father ; Paul Shamblin, named for the Burlington agent at Bethany, M. 
D. Shamblin, is the manager of the Elder Coal and Ice Company where his 
father shipped the first car of coal ever sent to Albany for retail trade in 
1887 ; Clarice May, formerly cashier of the Burlington office at Albany for 
two and one-half years, now a student in Palmer College ; Margaret Frances 
a student of Palmer College for the past two years and Alice Kathryn, a 
student in the Albany high school. 

The war record of Mr. Elder's sons should be especially mentioned in 
a volume of this character, the aim of which is to commemorate all that is 
best in the achievements of the citizens of the county. Frederick A. Elder 
was with the 21st Engineer Corps, and was the train dispatcher on a light 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 477 

railway. Harry T. Elder enlisted for service in the Tank Corps and was 
sent to Gettysburg, Pa., for training. Two weeks after his arrival at 
the camp he was attacked by the influenza and pneumonia and died in the 
camp. His remains are buried at Seattle, Wash., where he had married 
Helen O'Brien of that place. Mrs. Elder is spending the winter in Albany 
where she is a student in Palmer College. Morris D. Elder was acting as 
cashier of the Burlington oflice at Worland, Wyo., when the United States 
entered the World War and he at once enlisted for service in the army. He 
was with the Signal Coi-ps, 35th Division, and was overseas for more than 
a year. He is married to Cecile E. Grimes of Leon, Iowa, and they have 
one daughter, Betty Mae. 

The Elder family are all members of the Methodist church in Albany. 
Mr. Elder and his sons belong to the Order of Railway Telegraphers. Mr. 
Elder has served as Alderman of Albany for two terms and was the chair- 
man of the Electric Light Committee of the town for four years when ex- 
tensive improvmnts were made on the system. Mr. Elder is a capable, 
energentic, and public spirited man, on whose life means much to his com^ 
munity. 

Dimmon D. Kingsborough, vice-president of the Holden Abstract and 
Investment Company of Albany, was born on a farm one and one-half 
miles north of Albany, June 18, 1862. His parents were Joseph B. and 
Ann (Orton) Kingsborough, both now dead. 

Joseph B. Kingsborough was one of the early settlers of the county. 
He was born and reared in Pennsylvania and came to Missouri in 1837, 
before the land now known as Gentry County was surveyed. He entered 
a farm north of the present site of Albany and at once began the arduous 
task of breaking up the unfilled soil and making a home in the frontier 
country. In 1843 his land was included in a survey and his patent was 
signed by President Polk, June 1, 1848. Mr. Kinsborough married in 
May 1842 to Ann Orton, who came to Gentry County in about 1840, and to 
this union the following children were born: John, married Mary J. Evans, 
and died on the home place, where his widow still lives ; Susan, married 
Mr. Lewis and died in Buchanan County ; Haskell, a resident of Albany ; 
Oliver, died in Pennsylvania, when he was a young man; Sarah, married 
James Sellers and is now dead; Benjamin T., deceased and D. D., the sub- 
ject of this review. Joseph B. Kingsborough died Feb. 3, 1903, and his 
wife died prior to that time. The remains of both are buried in Highland 
Cemetery. 

Dimmon D. Kingsborough was educated in the schools at Albany and 
taught for one term. After that he was with the Chicago, Burlington and 
Quincy railroad at Albany for a short time and in 1883 he accepted a posi- 



478 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tion with the Holden Abstract and Investment Company. For 39 years he 
has been with this company and has been one of the strong factors in the 
marked success of the enterprise. 

The Holden Abstract and Investment Company was organized in 1865 
by Captain Charles G. Comstock, the organizer of the first bank established 
in Albany, out of which grew the present Gentry County Bank. Captain 
Comstock operated the new enterprise alone for a while and then formed 
the C. G. Comstock Company with George C. Holden as a partner. After- 
wards the firm was known as the Comstock and Holden Abstract Company 
and this company later became the Holden Abstract and Investment Com- 
pany under which title it still exists. The company was incorporated in 
1906. The present officers are: Mrs. Ida C. Holden, widow of G. C. Holden 
president; and D. D. Kingsborough, the subject of this review, vice-pres- 
ident. George C. Holden was the successful manager of the company for 
many years, both before and after the business was incorporated. He died 
in 1916 and his remains are buried in Highland Cemetery. He was a prom- 
inent business man of the county, a member of the Masonic lodge and a 
stockholder in the Gentry County Bank. The company owns the only set 
of abstract books in the county, and Mr. Kingsborough is now engaged in 
making a complete abstract of each section of the countj% each town, and 
town lot, showing every transaction that has been made since the land was 
first entered from the government. This will simplify and facilitate the 
matter of future transfers. The cost to the company is mounting up into 
many thousands of dollars but the value of the work is more than commen- 
surate with the financial outlay. 

D. D. Kingsborough was married Dec. 16, 1891, to Sallie Kier, a daugh- 
ter of Isaac W. and Hannah (Orton) Kier of Albany, both dead. The Orton 
family first settled in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The paternal grand- 
father of Hannah (Orton) Kier moved to New York and later to Ohio 
where he settled on the present site of the town of Shelby, the town being 
built up later on a part of Mr. Orton's farm. Hannah (Orton) Kier's 
father. Miles Orton came from Ohio to Missouri and entered land on what 
is now a part of the site of Albany. He owned this land until his death. 
The Orton name thus appears in the first annals of Gentry County. 

To the union of D. D. and Sallie (Kier) Kingsborough the following 
children were born: Lucy E., now a teacher in the St. Joseph schools; Eldon 
0., a student at Kansas City Western Dental College; and George H., the 
city electrician at Albany. 

Mr. Kingsborough is a man of strong business acumen, marked com- 
mercial ability, and of high ideals for civic development. His connection 
with varied pursuits before his work with his present company made a 



i . 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 479 

valuable asset for him during his long and successful connection with the 
Holden Abstract and Investment Company. 

John A. Hundley, deceased, was born Aug. 7, 1841, in Green County, 
Tenn., and died Nov. 5. 1915, at Albany, Mo. He was the son of William 
Hundley, and Jane (Tolle) Hundley, both born in Tennessee. 

William Hundley was a pioneer settler of Gentry County where he 
came in 1845. Two years later he returned to Tennessee and still later 
came back to Missouri and then went to Texas where he located at Belton, 
and died there. His remains are buried at Belton. After his death, his 
widow returned to Albany, where she died in 1912, at the age of 94 years. 
The children of William and Jane (Tolle) Hundley were: John A., the sub- 
ject of this review; George S., president of the Gentry County Bank, an 
extensive landholder, and engaged in the mercantile businss with his 
brother, John, died at Albany ; William A., operated an itinerant amuse- 
ment company ; and Mary E., the widow of Charles Embree of Albany, 

John A. Hundley attended the public schools of Albany and began his 
mercantile career as a clerk. His first independent business venture was 
in connection with his brother, George, and Joseph Degginger. Under the 
firm name of Degginger & Hundley, they conducted a general store, hand- 
ling both dry goods and groceries. All the goods for the store had to be 
hauled by wagon from St. Joseph, a long and trying trip in those days. 
John and George Hundley bought Mr. Degginger's interest in the firm and 
continued in the business under the new firm name of Hundley and Com- 
pany until the death of George Hundley. John A. Hundley was a director 
in the Gentry County Bank, and belonged to the Masonic lodge. Neither 
George nor William Hundley ever married. 

John A. Hundley was married in October, 1882, to Sarah A. Miller, 
the daughter of Rev. A. K. Miller, a Methodist minister, and his wife, 
Jane Miller. Sarah A. (Miller) Hundley died in 1888 leaving three child- 
ren: Jane Elma, mentioned below; Minnie Lulu, also mentioned below; and 
John M., died at the age of four years and ten months. 

Jane Elma and Minnie Lulu Hundley were reared by an aunt. Mrs. 
Matilda Forker. They were students in the Kansas City schools, Platte 
City College, and Central College at Lexington. For the past ten years 
they have lived at Albany. They were prominent workers in the Red 
Cross during the war. Miss Elma Hundley was the buyer for the Red 
Cross County supplies and is now the secretary of that organization in 
Albany. Both the sisters are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. 

The same year that William Hundley, the father of John A. Hundley 
came to Missouri, his brother, John B. left Green County, Tenn., and set- 



480 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tied in Missouri. He located on a farm near Evona and later erected the 
third house built in Albany where, by 1882, the firm of Hundley and Com- 
pany was doing business. He afterwards built a brick store, a novelty in 
those days. Still later he entered the banking business and followed the 
mercantile business at St. Joseph. Before he left Albany, he with Alex- 
ander Patton, built and operated the first steam grist and saw mill in the 
town. The old mill was located back of the Christian church but was 
afterwards moved to Island Branch. It will be seen from this account of 
William and John B. Hundley that the enterprising spirit manifested by the 
later members of the family was a trait common to them all. 

Concerning the place of John A. Hundley in his community it is well to 
quote here from the Albany Ledger of Nov. 11, 1915, which reads: "The 
passing of John A. Hundley removes one of the old time citizens of the 
town, one of the pioneers of the county, one of the familiar figures on the 
streets of Albany. The store on the southwest side of the square has been 
for more than half a century his headquarters, in the early days as an 
active merchant, but in later years more as an oflSce and rest room. In 
less than four years four of the familiar figures who had become closely 
connected with the little store building, J. H. Degginger, George S., W. A., 
and John A. Hundley, have been gathered to their fathers, John A., being 
the last to be called. To the former old time citizens who occasionally come 
to Albany the absence of these four men will serve to mark more plainly 
than any other surrounding the passing of the olden days and the chang- 
ing of the new." 

Elmer L. Culver, a well known farmer and stockman and successful 
breeder of Gentry County, is a native of Andrew County. He was born 
May 10, 1871, and is a son of Truman and Frances (Murden) Culver. 
Truman Culver was born in the state of New York in 1844. During the 
Civil War he enlisted in Michigan and served in the artillery, participating 
in a number of important engagements and was discharged at the close of 
the war with a good military record. In 1868 he came to Missouri and 
settled in Andrew County. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising 
in which he was successful, becoming the owner of 300 acres of land. 
Some years prior to his death, he sold his farm and removed to King City, 
where he spent his last days. His remains are now buried in the Ceme- 
tery at King City. He was a Republican and widely known as a dependable 
citizen. His wife was a native of Andrew County. She is now deceased 
and buried in King City. 

Truman and Francis (Murden) Culver were the parents of the follow- 
ing children: Emil, whose present residence is unkown ; Theron, who was 
drowned in Montana and his remains buried in that state; Orris, who is 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 481 

engaged in farming and stoci< raising in Nodaway County, and Elmer L. 
the subject of this sketch. 

Elmer L. Culver was reared in Andrew County and educated in the 
public schools. He began his independent career as a farm hand, working 
for $18.00 per month. He then began farming, rented land, and rented 
a part of his present place for a number of years. He is the owner of 
700 acres of valuable land, 50 acres of which is timber. His place is well 
improved and he has the largest and best equipped barn for general pur- 
poses in Gentry County. It is 40x120 feet in demension and is 26 feet 
high from eaves to ground. 

Mr. Culver has two large silos, 14 feet in diameter and 40 feet high. 
The place is arranged in every detail for the convenient handling of cattle, 
the barn being equipped with feed boxes and an ample supply of water 
piped to convenient places for the stock. Mr. Culver raises pure bred 
stock, Poland China hogs and Percheron horses. Mrs. Culver is al.so 
interested in stock breeding and stock raising. She raises standard bred 
Leghorn chickens and also standard bred turkeys. She has won a number 
of premiums at poultry shows in various sections of the country. She won 
three loving cups at the White Leghorn poultry show in Oklahoma City, 
Okla., and her poultry has won first prizes at St. Joseph, Savannah, King 
City, and a number of other poultry shows. She has recently engaged in 
breeding pure bred cattle and at this writing has 47 head of registered 
Jer.seys, some of which are imported from the Island of Jersey. She has 
the largest herd of Jerseys in Gentry County. 

Elmer L. Culver married Mary Guest, a daughter of Thomas and 
Ruth Guest, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of England, who 
came to America with her parents when a child. Mrs. Culver has one 
brother, James, who was born in Andrew County, and is engaged in farm- 
ing and stock raising in that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Culver have been 
born two children : Vinona, was educated in the public schools and attended 
King City High School four years, and Harl, who is attending the public 
schools ; and both reside at home with their parents. 

Mr. Culver is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of 
Gentry County and he and Mrs. Culver are well known and highly respected 
in the community. 

Thomas C. Holden, secretary and treasurer of the Holden Abstract 
and Investment Company, is a member of an old and well known family in 
Gentry County. He was born March 17. 1897, the son of George C. and 
Ida C. (Lewis) Holden, the latter still living at Albany where she is the 
president of the company of which her son is the secretary and treasurer. 

Both the Lewis and Holden names appear early in the history of this 



482 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY v-;OUNTIES 

part of the state where members of both families were among the sturdy 
and intrepid folk who ventured into the state when it was still a part of the 
wild frontier land. George W. Lewis, grandfather of Thomas C. Holden 
was one of the first settlers in Gentry County, where he owned a part of the 
tract of ground that is now comprised within the limits of the town of 
Albany. He was one of the first teachers of the county and taught the 
first public school of Albany where he later became an attorney and practic- 
ed law for many years. He built and lived in the house now owned by Dr. 
Graham. It is readily seen that Mr. Lewis was a versatile and courageous 
man, of the sort that go fearlessly into a new country and meet efficiently 
the hardships and vicissitudes incident to life in sparsely settled territory. 
Mr. Lewis died in 1903 at the age of 90 years. His remains were buried 
in Highland Cemetery. His daughter, Ida C. Lewis was born at Albany, 
May 23, 1857 and was married to George C. Holden, Sept. 21, 1882. 

George C. Holden was born at Milton, N. Y., in 1853, and came to 
Gentry County after he was grown. He was a nephew of Charles G. Com- 
stock, the organizer of the business that is now incorporated under the 
title of the Holden Abstract and Investment Company, and Mr. Comstock 
at once took Mr. Holden into the business. The new firm began work on a 
set of abstract books for the county, an enterprise which is carried on by 
the present officers of the company. Mr. Holden was a successful busi- 
ness man and was the manager of the company for many years, both before 
and after it was incorporated. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and 
a stockholder in the Gentry County Bank. He died May 4, 1916, and his 
remains were buried in Highland Cemetery. The children of George C. 
and Ida C. (Lewis) Holden were: Esther, married to G. M. Anderson, a phy- 
sician at Casper, Wyo. ; Lewis M., with the postoflSce department, Colorado 
Springs, Colo.; Marion, died at the age of three years; Charles F., was in 
the United States Marines during the World War, trained at Mare Island, 
Cuba, where he was stationed when the war closed and is now selling 
mining and milling supplies for a contractor's agency in Denver, Col. ; 
Dorothea, married to 0. E. Mclntyre, the owner of the Colorado Sporting 
Goods Company store at Colorado Springs, Colo. ; George Donald, a sketch 
of whose life and death appears below; and Thomas C, the subject of this 
sketch. 

George Donald Holden enlisted in the army for service in the World 
War, May 10, 1917, and was sent to the Officers Training Camp at Fort 
Riley, Kans., where he was commissioned a second lientenant. He was 
sent to Camp Cody, N. M., for further training and then to Camp Funston, 
Kans. Later he was at Camp Doniphan, Okla., and went overseas with 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 483 

Company D, 140th Infantry. He was in the Battle of the Vosges Moun- 
tains and there he was promoted to be first lieutenant. He was in the 
Argonne Forest on Sept. 26. 1918, and the next day was wounded while 
he was located between Exermont and Charpentry. He died in the hos- 
pital, Oct. 1, 1918, and his remains were buried at Frodios, France. His 
comrades have honored his supreme sacrifice for his country by naming 
the American Legion Post No. 106 at Albany after him, the Donald Holden 
Post. 

Thomas C. Holden was educated at Albany and Colorado Springs, Col. 
He graduated from the Albany High School and was a student at Palmer 
College. He was with the Holden Abstract Company when the United 
States declared war on the Central Powers and he enlisted in Kansas City, 
July 2, 1918. He was sent to the Great Lakes Training Station and was 
there when the war closed. He was mustered out of the service Dec. 20, 
1918 and resumed his work with the abstract company. 

Thomas C. Holden was married to Doris Katherine Gibson, Nov. 7, 
1917. She is the daughter of Daniel and Beatrice (Carson) Gibson of 
Albany, and is a graduate of the Albany High School and Palmer College. 
Mr. and Mrs. Holden have one daughter, Nancy Katherine. 

Thomas C. Holden is a member of the Donald Holden Post 106 of the 
American Legion. This post was organized in Sept. 19, 1919, and is one 
of the largest posts in the state having more than 240 members. Mr. 
Holden is also a member of the Royal Arch Masons. He is a worthy mem- 
ber of a family that has always stood for efficiency and progress. Mr. 
Holden and his two brother represented three branches of service during 
the World War ; Charles F., in the Marines ; George Donald, in the infantry ; 
and Thomas C, in the Naval Aviation. Their readiness to offer their ser- 
vices when they wer needed shows the calibre of the brothers, and their 
names belong in a volume such as this. 

Armand Karrer, the popular proprietor of the Karrer Garage at 
Albany, was the first man to enter that business in Gentry County where 
he has achieved a marked success in his enterprise. 

Mr. Karrer is a native of Switzerland where he was born May 16, 
1879, the son of Jacob and Louise (Stirneman) Karrer, both deceased. 
Jacob Karrer and his wife came to the United States in 1880, and settled 
first in Bates County, later moving to LeMars, Iowa, and then to St. Joseph 
where they both died. Mr. Karrer died in 1903, and his wife in January, 
1921. The remains of both are buried in Avenue City, near St. Joseph. 
Their children were: Lena, now living in Portland, Ore.; Armand, the sub- 
ject of this review; Martha, the wife of Fred B. Crowther, Casper, Wyo. ; 



484 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Anna, married to Andrew Sheideger of Crosby, Mo. ; and Jacob, living at 
St. Joseph. 

Armand Karrer attended the public school at Avenue City, and later 
learned the machinist trade at St. Joseph. He worked at his trade in 
St. Joseph until 1911, when he came to Albany and opened the garage. The 
building which he occupies is 60x120 feet, facing the south on Wood street. 
Here Mr. Karrer does all kinds of automobile repair work. He handles 
automobile accessories and features the U. S. tires. He is the agent for 
the Overland and Nash cars and has built up an excellent business. Since 
the rapid development of his work, Mr. Kerrer finds it essential to have 
help and he now employs four men to assist in the work at the garage. 

Armand Karrer was married in 1904 to Gertrude Rozendal, a daughter 
of Richard Rozendal of St. Joseph. Mrs. Karrer is a native of Holland and 
came to the United States with her parents in her youth. They settled 
first in Peoria, 111., later moving to Leavenworth, Kan., and finally to St. 
Joseph. To the union of Armand and Gertrude (Rozendal) Karrer two 
children were born ; Evelyn and Armand. 

Mr. Karrer is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He is a capa- 
ble and progressive man, an enterprising citizen, and a man who is always 
interested in the civic welfare of his community. 

T. N. Rigney, the presiding Judge of the county court of Gentry 
county and a resident of Albany, is a native of the county. He was born 
at Albany, March 29, 1860, the son of Dr. Levi M. and Martha C. (Napier) 
Rigney. 

Levi N. Rigney was a physician, born in Casey County, Ky., in 1824, 
and his wife was born in Adair County, Ky., in 1830. They were married 
in Kentucky and came to Missouri a few years later. They located first 
in Johnson County, where Dr. Rigney practiced his profession, but soon 
came to Gentry County and settled at Athens, the present town of Albany. 
Dr. Rigney, who was a graduate of the Medical College at Louisville, Ky., 
kept up the practice of medicine until his death at Albany in 1884. He 
was interested in mercantile pursuits also and conducted a general store 
and a drug store in connection with his practice. The remains of both 
Dr. Rigney and his wife are buried in the City Cemetery at Albany. Their 
children were: B. A., a farmer in Miller Township; J. M., a graduate of the 
Keokuk, Iowa, Medical College, died in Albany in 1906 at the age of 54 
years after a successful career as a physician, he married Mary J. Hamilton 
who is now living on a farm three miles south of Albany ; Elizabeth died 
at the age of 17 years ; T. N., the subject of this sketch ; William, a farmer 
living south of Albany; and Charles G., died at the age of 16 years. 

Judge Rigney was educated in the schools of Albany and was a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 485 

teacher in the Gentry County schools for 15 years. A part of Judge 
Rigney's old farm is now comprised in the south part of Albany. This 
includes the birthplace of the judge, now the site of the South Side school 
building. Judge Rigney laid out the part of Albany known as the Rigney 
First Addition and the Rigney Second Addition, both of which were former- 
ly a part of his land. Judge Rigney has extensive land holdings comprising 
more than 1500 acres, of which more than 500 acres are in Gentry County. 
He has been interested in various building enterprises ; he built the Rigney 
Theater in 1914 at an initial cost of $20,000, and he is the owner of several 
buildings in Albany including the building in which the Bassler Clothing 
Company does business. 

T. N. Rigney was married. May 5, 1885, to Carrie R. Albin, a daughter 
of John and Mary J. (Rund) Albin. Her father, John N. Albin, came to 
Gentry County in 1854 and his farm of 423 acres was one of the best im- 
proved tracts of land in Athens Township. He was one of the men in his 
section of the state to vote for Abraham Lincoln the first time Lincoln was 
elected. Mr. Albin served in the Missouri State Militia during the Civil 
War. He was married the first time in February, 1855, to Rebecca Young 
of Tennessee. She died in August, 1859, leaving two small children ; Joseph 
F., and Mary R., Mr. Albin married the second time Mary J. Rund, a 
native of Ohio, who came to Missouri with her parents, Charles F., and Car- 
oline (Green) Rund. To his second marriage the following children were 
born: Ida, deceased, was Mrs. Zimmerman; Charles F., a resident of 
Seattle, Wash.; Rosa, Mrs. Quigley of Athens Township; Caroline, Mrs. 
Rigney ; Lulu A., now Mrs. Peterson of Albany ; Lola B., now Mrs. Swan of 
Thayer, Kans. ; W. L., a physician in Lincoln, Neb. ; and Homer, died at the 
age of four years. John N. Albin died in 1906 and his remains are buried 
in the City Cemetery at Albany. His widow still lives in Albany at the age 
of 88 years. 

To the union of T. N. and Carrie R. (Albin) Rigney the following 
children were born: Lloyd C, a farmer and stockman on the home farm; 
John A., a farmer in Miller Township ; Mary Ruth, died in infancy ; Blanch, 
graduated from the Albany High School, a student at the Northwest Mis- 
souri State Teachers College at Maryville, for several years a successful 
teacher, and now living with her parents; Grace, graduated from the 
Albany High School and from the Missouri State University at Columbia, 
now a well known teacher of Home Economics at Skiatook, Okla. ; and 
George B., graduated from the Albany High School, attended college at 
Fort Worth, Texas, and Drake University, Iowa, and now making an excel- 
lent reputation as a teacher in Albany; and Levi M., attending Palmer Col- 
lege, Albany. 



486 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

In 1906 T. N. Rigney was elected to the office of judge of the South 
District of his county and was elected two years later. He spent the 
next four years as a private citizen never however losing interest in public 
affairs and in 1914 he was tendered the office of presiding judge of his 
district. He was reelected to this position in 1918. His frequent re- 
elections speak for the attitude which his community has toward Judge 
Rigney's record as an official. He is known as competent, conscientious, 
and an unprejudiced official, one who has the trust and esteem of his fellow 
citizens. Judge Rigney is a Democrat, but his political predelictions have 
never been allowed to interfere with his high standard of fairness and 
justice. 

H. C. Yeater, for many years a prominent druggist in Albany, and one 
of the interesting pioneer figures in Gentry County, was born in Butler 
Township, Harrison County, Aug. 13, 1853. 

Mr. Yeater's paternal grandfather. Dr. Joseph Yeater, was the first 
physician to practice in Gentry County and was one of the well known men 
of his day. He was one of the many who followed the lure of California 
in those early days, and, in 1850, accompanied by his son, John, and driving 
a team of mules, he set out on the long trip westward. At St. Joseph, 
however, he became ill and was forced to return to his home where he died 
a few days later. The next year his son went west but returned to Mis- 
souri in 1853. After his return he settled in Harrison County but came to 
Gentry County in 1855 and settled on a farm five miles east of Albany. 
Here he built a log cabin and set about improving his land. The outbreak of 
the Civil War stopped his work and he enlisted in the Union Army where he 
served for three years. After the close of the war, he settled on his farm 
and lived there for 35 years when he movd to Albany where he died in 
1899. His remains are buried in Highland Cemetery. 

John Yeater married Martha Jane Sampson, a native of Madison 
County, Ind. When she was 12 years of age, her father, Caleb Sampson, 
came to Gentry County and settled near McFall. At that time there were 
only seven families living in the county and life there involved many hard- 
ships. Martha Jane (Sampson) Yeater died in 1906 and her remains were 
buried in Highland Cemetery. To the union of John and Martha Jane 
(Sampson) Yeater the following children were born: George, died in in- 
fancy ; William, living in Dent County, Mo ; H. C, the subject of this re- 
view ; W. B., a resident of Albany ; Cornelia, now Mrs. Van Norstrand of 
Stanberry; Mary, now Mrs. Peery of Albany; J. L., deceased; Camelia, 
now Mrs. Smart of Kansas City ; H. P., a physician at Maysville ; Eliza, 
died in infancy ; and Julia Ann, died in infancy. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 487 

H. C. Yeter was a student in the rural schools of Gentry County and 
attended the first high school ever taught in Albany. After completing 
his school work he went to Jameson and studied pharmacy. Later he 
went into the drug business at Jameson and remained there for ten years. 
Over 40 years ago, on March 26, 1881, Mr. Yeater received a certificate of 
proficiency from the State Board of Pharmacy. He then went to Pattans- 
burg and conducted a drug store there for two years. At the end of that 
time he bought a farm which he operated successfully for a period of 11 
years. He came to Albany in 1902 and has been the progressive owner of 
a drug store on the west side of the Public Square ever since. 

Aug. 16, 1877, Mr. Yeater was married to Margaret Irene Allen, a 
native of Daviess County, born Nov. 5, 1858. Her parents were George 
P. and Sarah Allen, both natives of Virginia and members of the Presby- 
terian church. To the union of H. C. and Margaret Irene (Allen) Yeater 
the following children were born ; Ethel, born in 1878, married Mr. Hankins 
and died at Albany at the age of 39 years; Alva P., born July 29, 1880, 
now a druggist at Trenton ; Harry, a resident of Albany ; Herman, a travel- 
ing salesman for the New York Rubber Company living in St. Joseph ; Roy 
born in 1883, and died 18 months later, his remains buried in Bethel Ceme- 
tery ; Evelyn, a buyer for the Leader Store at St. Joseph, now Mrs. Rader 
of Girard, Kans. ; Frederick, mention of whom appears below ; and Ruth 
died at the age of one year. Her remains are buried in Bethel Cemetery. 
Frederick Yeater enlisted for service in the United States Array when he 
was but 17 years old. He was sent to a school at Omaha for 15 months 
where he was in training as a mechanic. He was later sent to New 
York where he remained for a year inspecting army motors. Then he was 
placed at Hoboken, N. J., and later at Niagara Falls. After a service of 
three years he received his discharge. He took the civil service examina- 
tion and was in the service for a year when he resigned and went to 
Omaha where he accepted a position as head of a department in a music 
store. 

H. C. Yeater is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
No. 403, at Pattonsburg. Mr. Yeater's reminiscences extend back over 
a period of more than 60 years. Although belonging to the pioneer days 
of the county, his is still an active business man counducting his afi'airs 
with the acumen and energy that were factors in his early success. It is 
well that the history of such a man, one whose family name has been con- 
nected with the development of Gentry County since the earliest days, 
should be incorporated in a volume such as this. 



488 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Marcus M. Brown, a Civil War veteran, who was a prominent farmer 
and stockman of Gentry County during his life time was a native of Con- 
necticut. He was born in South Coventry, Ct., Dec. 3, 1842, a son of 
Rufus and Sarah (Clark) Brown. They were the parents of the following 
children: Daniel C, deceased; John B., deceased; Mary E., deceased; 
Marcus M., the subject of this sketch; Cornelius, who is engaged in the 
farm loan business in Gentry County. 

Marcus M. Brown came to Gentry County in 1855 with his parents. 
When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in November 1861, in the 25th 
Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. After 
the war he engaged in farming in Gentry County which occupation he suc- 
cessfully followed until the time of his death. He was the owner of 300 
acres of land and was one of the substantial and well-to-do men of the 
county. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and the Grand Army of 
the Republic. 

Marcus M. Brown married Elizabeth Alice Billmire, who was born in 
Ogle County, 111., Nov. 22, 1851. She is the daughter of John W. and 
Nancy (Slaughter) Billmire. Mrs. Brown was one of four children born 
to her parents, as follows: Thornton W., deceased; Dora A., married Harry 
Barnes, Seattle, Wash.; William Sherman, a rancher of Crawford, Colo.; 
and Elizabeth Alice who married Marcus M. Brown, whose name introduces 
this sketch. 

Since the death of Mr. Brown his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Alice Brown, 
has resided on her farm five miles northw'est of King City. Her place is 
operated by George Marcus, a nephew of Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Brown is one 
of the estimable women of Gentry County and has many friends in the 
community. 

George Marcus who operates the Marcus M. Brown farm in Gentry 
County and was born in King City, July 7, 1882. He was educated in the 
public schools and has been engaged in farming most of his life. He mar- 
ried Miss Ada Pickard, a native of DeKalb County, and to them have been 
born the following children: Claude, Beatrice, Leo D., Curtis E., William 
Clark, Dora, and Hazel Louise. 

Mr. Marcus is progressive and enterprising, and a substantial citizen. 

J. E. Davidson, for 22 years the capable and careful superintendent 
of the Albany Telephone Company, was born at Albany, Jan. 10, 1878. His 
parents were W. H. and Margaret B. (Austin) Davidson, the former still 
living at Albany. 

The Davidson name has been well known in Gentry County since the 
time of Joseph Davidson, a pioneer settler of Athens, now called Albany, 
and the grandfather of J. E. Davidson, W. H. Davidson was born in Albany 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 489 

in 1853. He lived in Harrison County for four years and then moved to 
Oklahoma. Here his wife died at Oklahoma City on July 6, 1921, at the 
age of 67 years. Her remains are buried in Grand View Cemetery there. 
J. E. Davidson is the only surviving child of his parents. A sister, Effie, 
died at the age of 38 years. 

J. E. Davidson was educated in the public schools of Albany and was 
a student in Central Christian College graduating from the Commercial 
Department of that institution. He has been connected with the Albany 
Telephone Company practically since its organization on Feb. 26, 1897. 
The company was formed with a capital stock of $2500 with the following 
officers : C. 0. Patton, president ; Wallace Hubbard, secretary ; and C. V. 
Larmer, treasurer. The Company started business with only 60 tele- 
phones in service. So rapid has been the growth of the business that today 
there are 650 stations in operation, the company has one of the finest cen- 
tral office installations in the state, and the capital stock and surplus 
amount to $17,942.50. The present officers are: J. W. Agee, president; 
M. P. Whaley, vice-president ; M. B. Watson, secretary ; J. E. Lainhart, 
treasurer; and E. L. Peery, L. H. Peery, and W. J. Siddens, members of the 
official board, in addition to the officers already named. The company has 
achieved one of the marked successes of the county. It affairs have been 
ably managed and the value of such an organisation has been vital in the 
growth of the community. 

J. E. Davidson was married to Lizzie Bohanna of McFall. To 
this union two sons have been born; Joseph E., and Hartwell. 

Mr. Davidson is a member of the Masonic lodge. He is a man of en- 
terprise and energy. His record of 22 years of continuous and efficient 
service with the Albany Telephone Company would be difficult to duplicate. 
To a large degree the success of the company has been due to the methods 
of Mr. Davidson. He makes it a rule to give his attention to the details 
of the management thus obtaining a view point that gives him a grasp on 
the larger responsibilities. He has attained a success which he well merits 
by virtue of these traits.. 

Johnson Wesley Coulter, a Civil War veteran and a resident of Albany 
since 1865, was born in Meigs County, Ohio, June 15, 1839, the son of 
Abraham and Hanna (Hampton) Counter. Abraham Coulter was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1813 and his wife was born in Ohio in 1919. They 
settled at Albany in 1886, and both died there. Their remains are buried 
in Highland Cemetery. Their children were: Johnson Wesley, the subject 
of this sketch; Warren, died while serving in the Union Army at Knox- 
ville, Tenn. ; Mary Evaline, died in girlhood ; John, a merchant at Kansas 



490 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

City; Mary, married Harry Willis, died at Stanberry and her remains are 
buried in Highland Cemtery ; Ann, now Mrs. A. K. Smith of Albany ; and 
Dallas, a retired farmer, Denver, Mo. 

J. W. Coulter grew up in the midst of the privations of the early 
pioneer days in the Middle West and had little schooling. Three months 
each year he attended the district school in Ohio, but early learned the 
tinners trade at Pomeroy, Ohio, in order to start work for himself. When 
the Civil War broke out, Mr. Coulter answered President Lincoln's first 
call for 75,000 troops and was placed in Company H. 18th Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry where he served for four months. He reenlisted for service but 
the company had been completed so he was denied admission. He came 
to Albany, April 1, 1865 and opened a tin shop. In conjunction with E. L. 
Peery, he ran a hardware store for some time. He and his brother, George 
Coulter, formed a partnership and operated a hardware store also at 
Albany. The firm of Coulter and Perry handled implements in connection 
with the hardware business and later established implements houses at 
Bethany, Pattonsburg and Gentryville. Mr. Coulter retired from active 
business pursuits in 1910, but says that he regrets his retirement as he 
feels it is better for a person to remain actively engaged in commercial 
work until his retirement is absolutely essential. 

J. W. Coulter has been twice married. His first marriage occurred 
in September, 1861, to Sarah R. Sylvester of Dansville, Ohio. To this 
union three children were born: Carrie, first married James Cramer, for 
many years a partner of Mr. Coulter's and after his death his widow mar- 
ried J. M. Layman of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Myrtie, died at the age of four 
years ; and Wade H., born in 1872 and died in 1914, married to Fannie 
Grantham, who with her children. Marguerite and Jack W., hves at Albany. 
Wade H. Coulter was in the public amusement business. He started with 
a wagon show which he ran for two years and then bought the Cole Bros. 
Amusement Company of 15 cars. He operated this business successfuly 
for some time. Shortly after closing the business up he died at Albany, 
Feb. 2, 1914. Mr. Coulter's daughter, Mrs. Layman, has two children. 
Pearl, now married to George Nelson, and with one son, Jimmie Bob ; and 
Opal, married to Hudson Wilcox of Los Angeles. Mrs. Coulter died at 
Albany in June, 1906, and her remains are buried there. 

Mr. Coulter was married the second time, Jan. 11, 1910, in Kansas 
City, to Lillie E. (Evans) Case. Her parents were Edward Evans, born 
in Lancaster County, Pa., Nov. 22, 1823, and Mary (McKee) Evans, born 
in Cumberland County, Pa. Mrs. Coulter was born in Cumberland County, 
Pa., in 1852 and the family came to Rochester, Minn., in 1857. There Mrs. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 491 

Evans died and, in 1862, Mr. Evans moved to Missouri and settled in 
Andrew County for a short time. He married the second time, Anna 
Guinter, and in 1865, they moved to Gentry County, and located at King 
City where Mr. Evans was a contractor and builder. In 1877 they moved 
to Albany and there Mr. Evans died in 1902. His daughter, Lillie, was 
married the lirst time at Maryville, to A. C. Case, born in Jefferson County, 
N. Y., Dec. 15, 1842, the son of Joseph Case. A. C. Case enlisted in the 
Union Army in 1861 and served until the war closed. Mr. Case died at 
Pueblo, Colo., in 1904, leaving one son, Edward C, born in 1876, and died 
at Pueblo, Colo., in 1904. Mr. Case was postmaster at Albany during the 
administrations of President Hayes and President Garfield, serving eight 
years in the office. Mr. Evans built the New Albany and Merchants hotels 
and erected several other important buildings at Albany, and other places. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coulter have a nice two story seven room house on North 
Hundley street with one and one-half acres of ground. Mr. Coulter has 
always been a progressive man with many varied interests. He and 
J. W. Barkley built all of the public buildings on the west side of the 
square with the exception of the Peery building. Mr. Coulter is one of the 
interesting and well known men of the community, known for his public 
spirit and his upright business standards. 

William Peery Stapleton, a well known business man of Albany, con- 
ducts a real estate, loan and insurance office, in which enterprise he has 
been successfully engaged for the past 20 years. Mr. Stapleton was born 
at Albany, Feb. 18, 1865. His parents were Dr. George W. and Emily 
Winn (Peery) Stapleton, both diseased. 

Dr. Stapleton was born in Tennessee, the son of Joseph Stapleton, who 
brought the family to Daviess County, and settled near Pattonsburg, 
where he operated a farm. He lived on his farm for many years and died 
at his home there. His son George W., was born in 1824 and was reared 
in Daviess County. He was a student at Grand River College, Edinburg, 
and received his medical training at St. Louis Medical College from which 
he graduated. He settled in Gentry County In 1848 and was a prominent 
physician here for half a century. He was a charter member of the 
Masonic lodge and of the Chapter and the Commandery. He died in 1910, 
and his remains are buried in Grand View Century. His wife, Emily 
Winn (Peery) Stapleton, was born in Tazewell County, Va., in 1834 and 
came to Grundy County, when she was a young girl with her parents, 
George and Jane Peery. To her union with Dr. Stapleton, the following 
children were born: Edwin E., who died at Santa Rosa, Calif., in 1920; 
William Peery, the subject of this sketch ; P'ielding P., a graduate of Simp- 



492 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

son Medical College, St. Louis, and now a practicing physician at Lawrence, 
Kans. ; and Leona S., married to Robert J. Austin, an attorney, born in 
Casey County, Ky., and for more than 30 years connected with the United 
States Pension Bureau at Washington, D. C. 

William Peery Stapleton was a student in Central College, Fayette, 
and later went into the hardware and implement business. He remained 
in that work for 17 years. He then opened his present office where he 
handled real estate, insurance, and loans. Mr. Stapleton has handled a 
volume of business which of itself marks the success of his methods. 
From March, 1919, to March, 1920, he sold more than $800,000 worth of 
real estate. 

Mr. Stapleton was married on April 28, 1886, to Anna L. Bell, born in 
Howard County, and a graduate of Howard Payne College at Fayette. Her 
father was W. F. Bell, a Southern Methodist minister, now dead ; and her 
mother was Sarah D. (Ridgeway) Bell, also deceased. To the union of 
W. P. and Anna L. (Bell) Stapleton the following children were born: Ada 
Bell, a graduate of Central College at Fayette, holding a Master of Arts 
degree from Washington University at St. Louis, and now a teacher of 
English, and Dean of Women at Texas Womans College, Fort Worth, 
Texas; Sarah Emily, a graduate of Central College, Lexington, formerly 
a teacher of Home Economics in Palmer College, and now living at home ; 
George W., at home ; Margaret Ann, a graduate of Washington Seminary, 
Washington, D. C, and now married to John R. Doyle of Albany ; Fielding 
P., a brief sketch of whom appears below ; and Jack Frederick, who holds 
the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Washington University, St. Louis, and 
was a student in the Pulitzer School of Journalism, Columbia University, 
New York. He served during the World War in the Students Training 
Corps at Washington University. He is now publisher of the Owl-Head- 
light at Stanbury. 

Fielding Peery Stapleton was born at Albany, Sept. 6, 1897. He grad- 
uated from the Albany High School in the class of 1914, took a Bachelor of 
Arts degree from Washington University, St. Louis in 1919, and the degree 
of Bachelor of Laws from Harvai'd University in 1921. He began the 
practice of his profession in Albany in July, 1921. He enlisted for service 
in the World War at the Municipal Pier, Chicago, and was sent to the Great 
Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago. He was there in the United 
States Naval Auxiliary Reserve School until Feb. 3, 1919, and is still a 
member of the Reserve Corps. 

W. P. Stapleton and his sons. Fielding P., and Jack F., are all members 
of the Masonic lodge. Mr. Stapleton and his family are all factors for 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 493 

progress in the community. It is a family of marked ability and enter- 
prise. 

Robert Murphy, formerly a farmer and stockman of Gentry County, 
and engaged in the real estate business with W. P. Stapleton, was born in 
Carey County, Ky., Jan. 13, 1845, the son of William and Melianda 
(Henson) Murphy. 

William Murphy was a farmer in Kentucky where he died in the fall 
oT 1845, leaving the following children: Richard, died in Illinois in 1852; 
Mary, married A. J. Malson and died in Gentry County ; James, died in 
Gentry County in 1862 ; Martha, died in Nebraska, married first to Lewis 
David of Gentry County, and after his death in Iowa, married to James 
James who died in Gentry County ; Joseph, a farmer now living in Huggins 
Township, at the age of 84 years ; Ann, now living in St. Joseph, married 
first to G. W. Wells to which union nine children were born, and after Mr. 
Wells' death, married to Jacob Creager of Bethany; John, a farmer in Lin- 
coln County, Okla., now 79 years of age; and Robert, the subject of this 
sketch. By a second marriage of Melisanda (Henson) Mui^phy in Illinois in 
1847 to Jacob Collins, a physician, she had two children: Zachariah, died at 
the age of two years; and L. A., a farmer living near Frederick, Okla., and 
now 69 years old. Dr. Collins died in 1852 and his wSdow died in Gentry 
County in 1899 at the age of 83 years. Her remains are buried in the New 
Friendship Cemetery. 

The Murphy family moved from Kentucky to Illinois in 1846 and from 
Illinois to Missouri in 1855. The family settled near Albany and five years 
later Robert Murphy, then 15 years old, began working on a farm for $10 
a month. He continued to work by the month for six years, sometimes re- 
ceiving as much as $16.50 per month. He then took up the work of trad- 
ing and followed this line until he was 35 years old when he bought a farm 
of 205 acres of excellent land. He owned this land at the time of his death 
and also 170 acres which he bought later. 

Robert Murphy was married in 1880 to Lizzie Ray of Gentry County, 
a daughter of A. J. and Jane Ray, both deceased. Mrs Mui-phy died in 
March, 1920 and her remains are buried in the New Friendship Cemetery. 
To this union of Robert and Lizzie (Ray) Murphy two children were born: 
Maud C, died at the age of seven years; and E. Ray, born Sept. 11, 1892, 
graduated from the Albany High School, and afterwards was a student 
for three years in William Jewell College at Liberty. He enlisted for 
service in the United States Navy, May 28, 1918, and was sent first to the 
Great Lakes Training Camp and then to Norfolk, Va., where he remained 
until June, 1919. He is now a member of the Naval Reserve Force. He 
now holds a position with Gentry County Bank of Albany. 



494 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Robert Murphy was the one of the interesting pioneer characters of 
Gentry County. His recollections of the eai-ly days of mingled romance 
and hardships gave a vivid picture of those times in the history of the 
state. He knew the state before the turbulent days of the Civil War as 
well as through that trying period. Mr. Murphy died Dec. 18, 1921. 

John R. Doyle, a veteran of the World War now connected with the 
office of the W. P. Stapleton Real Estate, Insurance and Loans Company, 
was born in Albany, Oct. 18, 1893, the son of Dr. G. W. and Mary (Zoll) 
Doyle. 

G. W. Doyle was born in Illinois in 1851. He I'eceived his education at 
the Central Missouri State Teachers College at Warrensburg and Jefferson 
Medical College in Philadelphia from which he graduated in 1881. He 
located at Albany where he continued to practice medicine for more than 27 
years and where he was widely known both in his professional capacity 
and as a private citizen. Dr. Doyle was a member of the Knights of 
Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Yeoman lodges. He 
died at Albany, Dec. 15, 1908 and his remains are buried in Highland Cem- 
etery. His widow, Mary (Zoll) Doyle, continued to reside at Albany until 
her marriage, Aug. 12, 1921, to Judge Milton Remley, of Iowa City, Iowa. 
Judge Remley is a prominent man of Iowa, where he has served three terms 
as the State Attorney General. 

John R. Doyle, the only living child of his parents, graduated from the 
Albany High School in 1911, and from Westminister College at Fulton, in 

1917. He enlisted in the United States Navy at Kansas City, April 22, 

1918, and was sent to the Naval Training Station at Newport, R. I. He re- 
mained there for six months and then was sent to the Harvard Radio 
School at Cambridge, Mass., and was there when the armistcie was signed. 
Mr. Doyle was mustered out of service in December, 1918, returned to Al- 
bany, and became identified with the Stapleton Real Sstate, Insurance, and 
Loan Company which position he has filled ever since. On Aug. 9, 1920, 
John R. Doyle was married to Margaret Stapleton, a daughter of W. P. 
Stapleton. 

Mr. Doyle is a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and of the 
Masonic Lodge. He is a young man of ability and promise. 

Samuel Oscar Harding, Doctor of Osteopathy at Albany, is one of the 
successful young professional men of the town. He was born in Worth 
County, Aug. 28, 1889. His parents are Samuel and Anna (Keltz) Harding. 

Samuel Harding was born in Indiana and reared there where he was 
a farmer. He came to Missouri in 1888 and is now living at Warrensburg. 
His wife was also born in Indiana. To their union the following children 
were born : Albert, a farmer at Ridgeway ; Charlie, a farmer near Warrens- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES -195 

burg ; E. F., Doctor of Osteopathy at Bethany ; Lora, now Mrs. Carpenter 
of Ridgeway; Scott, a farmer near Warrensburg ; Ethel, married to M. E. 
Redford, Doctor of Osteopathy, at Tarkio ; Cora, wife of Victor Blacketine, 
Warrensburg; S. 0., the subject of this sketch ; J. F., Doctor of Osteopathy, 
Holdredge. Nebr., and C. H., Doctor of Osteopathy, Hamburg, Iowa. Two 
children died in infancy. 

S. 0. Harding attended the Warrensburg High School and later was 
a student in the American School of Osteopathy from which he graduated, 
Jan. 20, 1917. He located at Albany and began the practice of his profes- 
sion there the month after he graduated at Kirksville. On May 25, 1918, 
Dr. Harding was inducted into service in the United States Army and was 
sent to Camp Dodge, Iowa, for training. He was commissioned corporal 
and was sent to Camp Mills, N. J., Aug. 9, 1918, and overseas Aug. 15, 

1918. He sailed on the English ship, Saxton, and arrived at Liverpool, 
Aug. 28, 1918. He went into training one week at an English camp, and 
then went to Southhampton, and across the English Channel to Cherburg, 
France. From there he went to Flavigney where he was in training for 
two weeks. He was then moved to Stoney Castle. Here the troops were 
attacked by the influenza and more than two-thirds of the company were 
ill at the same time. Dr. Harding went to the front on the Alsace Lorraine 
Sector on Oct. 7, 1918, and left that sector on Oct. 27th. He was sent to 
Surmagney where he remained until Nov. 9th, when he was sent to the 
Metz Sector, arriving at Villa St. Etetienne on Nov. 11, the day the armis- 
tice was signed. He left on Nov. 29th for Hourdlaine Court where he 
arrived Dec. 1, 1918, and on April 9, 1919, was transferred from Company 
B, 351st Infantry to 241st Military Police Company. He was sent to 
Nogent, where he arrived April 10, 1919. He left on May 8th and arrived 
at Lemans. May 11th. This is a Belgium Military Training School and 
from there. Dr. Harding went to Brest, on May 29th, and sailed for home 
on the United States boat, Imperator, at eight o'clock on the evening of 
June 12th. He arrived at Hoboken, N. J., June 20th, was sent to Camp 
Merritt, then to Camp Taylor, and was mustered out of service, July 1, 

1919. After his discharge from duty. Dr. Harding returned to Albany and 
resumed the practice of his profession. 

Dr. Harding was married May 18, 1920, to Ogartia Gillespie, a 
daughter of J. H., Jr., and Sarah Gillespie, of Albany where Mrs. Harding 
was born. 

Dr. Harding is a member of the Masonic lodge and is a charter member 
of the Donald Holden Post No. 106, of the American Legion. He has an 
excellent record as a soldier, enduring all the hardships uncomplainingly 
and manifesting at all times, the true soldier spirit of courage and endur- 



496 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ance. He is a young man of marked promise who is winning friends in his 
profession, as well as a citizen. 

John A. Waltemath, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Shelby 
County, Oct. 7, 1880, and is a son of Henry and Louise (Wise) Waltemath. 
Henry Waltemath was a native of Germany and came to America when he 
was 14 years old, first settling in Shelby County, 111. He began life as a 
farmer in Illinois and later came to Missouri and settled in Gentry County, 
where he was a successful farmer and stock raiser for many years. He 
was the owner of 458 acres of land in the vicinity of Berlin. He was a 
Republican and a member of the German Lutheran church. His widow 
now resides in the old home place, near Berlin, with her son, Edward. 

To Henry Waltemath and wife were born the following children: 
Charles, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in Canada ; Reka, 
married Benjamin Fite, a fanner and stock raiser in Gentry County; 
Henry, a farmer and stock raiser near Denver; Fred, a farmer and stock 
raiser near Ford City ; Herman and George, twins ; Herman is a farmer 
and stock raiser about five miles north of King City and George is also a 
farmer and stock raiser on the old home place ; and John A., the subject 
of this review. 

John A. Waltemath was reared on a farm and received his education 
in the district schools. He has been familiar with farm life since boy- 
hood. He began his independent career as a farmer and stockman in 
operating the home place owned by his father-in-law. He continued thus 
for six years when he bought a farm to which he has added from time to 
time until he is now the owner of a large and valuable farm of 560 acres in 
Jackson Township. He carries on general farming and stock raising. He 
is an extensive sheep feeder, and fed over 7000 head the past year. 

Mr. Waltemath married Miss Anna Deiter, a daughter of John and 
Margueriete (Edwards) Deiter. John Deiter was an extensive farmer and 
stockman and the owner of 1200 acres of land. He is now deceased and 
his widow resides at Stanberry. They were the parents of the following 
children, besides Mrs. Waltemath : Maud, married John G. Eibarger, a far- 
mer and stockman near Stanberry ; Clyde, a farmer and stockman in Neb- 
raska ; William, a fanner and stockman living in Kansas ; Lewis, a farmer 
and stockman also living in Kansas ; Joseph, a fanner and stockman, living 
on the home place near Stanberry ; and John, farmer and stockman, also 
living on the old home place. To Mr. and Mrs. Waltemath have been born 
the following children, Paul, deceased; Maud, Margauriete, Charlotte, 
Joseph and Rosalie. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 497 

Mr. Waltemath is a dependable citizen and the Waltemath family 
stands high in Gentry County. 

James O'Mara, a successful farmer and stockraiser of Athens Town- 
ship, Gentry County, and the vice-president of the Gentry County Bank at 
Albany, as a native of Ireland, born in County Waterford, Feb. 28, 1853, 
the son of Philip and Mary O'Mara, both of whom died in Ireland. Their 
children were: Thomas, born in 1850, came to the United States, settled 
in Hartford, Conn., where he married and died ; Mary married Thomas 
O'Connell and lives in Ireland; Mary, married Thomas Healy and lives in 
Ireland; James, the subject of this review; Katie, married John McGrath 
and lives in Ireland ; and Margaret, married William O'Connell, and died in 
Ireland. 

James O'Mara came to the United States when he was 18 years old 
and settled in New York, where he worked in a dairy for one winter for 
$10 a month. He had to be up at four o'clock in the morning to milk and 
his hours lasted until nine o'clock at night. He continued to work by the 
month for ten years and then came to Missouri. He located in Gentry 
County and worked at first for C. G. Comstock for $16 a month. He con- 
tinued this work for a year and then bought 95 acres of land for $2,000 
from Alfred Keys, using in payment the money he had saved while work- 
ing by the month. At later times he bought first 40 acres, then 120 acres, 
160 acres, then 80 acres of land. He sold 15 acres which leaves him with 
490 acres in one tract. His home, two miles southeast of Albany is situ- 
ated on this land. Mr. O'Mara has dealt in cattle, Poland China hogs and 
Percheron horses and keeps about 500 Leghorn chickens. He made a prac- 
tice of selling his cattle off the grass and has always been an astute seller. 
Of recent years the scarcity of farm help has caused Mr. O'Mara to prac- 
tically give up any active operations on his farm, instead he has found it 
advisable to rent the land out. 

James O'Mara was married Sept. 26, 1880, to Katie Williams, a daugh- 
ter of Nicholas and Katie Williams of New York, both now dead. Mr. 
O'Mara is a Republican. He is a man who has carved his own success m 
life and says that the sure and safe way to independence is to save a 
part of one's earnings each month. Mr. O'Mara thinks that a young man 
of thrift has moi-e opportunities than came the way of the young man 40 
years ago. He is one of the interesting self-made men of the county, a 
reliable and substantial citizen. 

O. L. Grace, the efficient proprietor of the Grace Cafe located on the 
west side of the public square at Albany, was born in Howard Township. 
Gentry County, July 1, 1880, the son of Rufus and Elizabeth (Wiley) 
Grace, both now living at New Hampton. 



498 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Rufus Grace was born in Ray County and moved to Harrison County, 
after the close of the Civil War. He lived on a farm in Howard Township 
for many years but about ten years ago, he sold his fanri and moved to 
his present residence. His wife, Elizabeth (Wiley) Grace was born in 
Illinois and came to Howard Township with her parents when she was a 
child of seven years. Her father was Chester Wiley and her mother, 
Elizabeth Wiley; they died about 1894, and their remains are buried in 
Lone Star Cemetery. To the union of Rufus and Elizabeth (Wiley) Grace 
the following children were born: W. R., now a resident of Sioux City, 
Iowa; A. J., a farmer in Howard Township, Gentry County; M. D., living 
at Rupert, Idaho ; Lilly, the wife of Tilman Guess of Albany ; Dora, married 
to John Bender of Harrison County ; 0. L., the subject of this sketch ; 
Junia, married Ernie Crane, and died in Harrison County in 1918, her 
remains are buried in Lone Star Cemetery ; Charlie, a resident of Lebanon 
in LaClede County; Neva, married to Robert Robertson, Worth County; 
Bama, the wife of Lewis Logsdon of Howard Township ; and Ray, a farmer 
in Gentry County. 

0. L. Grace was educated in the rural schools and began to farm when 
he was 18 years old. He bought a farm in Harrison County which he after- 
wards sold and entered the hardware business at Albany in partnership 
with J. W. Kerlan and Tilman Guess. He remained in this business for 
three years and in the spring of 1817 he opened a grocery store at 
Albany. He operated this enterprise for a year and a half and then went 
to King City where he purchased a restaurant which he managed for some 
time. On Sept. 22, 1921, Mr. Grace located in Albany where he has estab- 
lished an excellent business. His restaurant is one of the best in the sur- 
rounding community and Mr. Grace's long experience in conducting public 
eating places makes it possible for him to understand and satisfy the de- 
sires of the traveling public. 

0. L. Grace was married Feb. 3, 1904. to Myrtle Bender, a daughter 
of Frank Benter of Albany. Mrs. Grace was born and reared at New 
Hampton. Her mother died when Mrs. Grace was a child of three years. 
Mr. and Mrs. Grace have a son, Guy, a student in the Albany High School, 
and one son died in infancy. 

Mr. Grace is a member of the Yoeman Lodge. He is an energetic and 
capable business man. 

Isaac Gentry Patlon, member of a well known pioneer family of Gen- 
try County and a farmer and stockman of Miller Township, where he has 
land holdings comprising 555 acres, was born on the farm where he now 
lives, Dec 17, 1872, the son of John R. and Mary C. (Gentry) Patton ; and 
the grandson of James C. Patton. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 499 

James C. Patton was a native of Tennessee who migrated to Missouri 
when the state was yet a part of wild frontier land. In 1841 he settled in 
Gentry County and bought a squatter's rights to a farm entering the land 
for himself. The first improvements on the piece of ground were a log 
cabin, the roof of which was held up by "weight poles," and a small corn 
patch. Mr. Patton however with true pioneer coui'age set about improv- 
ing the farm and became one of the prominent men of his community. 
From the time of his arrival in the county to the date of his death he was 
intensely interested in the building up of all community interests. The 
churches were naturally the center of the group life of the early settlers 
and Mr. Patton bought and paid for the land upon which the old Mt. Zion 
church was built and where the Mt. Zion Cemetery was laid out. This 
Presbyterian church, built of loge, housed the congregation for many years 
later giving away to a more pretentious brick structure, and that in turn 
supplanted by the present edifice, a frame building erected in 1892. Mr. 
Patten's son, Isaac A., contributed largely to the building of this last 
church and the entire north wing was built by Ora Patton, a great grand- 
daughter of James C. Patton. Mr. Patton's remains are buried in the Mt. 
Zion Cemetery. 

John R. Patton was born in Monroe County, Tenn., in 1826, and came 
to Missouri with his father, James C. Patton. He moved to the place 
now owned by his son, Isaac G., in 1871 and at the time of his death 
owned 700 acres of land. He died Aug. 26, 1907, and his remains were 
buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. His wife, Mary C. (Gentry) Patton was 
born in Ray County in 1852, and died in Genti-y County in 1907. Her re- 
mains also are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. The children of John R. and 
Mary C. (Gentry) Patton were: Isaac C, the subject of this sketch; Mary 
Bell, the wife of Doctor Ganaway of New Mexico; Charles Cooper, living 
at Stanberry; and Jefferson P., farming his grandfather's old place in 
Miller Township. 

Isaac G. Pattan attended the rural schools of the county and later 
was a student in the Stanberry and Chillicothe normal schools. He moved 
to his present farm in 1897 and has been highly successful both as a gen- 
eral farmer and as a stockman. On his farm he has two good residences 
with good farm buildings surrounding each house. Mr. Patton was elected 
county collector for Gentry County on the Democratic ticket in 1900 and 
during the time he was serving in that capacity he lived in Albany. He 
was reelected in 1902. serving in all four years. At the end of that time 
he returned to his farm. 

Isaac G. Patton was married in 1895 to Nannie M. Quigley, a daughter 
of William and Nancy (Price) Quigley, sketches of whose lives appear in 



500 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

connection of the review of the life of S. E. Quigley in this volume. Mrs. 
Patton was born in Athens Township, and attended Christian College of 
Albany. Mr. and Mrs. Patton have four children: John W., a graduate of. 
the Albany High School, is a Royal Arch Mason, now living at home ; Hen- 
rietta, the wife of 0. G. Cousins, a lumberman of Albany ; Bertha, a grad- 
uate of Palmer College, and now teaching in the county ; and Pebble Gentry 
at home. 

Mr. Patton is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Ancient 
Free and Accepted Masons, the Blue lodge, the Royal Arch and the Com- 
mandery. As a public official, Mr. Patton was efficient and popular, and as 
a private citizen he has been a man of integrity and industry. 

David H. Wooderson, the proprietor of the White Pine Farm in Miller 
Township, Gentry County, was born in Jackson Township, Daviess County, 
April 10, 1856, the son of William and Elizabeth (Woolard) Wooderson. 

William Wooderson was born in Pennsylvania and came first to Ohio 
and later to Missouri where he entered land in Daviess County. His wife 
was born in Ray County, Missouri, in 1824, the daughter of John and 
Nancy Woolard, both natives of Tennessee. Mrs. Wooderson died in 
Daviess County, and Mr. Wooderson died in Nebraska, while on a visit 
there. The remains of both are buried in Jackson Township, Daviess 
County. To their union the following children were born: Richard, served 
in the Union Army during the Civil War, and :lied at Clinton in Henry 
County, Mo. ; Nancy, died in girlhood ; Mary Jane, deceased, was married 
to John McKown, also deceased ; John, died in young manhood ; Sarah, the 
wife of W. McKown of Carlow ; Martha, died when a young girl ; Charles 
P., died in early youth ; D. H., the subject of this sketch ; Celestine, died in 
childhood ; W. T., a farmer in Miller Township ; Elizabeth, now married to 
David Dever, of Brook Park, Minn.; and Lulu, married to John Gill of 
Montana. 

D. H. Wooderson obtained his education in an old log school house 
furnished with slab benches, one row of eight by ten lengths extending 
along the side of the building. He farmed in Iowa for two years and then 
worked in Gentry County by the month. His first work was splitting rails 
and his first wage was 50 cents a day. He rented a farm and began to work 
for himself and after 14 years, had accumulated enough to buy his present 
farm of 120 acres. That was 27 years ago. and Mr. Wooderson paid $25 
an acre for the land. He has a good two story house which he built in 
1903 and excellent fami buildings. He raises high grade stock and has 
five head of registered Poll Angus cattle, besides good grade hogs. In the 
yard by Mr. Woodersons' home there stands two beautiful white pine trees 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 501 

which gave the farm its name. These trees were put out in 1876 by Thomas 
Wilson, a pioneer farmer of Gentry County now Hving in Shadron, Neb. 

D. H. Wooderson was married May 25, 1881, to Sarah A. Patton, a 
daughter of W. A. Patton, a native of Tennessee where he was born near 
Sweet Water. He came with his father, James Patton, to Missouri in 1841, 
and the Patton family became one of the prominent families of the county. 
W. A. Patton settled first in Daviess County, but a year later came to Miller 
Township in Gentry County where he became the owner of 300 acres of 
land. He died on his home farm April 28, 1900. His wife, also born near 
Sweet Water, Tenn., died Jan. 31, 1907, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. 
Wooderson. To the union of W. A. Patton and his wife the following 
children were born: Susan, married Port Fore and died a year later; Mar- 
shal, died at his farm in Miller Township, July 11, 1908, at the age of 61 
years; Lou, married Newton McCammon and died in May, 1921; Charles 
O., a physician of McFall, Mo., died Aug. 1, 1913, at the age of 58 years; 
Hattie, married Henry Penniston of Ray County; Sarah A., now Mrs. 
Wooderson; Fannie, the wife of David Buster of St. Joseph; W. A., Jr., 
farming the home place, and Hugh, a physician at McFall. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wooderson have four children as follows: Audra, the wife 
of Arthur Elam of McFall ; Frank, a farmer in Miller Township ; Eliza, a 
teacher in St. Joseph, where she has achieved success in her profession ; and 
Frances, connected with the Watkins Music Store at Independence. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wooderson have also six grand children ; LeRoy and George Elam ; 
and Irene, Grace, Dale, and Tom Wooderson. 

Mr. Wooderson is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the Modern 
Woodmen of America lodge. He is a republican in his politics and has 
made the race for the office of county judge in the south district three 
times. He has served as the trustee of Miller Township, filling the office 
in a thoroughly competent fashion. Mr. Wooderson is a substantial mem- 
ber of the community and a highly esteemed citizen. 

Malcolm Monroe Semple, the enterprising proprietor of Semple Ridge 
Farm in Athens Township, Gentry County, was born Nov. 23, 1878, the 
son of Robert T. and Mary (Wyper) Semple, both natives of Scotland. 

Mr. and Mrs. Semple were married in Glascow, Scotland, March 5, 
1858, and came to the United States, the same year. They settled in Penn- 
sylvania where they remained for 11 years and then came to Missouri 
where they located on a farm now owned by their son, Malcolm M., in 1870. 
Robert T. Semple died on his farm, July 26, 1878, and his remains are 
buried in Bulla Cemetery. His widow died on the farm, Jan. 10, 1912. 
Their children were: Elizabeth, born May 9, 1859, now married to J. B. 
Wavman of Johnson County; David T., born Sept. 3, 1861, now living at 



502 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Waldon, Colo.; Alex. F., born Feb. 15, 1867, now living at Rothville in 
Chariton County; Robert J., born Feb. 21, 1870, now residing in Johnson 
County ; Mary J., born July 16, 1864, now wife of J. W. Smith of Oklahoma ; 
and James W., born July 7, 1872, and died July 1, 1889; and Malcolm M., 
the subject of this review. 

Malcolm M. Semple attended the Spessard school and grew up on the 
farm. He raised his first crop for his mother in 1893. In 1913 he bought 
the home place of 80 acres two and one-half miles southeast of Albany. 
The place is well watered with one good spring which supplies the stock 
with water. Mr. Semple raises cattle, hogs, horses, and mules. He milks 
cows and has several Rhode Island Red chickens. His farm is well ar- 
ranged and nicely fenced and presents an attractive appearance. 

Malcolm Monroe Semple was married Nov. 19, 1905, to Eliza Osborn, 
the daughter of T. J. and Mary J. (Armstrong) Osborn, the former now 
living at Albany, and the latter died in 1887. Her remains are buried in 
Mt. Zion Cemetery. Mrs. Semple was born in Miller Township. She has 
a brother, Samuel, living at Albany, and a sister, Roxy D., the wife of 
Vestie Cooper of Albany. Mrs. Semple attended the Albany public school 
and later was a student in Christian College at Albany. Mr. Semple, has 
been very successful in the operation of his farm and is accounted a thrifty 
and industrious man. 

M. W. Chenoweth, member of the successful firm of Chenoweth & 
Rice at Albany, was born in Putman County, Ind., Feb. 15, 1880, the son 
of R. B., and Elizabeth (Drew) Chenoweth, both now dead. 

R. B. Chenoweth was married in Indiana and came to Gentry County, 
in 1855 and located in Athens Township. He was a successful farmer and 
continued in active farm work until the time of his death in 1904, while he 
was visiting in California. Mr. Chenoweth was a member of the Masonic 
lodge. His wife was reared in Indiana, and died in Gentry County, June 
16, 1919. The remains of both Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth are buried in 
Highland Cemetery. Their children were: J. R., a resident of Albany; 
J. W., who also lives at Albany ; C. E., living in Panhandle, Texas ; G. W. 
farming the home place; and M. M., the subject of this sketch. 

M. M. Chenoweth attended the Albany .school and later was a student 
in the business department of the Methodist College at Albany. In 1904 
he opened a grocery store with W. H. Davis as his partner. Six years later 
Mr. Chenoweth bought out Mr. Davis' interest in the store, and in 1920 he 
sold an interest in the enterprise to Thomas Rice, since which time the 
firm name has stood, Chenoweth & Rice. The business, since 1904, has 
been located on the north side of the Public Square in a building 23x80 
feet ; and during this time the business has developed into one of the sue- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 503 

cessful enterpriss of the town. The firm carries a complete line of gro- 
ceries and some queensware. 

M. M. Chenoweth was married Nov 16, 1919 to Mattie Wiley, a daugh- 
ter of James and Jane Wiley of New Hampton. Mrs. Chenoweth was born 
and educated in Harrison County. 

Mr. Chenoweth is accounted an excellent business man, energetic and 
competent in the management of his affairs, and with the prospect of a 
markedly successful business career. 

Lester M. Robison, proprietor of the Robison Dry Goods store, at 
Albany, was born in Denver, Worth County, Nov. 17, 1883, the son of 
I. M. and Emma (Hess) Robison. 

I. M. Robison was born in Licking County, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1855, and 
was reared on a farm thei'e. He attended the public school and at the age 
of 16 years, began teaching. He later attended the Normal School at Le- 
banon, Ohio, for three years, acquiring during that period an unusual de- 
gree of scholarship. In 1876, he went to Henry County, Iowa, where he 
taught for one year when he accepted a position in a high school in Oregon. 
There he taught during the winters and worked in the harvest field during 
the summers. His work was measuring the grain after it had been thresh- 
ed and in one four weeks, Mr. Robison measured 14,376 bushels of grain. 
He returned to Ohio and resumed his studies in the Normal School at 
Lebanon and in 1879, he located at Denver, where he accepted a clerkship 
with Mr. Tipton, soon becoming a partner in the business. In January, 
1882, the firm built a large store building at Denver. The company was 
later known as the Mclninch & Company. Mr. Robison sold out his inter- 
est in Denver and moved to Albany in 1885 where he went into the dry 
goods business. Later he became interested in the clothing business in 
partnership with F. M. Gadd and in 1901 he retired from active mercantile 
pursuits and has been living in Albany ever since. 

Lester M. Robison was educated in Gentry County, graduated from 
the Albany High School and then was a student in Northwest Missouri 
College at Albany for one year. He accepted a position as assistant book- 
keeper in the Gentry County Bank where he remained for two years. For 
the next four years he was connected with the firm of Tipton & Miller and 
at the end of which time he formed a partnership with Mr. Tipton and the 
two did business under the firm name of Tipton & Robison. Mr. Robison 
sold his interest in the enterprise to Mr. Tipton and in 1912 he opened up 
his present business which occupies the first floor, a room 26x93 feet, of 
the building at the northwest corner of the public square. Mr. Robison 
carries dry goods, shoes, and ladies ready-to-wear goods. He has an excel- 



504 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

lent line of merchandise and operates his business with courtesy and con- 
sideration. These have been strong factors in his success. 

Lester M. Robison was married July 3, 1906, to Jeanette Owings, a 
daughter of 0. H. and Minnie (Jacoby) Owings of Darlington. Mr. and 
Mrs. Robison have one son, Robert. 

Mr. Robison is a member of the Albany School Board which position he 
has filled for the past four years. He is a competent business man and a 
reliable and substantial citizen. 

John Preston, a pioneer settler of western Missouri, now living I'etired 
at King City, has been identified with this section of the state for over 
half a century. He is a native of England, born in London, June 19, 1851, 
and was the only child born to John and Anna Preston. He received his edu- 
cation in his native land and came to America in 1865, and after spending 
six months in New York State he came west to St. Joseph. In the winter 
of 1865-66 he was employed on railroad construction and in the following 
spring he was employed in making railroad ties for the Union Pacific from 
Leavenworth, Kans., west, later on the St. Joseph and Denver, and after- 
wards on the St. Joseph and St. Louis Railway, then on the construction of 
the Rock Island, from Leavenworth to Trenton. He then worked on a 
farm for a time between Horseshoe Lake and the river. Later he was em- 
ployed by the A. C. Smith Company Packing House and the old rock build- 
ing in which he worked is still standing. He then worked on a market 
garden for a time. Mr. Preston was engaged in farming and stock raising 
on a farm of 80 acres in Gentry County. He added more land later on, 
and is now the owner of 160 acres, and town property in King City where 
he now lives. He was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising 
for many years until he retired from active farm life when he removed to 
King City. 

Mr. Preston was married to Miss Josephine Quell, a daughter of 
Joseph and Augusta (Schmidt) Quell. Joseph Quell was a native of Ger- 
many and in early life learned the trade of millwright in his native land, 
but after coming to America he was employed as a carpenter in connection 
with the coal mining industry of Pennsylvania. He served in the Union 
Army for a time during the Civil War and later came to Missouri and set- 
tled near Keystone, Clinton County, and became very well-to-do, and was 
the owner of 280 acres of land. He was a Democrat, and he and his wife 
were members of the Catholic church. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Preston have been born the following children: 
Esther Ann, married P. A. Miller, El Paso, Texas, where he is engaged in 
the real estate and insurance business ; J. W., who is owner of a farm of 
80 acres near King City, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising; 




MK. AND MRS. Jill IX I'KF.STON 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 505 

married Martha Esther Blacklock who is now deceased; Grace, married 
Austin Brown, a farmer and stock raiser near Ford City ; Maud J., a student 
in Palmer College, Albany, where she is specializing in music ; Anna 
Augusta, deceased ; Joseph Henry, deceased ; and George Cleo, deceased. 

Mr. Preston has seen much of the development of Gentry County from 
the pioneer days to the present time. When he came here there were no 
railroads and transportation was mostly carried on with ox teams and the 
trip to St. Joseph was a long and tiresome one. He has been identified with 
many of the progressive movements which had for their object the devel- 
opment and upbuilding of Gentry County. He was president of the Farm- 
ers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Gentry County for seven years. 
He and Mrs. Preston are Republicans and members of the Presbyterian 
church and he is a Royal Arch Mason. 

John H. Guess, well known in Gentry County, as a successful auc- 
tioneer, was born eight miles northeast of Albany, his present home, Nov. 
8, 1880, the son of Richard and Susan (Guess) Guess. 

Richard Guess was born in Worth County in 1884. He was the son of 
Tilman Guess, a native of Tennessee, who settled in Smith Township, 
Worth County, prior to 1845. He located in Lot's Grove on Lot's Creek, 
but later moved to Gentry County where he located near Lone Star, where 
his brother, Matthew Guess, joined him a year later. Richard Guess own- 
ed a farm of 169 acres which he improved. He continued to operate his 
land with success until his death in 1889. His widow, born in Iowa, and 
married in Worth County, now lives at Lone Star. Their children were: 
Charles, living at Albany ; Tilman, a resident of Albany ; Delia, now the 
wife of A. J. Grace of Lone Star; John H., the subject of this sketch; 
Rachel, married to Lester Runyon of Lone Star; and George, died at the 
home place at the age of 17 years. 

Mr. Guess was educated in the rural schools and has been a farmer 
all of his life. In January, 1910, he attended the Missouri Auction School 
at Trenton of which W. P. Carpenter was the president. This is the 
school, now located in Kansas City, and still managed by Mr. Carpenter. 
Mr. Guess graduated within a year after his entrance and cried his first 
sale at Lone Star immediately after his graduation. Mr. Guess gives 
especial attention to farm sales and live stock sales. Last year he sold 
more than $110,000 worth of live stock, in addition to other sales. Mr. 
Guess continues to opei'ate his farm of 160 acres in Howai'd Township in 
connection with his work as an auctioneer. 

Mr. Guess was married Oct. 29, 1902, to Nellie E. Stewart, a daughter 
of Alfred and Emily (Glendenning) Stewart who lives nine miles northeast 
of Albany. Mrs. Guess graduated in music from Christian College in 



506 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Albany and was a successful teacher of music before her marriage. Mr. 
and Mrs. Guess have four children, as follows: George Stewart, now a 
senior in the Albany High School ; Lewis D., in the third year of his high 
school work ; and Leona, and John Paul. 

Mr. Guess made the race for sheriff of Gentry County on the Demo- 
cratic ticket in the primary election of August, 1912, competing with five 
men. He failed to get the nomination by 73 votes, but carried every vote 
in his home precinct. Mr. Guess is a member of the Masonic lodge and of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both as a farmer and an auc- 
tioneer he is thoroughly competent. His work in the latter field has be- 
come so well known that he has many calls into the neighboring counties 
of Worth, Harrison and Daviess, and has at times been called upon to cry 
sales in other parts of the state. Mr. Guess is one of the substantial men 
of his community. 

Jonathan S. Monroe, a highly respected farmer, the proprietor of Elm 
Grove Farm in Athens Township, Gentry County, is a member of the 
famous branch of the Monroe family to which President Monroe, belonged. 
Jonathan S. Monroe was born at Decatur, 111., June 10, 1854, the son of 
Simon P., and Elizabeth (Wright) Monroe, both born in Baron County, 
Ky., in 1829 ; and married in Illinois, Jan 3, 1852. 

Mr. and Mrs. Monroe left Illinois in 1868, and settled in Madison 
County, Iowa; but in 1873, they came west to Rice County, Kans. This 
was wild frontier country at that time and the next year the buffaloes 
overran the claim while Mr. Monroe was breaking up the sod; and, in 1874, 
the terrible scourge of grasshoppers swept over the middle west, destroy- 
ing the crops wherever they passed. That year Mr. Monroe had planted 115 
acres of corn, only to see the grasshoppers desolate the entire tract. How- 
ever, he shipped a carload of seed corn in from Iowa, sold some of it to his 
neighbors, planted the remained of it himself, and was able to raise a crop. 
He remained on his farm until his death, July 10, 1916. His widow died 
May 26, 1921, at the advanced age of 92 years. The remains of both are 
buried in the cemetery at Lyons, Kans. Their children were: J. S., the 
subject of this sketch; James W., now living in Colorado; Ida J., now the 
wife of William Saint, of Rice County, Kans. ; Charles E., living in Chase, 
Kans. ; and Mary E., living in Rice County, Kans. 

J. S. Monroe attended the Iowa schools in his boyhood and has been a 
farmer all of his life. He owned a farm of 200 acres in Rice County, Kan., 
which he sold when he came to Gentry County, in 1895. He bought a well 
improved farm of 124 acres adjoining the town of Albany and has been 
engaged in farming and stock raising there. He has a good residence, a 
well watered farm and has built up an excellent business. He raises reg- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 507 

istered Shorthorn cattle, and owns a registered male, Irby Third, and 23 
cows. The cows are of excellent grade and Mr. Monroe sells the supply 
of cream at the Albany market. 

J. S. Monroe was married Nov. 20, 1879 to Mary R. Albin, born in 
Gentry County, the daughter of John N. Albin, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. 
Monroe have two children: Walter, mentioned later in this sketch; and 
Elizabeth, graduated from the Albany High School and from the Missouri 
State University at Colunbia. Walter Monroe graduated from the Metho- 
dist College at Albany, and took a Masters Degree at Missouri State Uni- 
\ersity. He then taught a little while and entered the University of 
Chicago where he did the work for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 
After completing his work there he taught in the Kansas State Normal 
School at Emporia for six years, then in the Indiana State University for 
oie year. At the end of that time he secured a position in the University 
ol Illinois where he is becoming one of the well known men in his work. He 
married Lulu Robinette, a teacher of music, from Norbourne, Mo. 

J. S. Monroe is a member of the Methodist church and is a Republican. 
Ha is one of the men who typify the best in the middle western develop- 
ment ; he belongs to a family that has always been temperate, himself nor 
son, never having used tobacco nor intoxicating liquor. Mr. Monroe has 
been a worthy upholder of the family traditions and energy. 

H. E. Lyons, who operates a successful jewelry business on the north 
side of the public square at Albany, was born in Albany, Sept. 28, 1881, 
the son of J. D. and Rachel (Talbot) Lyons, both now living at Albany. 

J. D. Lyons was born in Coshocton, Ohio, enlisted for service in the 
Civil War from Illinois, and served five years remaining in service one 
year after the war closed. In 1870, he came to Missouri, located in Gentry 
County, and followed the occupation of farming for several years. He 
afterwards went into the insurance business in Albany, and has now re- 
tired. His wife is a native of Delaware. Their children are: H. B., a 
printer in Chicago ; Arch, a painter and decorator at Mt. Vernon ; Maude, 
died in infancy ; Fannie Leota, now married to Olat Edwardson of Parshall, 
North Dakota; and H. E., the subject of this review. 

H. E. Lyons attended the Albany schools and was a student in the 
high school at Goshen, Ind., for one year. He learned the jewelry trade 
vith George Howell, at Albany and was a watchmaker in Bare's Furniture 
tore for 14 years. He moved to the Gentry County Bank building on 
tie south side of the public square where he remained for two years. For 
t.e past five years he has been in his present location where he has estab- 
lihed an excellent business in the sale of silverware, jewelry, clocks, and 



508 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Eastman Kodaks. Mr. Lyons does repair work in connection with his 
store. 

H. E. Lyons was married Jan. 12, 1909, to Alice Eslinger. They have 
two children: Lewis, and Donald. 

Mr. Lyons is an energetic and competent young man who has built 
up a good business through his perserverance and industry. 

Ted Fore, associated with mercantile pursuits since he was 14 years 
old and now the owner of a stock of general merchandise at Gentryville 
was born near Gentryville, Jan. 30, 1884, the son of Warren and Rost 
(Owen) Fore. 

Warren Fore was born in Pennsylvania, settled in Iowa, and lata* 
came to Gentry County where he became the owner of 280 acres of land, 
all of it now owned by his heirs, except a tract of 80 acres of land, whidi 
passed into the hands of Frank and Will Wooderson. Warren Fore mar- 
ried the first time Rose Owen who died in 1884, leaving three small chiH- 
ren : Harry, now an instructor in Perdue University ; Herbert, living it 
McFall; and Ted, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Fore married the secoid 
time Sarah Trimm and to this union one child was born ; Norman, new 
living in Wyoming. Mr. Fore died in 1911, and his remains are buried by 
those of his fii'st wife in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Mrs. Sarah (Trimm) Fore 
now lives at Albany. 

Ted Fore was reared by his uncle, Daniel Fore, and his wife. He 
attended the public school at McFall and obtained his initial experience in 
serving the public at the age of 14 years when he began to work in a 
restaurant. He later went to Quincy, 111., where he was a student in the 
Gem City Business College, and then accepted a position with the firm of 
Bleish & Brother at McFall where he remained for eight years. He was 
on a farm for the four years following; then spent two years with the 
Pattonsburg Mercantile Company. At the end of that time he went to 
San Antonio, Tex., where after one year, he returned to Gentryville, and 
opened his present store. Mr. Fore has a building 26x70 feet with a con- 
crete floor and walls of brick and tile. He carries a good stock of general 
merchandise and has built up a flourishing business. Gentryville is lo- 
cated seven miles from McFall and five miles from Darlington and Mr 
Fore uses a truck to carry his goods from those two stations and to tak 
his produce to the railroads. Mr. Fore, his wife, and one man do all th 
work of the store, which means that they are all energetic. 

Ted Fore was married April 23, 1908, to Lena Lewis, a daughter 'f 
Thomas and Ollie (Stewart) Lewis. Mr. Lewis died in 1910 and his wid<w 
now lives at McFall. To the union of Ted and Lena (Lewis) Fore ti'o 
children have been born: Carl, died at the age of five years; and Lucille 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 509 

Mr. Fore is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows there. He is a man whose varied experience in busi- 
ness has given him an opportunity to develop his commercial talent. This 
combined with his industry and prudent outlook have been factors in the 
success he has attained. As a business man and the owner of 200 acres 
of land in Miller Township, Mr. Fore is well and favorably known. 

A. O. Miller, recently returned to Gentry County after a prolonged 
sojourn in the West and now the Miller farm with his mother, was born 
near Darlington on the farm which is now his home, Aug. 26, 1871. He 
comes of a pioneer family, the Millers having been well known here since 
1832. 

Isaac Miller, paternal grandfather of A. 0. Miller, was born in Ken- 
tucky in 1813, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Whitley) Miller, the former, 
a native of Pennsylvania, and a blacksmith by trade, and the latter born in 
South Carolina. Jacob Miller died when his son was but a child and Isaac 
lived on the farm until he was 19 years old when he and his mother came to 
Gentry County, and in 1832, settled at Greenwell's Ford. That same year 
he went to Clinton County and remained there for two years, returning 
to Gentry County in 1834. He entered several thousand acres of land, and 
later acquired the ownership of several pieces of property in Stanbarry. 
During the Moi-mon troubles, Mr. Miller was a member of the state militia 
under Gen. Clark. He married in Daviess County, Elizabeth Cope, born 
in Clay County, Ky., in 1809, the daughter of Wiley and Keziah (Burnes) 
Cope, and to their union the following children were born: Mary Jane, 
deceased, Allen C, WiUiam H., Elizabeth Anne, Jacob W., Zachary Taylor 
and Lurana. Mr. Miller sold his farm to his son, William H., and spent 
his later years at the home of his son Allen. Mr. Miller was a man well 
and favorably known throughout the county. Miller Township is named 
for him ; he was one of the oldest Masons of the Gentryville lodge, and he 
was a lifelong member of the Christian church. Allen C. Miller was born 
on the Miller farm in 1842. He was a well known farmer and stockman. 
His success in stockraising lay in his work with Shorthorn cattle and 
Chester White hogs. At one time he owned 349 acres of land, but just 
before his death in June, 1908, he sold 189 acres. Allen C. Miller was 
married in 1866, to Sarah A. Robertson, a daughter of Charles and Sarah 
Robertson, who came from Breckenbridge County, Ky., in 1840. Sarah A. 
Robertson was born in Gentry County, Nov. 19, 1843, and now lives on 
the home place. To her union with Allen C. Miller, the following children 
were born : Sarah E., living at home ; A. O., now living at home ; Charles 
B., a farmer in Miller Township; and Henry, died in June, 1920, leaving 



510 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a widow, Catherine (Clark) Miller, and two children, Marion and Lennie; 
and Effie Lee, at home. 

A. 0. Miller attended the public school and was a student in the normal 
at Stanberry. He went to California in 1901, and remained in the west 
for several years. For six years he was doing construction work on the 
Roosevelt Dam in Arizona, and for three years homesteaded in Arizona. 
Mr. Miller is well informed on the history of Gentry County, and his com- 
muntiy and relates many interesting experiences which fell his lot while in 
the far west. 

John W. Walker, farmer and stockman in Cooper Township, was 
born on the farm where he now lives, Aug. 5, 1881, the son of W. S. and 
Mary (Cranor) Walker, now living at Darlington. 

W. S. Walker is the son of George and Sarah Walker who came to 
Cooper Township from Iowa in 1856. They had formerly lived in Indi- 
ana, but left that state in the early days. George Walker was born in 
Tennessee in 1801, and was a pioneer settler of Indiana. He built the 
first cabin on the ground that was later the site of Indianapolis. He died 
in Gentry County in 1885, his wife having died ten years before. The re- 
mains of both are buried in the Rouse Cemetery. W. S. Walker lived on 
the farm taken up by his father until 1917 when he retired from the 
cares of active farm management and moved to Darlington. His wife, 
Mary (Cranor) Walker comes of a pioneer family also. Her father was 
Joshua Cranor, a well known early settler of Gentry County, who lived 
six miles southeast of Stanberry. To the union of W. S. and Mary (Cra- 
nor) Walker the following children were born : Alexis, deceased ; Viola, 
deceased; Deborah, deceased; Jennie, the wife of Robert Austin of Al- 
bany; John W., the subject of this review; Ella, married to Frank Pru- 
den of Darlington; Mabel, the widow of Daniel Cravens of Darlington; 
and Minnie, later Mrs. Jameson, now dead. 

John W. Walker attended school at the Walker school and, with 
the exception of a year spent in Canada, has lived in Gentry County all 
of his life. Mr. Walker operates 320 acres of land in a highly efficient 
way. He does general farming and is interested in the breeding of Duroc 
Jersey hogs and Hereford cattle, in which line of work he has achieved 
success. 

Mr. Walker was married in 1901 to Aerie James, a daughter of 
Cam and Victoria James. Mr. James died in 1913 and his widow now 
lives in Darlington. Mr. James was a well known carpenter and con- 
tractor of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have one daughter, 
Dorothy. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 511 

Mr. Walker is a member of the Masons at Darlington. The Walker 
farm is one of the interesting places connected with the growth of Gen- 
try County. The old Albany and St. Joseph stage coach trail ran by the 
house and the visitor to that part of the county may still see marks of that 
historic old route. 

M. M. Green, proprietor of the Shelternook Farm located three 
miles northeast of Albany, is a well known poultry fancier. He specia- 
lizes in standard bred Brown Leghorn fowls, and has achieved state wide 
success in his work. He went into the hatching business only five years 
ago. and for the past four years has made the heaviest win, that is the 
most points, in the Dark Brown Leghorns shown at the Heart of Amer- 
ica Poultry Show in Kansas City. He maintains a pen of his fowls at the 
Mountain Grove Experimental Station, and is rapidly becoming known 
throughout the state for his success in his work. 

M. M. Green was born Oct. 20, 1878, on the farm where he now 
lives, the son of W. P. and Nancy B. Green ; the former died on the farm 
in 1919 at the age of 71 years, and the latter now lives in Albany. Mr. 
Green was educated in the public schools and attended the Northwest 
Missouri College, now Palmer College. He has made his own way in the 
world since leaving college. He was married, Dec. 15, 1913, to Mrs. Lola 
(Gilmore) Mattox, born in Page County, Iowa, a daughter of C. A. and 
May Gillmore. Mr. Gilmore and his wife live in Athens Township, where 
he is a well known farmer and stockman. Mrs. Green graduated from 
the Shenandoah, Iowa, High School in 1904, and then attended the West- 
ern Normal College in Shenandoah. By her first marriage, Mrs. Green 
has a daughter, Muriel Mattox, now a student in the Albany High 
School. 

Mr. Green sells the products of Shelternook Farm by mail and has 
established a thriving mail order business. His farm of 100 acres is used 
to raise feed for the poultry, and he also keeps a number of sheep on the 
place. Both Mr. and Mrs. Green devote their time to the raising of poul- 
try, and both are people of marked ability in this line of work. They 
give careful study to various poultry magazines, and bulletins from var- 
ious colleges, thus keeping in touch with every new and progressive 
idea in connection with poultry raising. In 1921, Mr. Green summoned a 
special vocational expert to assist him, and expects to have the services 
of an expert from time to time. A visitor to the Shelternook Farm finds 
the various buildings and esuipment for handling the poultry extremely 
interesting. There is a large hatchery building which was built espe- 
cially for this work and in which 6,000 eggs are incubated at one time, 



512 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

with capacity for that many more. Mr. Green keeps about 2,000 laying 
hens, and the farm has 104 trap nests, by means of which Mr. Green se- 
lects the best laying hens. The farm is one of the most interesting places 
in the community. 

Mr. Green exhibited at the National Club Meet in Kansas City last 
year, and carried off several honors ; he took first and second prizes on 
his Old Pen; first and third on his Young Pen; second and third, on 
hens, and second and fourth, on cocks; and second, on pullets. Mr. 
Green is a member of the American Poultry Association and of the 
American Brown Leghorn Club. He is a man of marked capacity for 
the patient experimentation through which alone success is attained. 
Starting in an entirely new field he has made a success that has made 
his name widely known in his community. 

Alexander Greenwell, widely known in his community as the oldest 
man living in Gentry County, has his home on a farm of 80 acres, which 
he retained after dividing his original land holdings of 400 acres near 
Darlington among his children. He was born in Hardin County, Ky., Nov. 
19, 1827, the son of Robert and Dorcas (Gathage) Greenwell, early settlers 
of Missouri. 

Robert Greenwell and his family came to Missouri in 1840, making 
the trip to St. Joseph by wagon. Mr. Greenwell entered the land where 
his son now lives. The Greenwells traded at St. Joseph and the trip, re- 
quiring four or five days to make, meant driving through with oxen. Mr. 
Greenwell rived the walnut shingles used to roof the old Robidoux Store, 
the first store building ever built at St. Joseph. All of the land on Mr. 
Greenwell's farm was unbroken prairie bottom land and it was all broken 
by ox teams and the old fashioned wooden mouldboard plows. Robert 
Greenwell was a veteran of the War of 1812. He served under Jackson 
and made the trip down the Mississippi River to New Orleans by boat ; but 
later had to walk back to his home in Kentucky. Robert Greenwell's wife 
died in Cowley County, Kans., in the eighties, and Mr. Greenwell returned 
to Schuyler County, 111., where he died. He was one of the men of pluck 
and hardihood who helped materially to start Gentry County toward its 
present remarkable development. 

Alexander Greenwell came to Missouri with his father, later returning 
to Illinois with him. After his fathers' death, he bought out the interest 
of the heirs in the Gentry County land and, in 1856, came back and located 
on the home farm. For the next 22 years, he ran a ferry at Greenwell's 
Ford on Grand River, a ford located on the land entered by Robert Green- 
well and known to all the residents of Northwest Missouri at that time as 
Greenwell's Ford. For many years Mr. Greenwell was a well known stock- 




.\ r.EXANDKR GREENWEI.I, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 513 

man and for the past 25 years he has raised pure bred Hereford cattle. 
Last year, on Oct. 23rd, he held his final stock sale and at that time dis- 
posed of 110 head of Herfords. Since that time, Mr. Greenwell has retir- 
ed from active business life. 

Alexander Greenwell was married the first time in 1845 to Bethana 
Gothage, who died in 1859. The children of this union were: three died 
in infancy ; John was killed May 27, 1880 ; Mary P., now Mrs. Stone, living 
with her father; and Stephen, living with his father. Mr. Greenwell was 
married the second time Aug. 14, 1862 to Mary Jane Matney, who died in 
June, 1918. The children of this union were: Jasper C., living at home; 
AUie, deceased ; Thomas J., decased ; S. A., living at home ; Charlie, a resi- 
dent of Grand Island, Neb. ; and Nellie, now Mrs. Johnson of Albany. 

Mr. Greenwell is one of the popular men of the county. He owns a 
gold headed cane presented to him as a token of respect as the oldest living 
citizen of the county at the Denver Old Settlers Meeting in 1900. He is a 
man who reminiscences are interesting; he has been an integral part of the 
growth of the county. He votes the Democratic ticket, and is a member of 
the Christian church. He was a charter member of the Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons at Gentryville, and has been identified with that order 
ever since. Mr. Greenwell is still active and maintains his interest in the 
affairs of the community. He says that his success in life is due to being 
honest with people. 

Patrick Henry McMillen, a well known farmer and stockman living 
near New Hampton, Mo., was born on a farm three miles northwest of 
Gentryville, Oct. 13, 1857, the son of Jonathan and Sarah (Vest) Mc- 
Millen. 

Jonathan McMillen was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri in 
1852, making the journey with an ox team which he drove all the way. 
He bought the farm where his son, Patrick Henry, was born but later on, 
bought a tract of 240 acres of land near Darlington. Mr. McMillen was 
married twice. By his first marriage he had the following children: 
Miles, died in Washington; William, died in Kentucky; Nancy, later 
Mrs. Grable, died in Indiana; Phoebe, married Mr. Allen and died in 
Nebraska; and George B., died at Darlington in March, 1921. Mr. Mc- 
Millen was married the second time to Sarah Vest, a daughter of John 
Vest, and a niece of Senator James G. Vest. Mrs. McMillen died in May, 
1869, and Mr. McMillen died on his farm at Darlington, March, 1870. 
The Remains of both are buried in Gribble Cemetery. Their children 
were: John D., a farmer who died at Columbia; Thomas, died in Cedar 
County at the age of 22; P. H., the subject of this review; and Albert, 
murdered on Sept. 4, 1893, while on his way home from his store at 



514 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

night. For the ten years prior to this time he was in business with his 
brother, P. H. McMillen. He married Iva Yocum, now Mrs. John Foster 
of New Hampton. 

Patrick Henry McMillen was reared by Rev. David Heath of Da- 
viess County with whom he remained until he reached the age of 21 
years. He attended the public schools during his boyhood. He farmed 
one year with T. Jeffries and in 1882 went to Montana where he worked 
as a sheepherder near Deer Lodge. It was a lonely life ; Mr. McMillen 
often passed six weeks at his work without seeing another person. He 
was industrious, however, and saved enough money to return to New 
Hampton and enter the mercantile business with his brother, Albert, 
who had learned the business methods with I. N. Carson. For the next 
15 years, Mr. McMillen remained in business. At the end of that time he 
traded his store for 90 acres of land. This was in 1897 and since that 
time, Mr. McMillen has bought another 80 acres, located 11 miles west 
of New Hampton. The farm is well improved, with the residence, re- 
built by the present owner, situated on the Jefferson Highway. Mr. Mc- 
Millen has a good barn and other farm buildings. 

Patrick Henry McMillen was married March 20, 1895, to Mannie 
Williamson, a daughter of John and Mariah (McCuen) Williamson. 
John Williamson was born in Addison County, Vermont, Jan. 15, 1838. 
He served in the Civil War as a Federal soldier for three years and mar- 
ried Mariah McCuen at New Haven, Vt., Feb. 29, 1864. She was born 
near Castlebar, Ireland, Dec. 25, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson spent 
most of their lives at New Hampton, Harrison County, where they came 
as pioneer settlers and where, during their long lives, they established 
friendly relations with the entire community. Mr. Williamson died at 
New Hampton, Oct. 3, 1899, and Mrs. Williamson died on May 6, 1907. 
The remains of both are buried in Foster Cemetery. Their children 
were: Lottie, the wife of J. V. Newton living on the home place; Arthur, 
living at Albany; Mannie, now Mrs. McMillen; C. N., a physician in 
Gentry County ; Jeannette, wife of Harry Davis of Casper, Wyo. ; Alex- 
ander J., living on part of the home place ; and J. R., died Sept. 25, 1913. 
Mr. and Mrs. McMillen had a daughter, born July 1, 1896, now dead; 
and a son, John R., born Aug. 6, 1898, now assisting his father in oper- 
ating the home farm. 

Mr. McMillan is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is a Re- 
publican. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at New Hampton. 
Mr. McMillen is a capable man, energetic and progressive in his under- 
takings. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 515 

E. P. Green, proprietor of the Sunny Slope Farm in Athens Town- 
ship, was born one-half mile from his present home on Aug. 18, 1870, 
the son of John and Sarah J. (Glendenning) Green. 

John Green was born in Richland County, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1822. His 
parents were William Green, a native of Massachusetts and Martha 
(Stanton) Green, born in Connecticutt. John Green grew to manhood on 
his father's farm, and followed the vocation of farming until 1849 when 
he came to Missouri. He settled in Gentry County, and that same season 
was employed by the government to work on the plains. In the spring 
of 1850 he went to California and engaged in mining for three years. At 
the end of that time, he returned to Gentry County and lived on his farm 
of 240 acres until his death, Jan. 2, 1882. He owned about 705 acres of 
land in the county. His wife was born in Gentry County, Jan. 16, 1843. 
She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Glendenning, the former a 
native of Ohio, and the latter born in Tennessee. Mrs. Green now lives 
at Albany, and the home place is still in the hands of the heirs. To the 
union of John and Sarah J. (Glendenning) Green the following children 
were born : W. H., a farmer of Albany ; J. F., died at the age of 47 years, 
had married Phoebe Burgess who still lives on the home place; E. P., 
the subject of this review; Clara A., died at the age of 50 years; and 
Effie, the wife of William Abarr, living near Denver, Mo. 

E. P. Green attended school in the Dorsey District and has lived in 
this vicinity all of his life. For the past eight years he has lived on his 
present farm of 308 acres, two miles north of Albany. The farm is well 
watered, with good improvements and Mr. Green is doing successful 
work as a general farmer. 

E. P. Green was married Aug. 31, 1913, to Rachel Ebersole, born in 
Gentry County, and educated in the public schools here. Her mother, 
Alice (Burns) Ebersole, now lives at Albany. Mrs. Green is deeply in- 
terested in the raising of poultry, and handles Light Brahma chickens. 

Mr. Green is a capable, industrious, and progressive farmer, known 
as an efficient operator of his land. 

Lewis C. Hulet is a pioneer of Howard Township, Gentry County. 
He and Baxter Campbell are the only two men living who were in the 
township in 1845. For 77 years Mr. Hulet has been an integral part of 
the development of the county, and has rejoiced at the rapid growth of 
this part of the state. He was born in Daviess County, April 5, 1842, the 
son of Ira S. and Martha (Lane) Hulet. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hulet were married near Youngstown, Portage 
County, Ohio. Before her marriage Mrs. Hulet was known as Martha 



516 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dyson, that being the family name of her adopted parents. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hulet came to Missouri in the very early days ; they settled first in How- 
ard County, then moved to Daviess County, and came to Gentry County 
in 1845. Mr. Hulet bought the land formerly entered by Arch Ross, now 
owned by William Hulet. The Hulet family experienced all of the pri- 
vations and inconveniences of the pioneer days. The home was a log 
cabin for a while, and the first school that the children attended was 
built in the forties, constructed of logs, with holes sawed out and greased 
paper put over the openings thus made in lieu of windows. Life was 
very primitive, and the work on the new land was done only by dint of 
patience and hard labor. The grain was reaped with a cradle, hay was 
cut with a scythe which was constructed by Mr. Hulet, and the wheat 
was tramped out by horses, with the occasional use of a flail. In spite of 
the hardships entailed by life in the new land, the life provided many 
compensations. There were not many neighbors, but a neighborly spirit 
prevailed among the settlers who were roundabouts. William Bentley, 
James Ross, Sampson Csrter, Hugh Ross, and several members of the 
Csrter family were already in Howard Township when the Hulet family 
came. Ira S. Hulet died, April 14, 1869, and his widow died several 
years later. The remains of both are buried in Carter Cemetery. 

The children of Ira S. and Martha (Lane) Huelt were: A. L., a vet- 
eran of the Civil War in which he was a member of the 18th Missouri In- 
fantry, now dead; C. A., now dead, was a member of the 51st Missouri 
Infantry during the Civil War; Henry, dead, was in service during the 
Civil War in Company E, 1st Missouri Cavalry; Lewis C, the subject of 
this review; William, served in the Civil War in Company E, 1st Mis- 
souri Infantry; Edwin C, now dead, was a member of the 15th Missouri 
Infantry during the Civil War; Hattie, the wife of Samuel Steinman of 
Albany; Eclecta, married James Davis, and both are now dead; and 
Lucy, the wife of Calvin Gett of Tulsa, Okla. 

Lewis C. Hulet attended the rural and subscription schools in the 
county. He located on his present farm in March, 1869. To this farm of 
80 acres he later added 200 acres which he bought in Howard Township. 
He has made all the improvements on the land and has been successful 
as a general farmer for many years. For the first thre» years after he 
married, Mr. Hulet lived in a log house; the lumber used for the building 
of the present house was hauled from St. Joseph, and the frame work of 
the house is of native sawed lumber. Mr. Hulet says that he has made 
many rails for 50 cents a hundred, and on his farm there are still to be 
found between 3,000 and 4,000 rails used in fencing. Mr. Hulet, in spite 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 517 

of his 79 years, is hale and strong, and maintains an active interest in all 
his affairs. 

Levi^is C. Hulet vifas married the first time, Oct. 25, 1868, to Amanda 
Csrter, a daughter of Sampson Csrter, and to this union the following 
children were born: Ola, now the wife of Donald McRuer of Phoenix, 
Ariz. ; Adda, now Mrs. M. Jones of Picher, Okla. ; Walter N., died in his 
youth; Virgil, deceased; Erban, living in Athens Township. Mrs. Hulet 
died, Aug. 11, 1B82, and Mr. Hulet was married the second time on Oct. 
25, 1884, to Emma Richards, a daughter of Henry and Mary Richards. 
Mrs. Hulet died Feb. 16, 1920. To her union with Lewis C. Hulet the fol- 
lowing children were born: James, joint owner with his brother, Charles 
M., of 200 acres of land which they farm in connection with the home 
place, a breeder of Duroc hogs and White Faced cattle, a member of 
the Board of Education for School District No. 14 ; Charles M., mention 
of whom appears later in this sketch; Amanda, died in infancy; and 
Maggie, married David McCrary of Worth County and has two children, 
Delbert, and Loveda. 

For generations the Hulet family has furnished soldiers when the 
country needed them. Samuel Hulet, grandfather of Lewis C, was a 
soldier in the American Revolution. Ira S. Hulet served in the Mexican 
War, and his sons were veterans of the Civil War. During the World 
War, Lewis C. Hulet's son and grandson were in service. His son, 
Charles M., enlisted Sept. 19, 1917, was sent to Camp Funston for train- 
ing, and overseas in the 89th Division with Company B, 356th Infantry, 
sailing from New York, June 4, 1918. He participated in the St. Mihiel 
Drive, and was on active duty until June 6, 1919, when he returned to 
the United States and was mustered out of service at Camp Taylor, Ken- 
tucky, June 17, 1919. He married Edith Needles, and they have a son, 
Lewis C, born Jan. 25, 1921. Mr. Hulet is now on the home place. Lewis 
C. Hulet's grandson, Clinton Jones, enlisted for service in Colorado and 
was sent overseas. Mr. Hulet himself is a veteran of the Civil War in 
which he enlisted in 1861, re-enlisting in 1862 in Company E, 1st Mis- 
souri Cavalry. He was mustered out of service at St. Louis, March 31, 
1865. Thus for five generations the Hulet name has appeared in the 
war records of the country. 

A. B. Campbell, justice of the peace of Howard Township, Gentry 
County, and the proprietor of Elm Home farm, is a native of Indiana 
where he was born April 28, 1844, in Shelby County. The next year his 
parents, Alfred and Mariah (Blades) Campbell, came to Gentry County, 
where they settled on the farm now owned by A. B. Campbell. Alfred 



518 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Campbell entered the land, and built a log cabin of one room which con- 
stituted the first residence in the new land. In the yard by the cabin 
stood a fair sized, and very beautiful elm tree which later gave the name 
to the farm. 

In 1849, Alfred Campbell started overland to California and died 
on the way near Ft. Larimie, Wyo. His remains are buried there. His 
widow died on the home farm, March 2-5, 1914, at the age of 92 years. 
Her remains are buried in the Lone Star Cemetery. The children of Al- 
fred and Alariah (Blades) Campbell were: W. H., a retired farmer liv- 
ing at Grant City, was the circuit clerk of Worth County for eight years, 
and is now the vice-president of the First National Bank ; Charlotte, born 
in 1842, married Mr. Colvin, and died in Carroll County, Illinois, in 1881 ; 
A. B., the subject of this review; Virginia, now Mrs. Wiley of Grant 
City; and Alfred, died in infancy. 

A. B. Campbell attended the subscription schools. His first teacher 
was his father who taught in a log cabin about one-fourth mile from the 
Campbell home. Mr. Campbell has followed farming and stockraising 
here since his boyhood and now owns 147 acres of land six miles south- 
east of Denver. He raises Duroc Jersey hogs and mixed Jersey and 
White Faced cattle. 

A. B. Campbell was married Sept. 15, 1867, to Nancy Matilda 
Peery, a daughter of R. D. and Jane (Williams) Peery. Mrs. Campbell 
was born in Cyprus Township, Harrison County, July 8, 1844, and died 
in Gentry County, May 1, 1917. Her remains are buried in the Lone Star 
Cemetery. To the union of A. B. and Nancy Matilda (Peery) Campbell 
the following children were born : Charles, living in Oklahoma ; Mary 
Louisa, married John Williams and died in 1907 leaving a daughter, 
Margaret, who lives with her grandfather; Virginia, the wife of R. G. 
Parman of Hatfield, Harrison County; Logan, a farmer in Howard 
Township; Robert Lee, farming on the home place; and Porter, married 
Ruth Parman of Howard Town.ship. The grandchildren are: Hobart 
Williams, Elva Hartchen, Jacob Parman, Cora Sandage, Mattie May and 
Albert V. Parman, Or\alle Campbell, deceased, Mildred Campbell, de- 
ceased, and Homer, Herbert, and Edith Campbell. The great grandchil- 
dren are: Gerald, Oscar, and Donald Hartchen, Loraine and Carl Par- 
man, and Violet Louise Williams. 

Mr. Campbell is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. 
He was a member of the Missouri State Militia during the Civil War. He 
joined the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge in 1867 at Lone 
Star, and now belongs at Albany. He recalls many interesting stories of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 519 

the early Missouri days. He taught a term of school in the Colvin Dis- 
trict in the winter of 1861-62, receiving $10.00 a month salary. He had 
40 pupils in the little log school house, but they managed very nicely. 
The next winter he taught in the Miller District. In 1921 a famous old 
pear tree that had stood in Mr. Campbell's yard for 60 years died. Mr. 
Campbell says that the tree never failed during its life of more than half 
a century to bear fruit. Mr. Campbell is one of the well known men of 
his com.munity. 

W. D. Ralph, a well known and successful merchant of Lone Star, 
Gentry County, has been in the mercantile business here since 1915 when 
he built a stoi'e building and established a business with a stock of gen- 
eral merchandise. A year later, so popular had the store become, Mr. 
Ralph increased the size of his building, and the next year, he added a 
basement, and built a warehouse for his constantly increasing business. 
He now cari-ies a line of groceries, dry goods, hardware, farm imple- 
ments, and wagons, and also deals in poultry, butter, eggs, and cream. 
He maintains a force of five clerks in the store all the time, with addi- 
tional help at poultry seasons. All of the hauling has to be done from 
Albany, ten miles away, and for this Mr. Ralph uses both teams and 
trucks. The small establishment of 1915 was the nucleus of Mr. Ralph's 
present thriving business, in which he handles a stock of more than $25,- 
000.00 worth of goods. 

W. D. Ralph was born near Lone Star, Oct. 1, 1887, the son of Rob- 
ert and Ella (Clevenger) Ralph, both now living on the home place in 
Howard Township. Robert Ralph was born in Platte County, and was 
the son of George and Jane Ralph who settled near Lone Star in the 
early days of the state. They both died near Lone Star and their re- 
mains are buried in the Lone Star Cemetery. The children of Robert and 
Ella (Clevenger) Ralph were: W. D., the subject of this sketch; and 
Mary, married Andy Mount, and died in March, 1920. 

W. D. Ralph attended the rural schools, farmed for a while, fol- 
lowed the trade of a carpenter for four years, and was with J. B. Guess 
of Lone Star for seven years. The varied and practical training that he 
received during those years has stood him in excellent stead since he has 
been operating a business for himself. 

Mr. Ralph was married Nov. 30. 1911, to Etta M. Ross, a daughter 
of James and Selma (Lomax) Ross; the latter died in September, 1921, 
and her remains are buried in the Liberty Cemetery. James Ross lives 
on the home farm in Howard Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph have had 
the following childi-en: Vivian, died at the age of 3.\ years; Ross H., died 



520 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

at the age of five years ; Sanford ; Jean ; and June and Joyce, twins. June 
Ralph is deceased. 

Mr. Ralph is a member of the Masonic Lodge. He has filled the of- 
fice of treasurer of his township for two terms, making a record of effi- 
ciency. He is a capable and progressive young man. 

Larkin Francis Hadley, a prominent pioneer citizen of Gentry County 
and owner and proprietor of Chautauqua Fann, who is engaged in farming 
and stock raising in Miller Township, was born in Cherry Creek Township, 
Chautauqua County, N. Y., Dec. 7, 1841. He is a son of Niles and Oi-pha 
(Lawrence) Hadley. Niles Hadley was born at Tunbridge, Vt., in 1793 and 
his wife was born near Mount Holly, Vt., in 1801, and went to Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., in 1816. Niles Hadley was a farmer and a pioneer of 
western New York. He lived in a log cabin and endured all the hardships 
and inconveniences incident to pioneer life in that section of the country 
over a century ago. Simon Lawrence, an uncle of Mr. Hadley, was the 
first white child born in Cherry Creek Township, Chautauqua County, N. 
Y. The marriage of Rena Hadley an aunt of his and Ruf us Hitchcock was 
the first marriage performed in Cherry Creek Township. 

Niles Hadley and wife were the parents of the following children: 
Hannah, Noah, Daniel, Azilpha, Varnum, Simon, Harrison, Evelyn and 
Zeruah, all of wliom are deceased ; Hiram, lives in Chautauqua County, N. 
Y., and is now retired ; Joseph, who is also a retired farmer and stock raiser 
in Montana ; and Larkin F., the subject of this sketch. 

Larkin F. Hadley came to Gentry County in 1869 and bought 80 
acres of land which is a part of his present place of 120 acres in Miller 
Township. This place has been his home for 53 years. WTien Mr. and 
Mrs. Hadley came here there were no railroads neai-er than Stewartsville. 
He has carried on general farming and stock raising and was the first man 
to bring pure blood Aberdeen Angus cattle to Gentry County. He raised 
that breed of cattle for 25 years. He also raised Berkshire hogs and Gray 
Eagle draft horses. He has made all the improvements on his place, in- 
cluding the residence, barn and other buildings. 

Mr. Hadley married Levina Wicks March 15, 1866, a native of Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y., and a daughter of James H. and Sophia (Ward) 
Wicks, the former a native of Prince Edward Island and the latter of 
Albany, N. Y. James H. Wicks was brought to Chautauqua County by his 
parents when he was one year old. This was an early day in the history 
of that section of the country and everything was in a primitive pioneer 
state. The postage on a letter at that time was 25 cents, payable on deliv- 
ery. They lived 65 miles from Buffalo, N. Y., which was then a small trad- 
ing post. They experienced all the trials of real pioneer life in the wilder- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 521 

ness of the frontier. James H. Wicks was prominent in that pioneer com- 
munity and was known as Squire Wicks, having served as justice of the 
peace for a number of years. 

Mrs. Hadley was one of the following children born to her parents: 
Parmelia Jane, and John, deceased; A. W., a real estate man and overseer 
of the State Highway, lives near Jamestown, N. Y. ; C. H., a real estate 
dealer in Chautauqua County, who is a prominent Republican of Chau- 
tauqua County, and has served as chairman of the Republican County com- 
mittee for 20 years and has been Assembly clerk in New York state for 
many years, and was school commissioner of Chautauqua County 12 years ; 
and Mrs. Hadley of this review After the death of the mother of the above 
children the father married Asenath Corl, and two children were born to 
that union; Effie, deceased, and Mary, married to Francis Rose, a retired 
merchant of Jamestown, N. Y. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Hadley have been born the following children; Willie 
Earl, deceased; Edith, married P. T. Quisenberry, postmaster at Ford City; 
and A. W., graduated from high school and attended the Stanberry Normal 
and the Chillicothe Normal Schools, was a teacher for eight years and for 
the past 16 years has been engaged in the wholesale business at El Paso, 
Texas. 

Mr. Hadley has been a factor in the betterment and upbuilding of 
Gentry County for over 50 years and has seen this country transformed 
from a primitive pioneer condition to its present state. The old St. 
Joseph trail passed his place and he has seen as many as 100 wagons 
camped here. He is a member of the Methodist church and has been active 
in the work of that denomination practically all his life and has acted as 
trustee and steward tor 50 years. During that time he had to do with the 
building of three churches on the same ground, and one other. He has 
served as school director for 25 years and for 36 years he has been a 
trustee of the Ford City Cemetery Association. He is a director in the 
Ford City State Bank. He is a man of unusual mental and physical vigor 
and although past 80 years of age he reads without glasses. However, he 
wore glasses for a period of 40 years. He is one of the substantial citizens 
of Gentry County. 

Mrs. Hadley is one of the pioneer women of Gentry County. At 
the age of 17 she became a public school teacher, teaching five terms of 
school in Chautauqua County, N. Y. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hadley were married in March, 1866, and after remaining 
in New York for thi-ee years removed to their present home in April, 1869. 

When they first came to Missouri this country was very much unde- 
veloped. There was not even a residence where Ford City, Darlington, and 



522 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Stanberry now stand. There were not even public highways. Deer, 
wolves and wild turkeys were a common sight. 

Mr. Alex. Greenwell is now the only man living on the road from King 
City to Albany that was living there the first summer that the Hadleys 
were here. 

Mrs. Hadley has been a loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church of Ford City, holding such offices as Sunday School superintendent, 
teacher and class leader. She is a member- of the W. C. T. U. and a life 
member of the Foreign Missionary Society. The home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Hadley has always been a home for the ministers. 

Lewis W. Denny, a farmer of Howard Township in Gentry County, 
is the son of Alfred and Martha (Montgomery) Denny, early settlers of 
Gentry County. Lewis W. Denny was born near Galesburg, 111., in 1853 
and in May, 1869 his parents came to Missouri and bought 160 acres of 
the farm where Lewis W. Denny now lives. They paid $5.00 an acre for 
the land, and later bought the timberland on the north of the original 
tract, paying $10.00 an acre for it. Alfred Denny enclosed his land with 
eight rail fences, six rails, then a stake and rider. He then set to work 
to make improvements, and became a successful farmer of the com- 
munity. He and his wife were both natives of Indiana and they both 
died on their farm in Gentry County, Mr. Denny in 1888, and Mrs. 
Denny a few years later. Their remains are buried in the Carter Ceme- 
tery. Their children were: Mary, married Milton Wentworth, they 
came to Missouri, later went to Nebraska, and then to Oklahoma where 
Mrs. Wentworth died; John died on his farm in Nebraska; L. W., the 
subject of this review; Hugh, a farmer, died in Dallas Township, Harri- 
son County in 1901 ; and Fletcher, a farmer of Howard Township, died 
in 1906, and his remains are buried in the Carter Cemetery. 

Lewis W. Denny attended the public schools of Illinois and Missouri 
and has made his home on his present farm most of his life. He is the 
owner of 385 acres of well improved land, all but 40 acres of which is 
lc'C;^ted in Howard Township. He raises Duroc Jersey hogs, Shropshire 
sheep, cattle, and mules. He has good farm buildings on his place and 
is rated a highly successful man in his farm management and stock- 
raising. 

Lewis W. Denny was married in 1879 to Olive Allen, a daughter of 
William Allen of New Hampton. Mrs. Denny was born and reared near 
New Hampton. Her mother died when Mrs. Denny was but a child, and 
her father now lives on the home place. To the union of L. W. and Olive 
(Allen) Denny the following children were born: William Arthur, a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 523 

merchant in New Hampton with the firm of Denny and Jones, married 
Maggie Sampson of Albany; John A., taught school in Gentry County 
until 1910 when he went to Washington, D. C. and entered law school, 
he was admitted to the bar there, moved to Tulsa, Okla., and is now a 
well established lawyer; Cora M., married to A. C. Taylor of Dodge 
City, Kan., the president of company organized to develop a silica mine 
near Dodge City; Thomas L.,a farmer and stockman of Chariton County, 
married Vern Mayo ; and Oren W., mentioned later in this sketch ; Mary, 
married Claude Carter of Darington ; and Loretta, married Gilbert 
Weed, Athens Township ; Oren W. Denny entered the U. S. Army in 
August, 1917, and was sent to St Louis, then to Camp McArthur, Texas 
where he was in training for five weeks. He was sent to Camp Merrit, 
N. Y., in September and overseas on Sept. 26. He was with the 82nd 
Division, was northeast of Metz on Nov. 1 with the replacement army, 
and was sent home. May 1, 1918. He was mustered out of service May 
23, 1918, and is now on the home farm. He was a charter member of 
the Donald Holden Camp No. 106 of the American Legion. 

Mr. Denny is a republican. He is a reliable business man, and a 
substantial member of his community. 

Milton Glendenning, deceased, was a man who grew up in Gentry 
County, experiencing in his childhood and youth all of the privations 
and hardships entailed by life on the frontier. He was born in Virginia 
in 1838, and his parents, John and Nancy Glendenning, brought their 
family to Missouri in 1845, where they settled in Howard Township in 
Gentry County. John Glendenning entered land there, and improved it. 

Li 1865, Milton Glendenning settled on the farm of 300 acres where 
his widow now lives. He improved the land, and built the residence 
located 3.1 miles northwest of New Hampton. He became one of the 
efficient and well known farmers of the township, a man highly es- 
teemed by his fellow citizens. He died in 1901, and his remains are 
buried in Carter Cemetery. 

Milton Glendenning was married in 1861 to Julia Ann Crane, a 
daughter of John W. and Rebecca (Wade) Crane, early settlers of 
Howard Township from Tennessee. They both died in Gentry County, 
and their remains are buried in Carter Cemetery. To the union of Milton 
and Julia Ann (Crane) Glendenning the following children were born: 
John W., deceased ; Emily Melissa, now dead, was the wife of Ed Mount ; 
Joseph Newton, deceased ; Cora Emaline, now the wife of James Kier of 
Kansas City, Mo.; and Mildred Victoria, married first to Earl Williams, 
and the second time to J. N. Maxwell of Rogers, Ark. 



524 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Roy Williams, son of Earl and Mildred Victoria (Glendenning) 
Williams, and the grandson of Milton Glendenning. Mr. Williams grew 
up in Texas, but two years ago he came to Missouri and is now living 
with his grandmother on the Glendenning farm. He operates 203 acres 
of the land, doing general farming and stockraising. He is a young man 
of industry and capacity, and is rapidly achieving success in his present 
line of work. 

The name of Milton Glendenning still stands in his community for 
upright dealings, for energy, and for high ideals of citizenship. 

Walter E. McCampbell, the capable manager of the Cousins Lum- 
ber Yard at Darlington, was born near Gentry, April 11, 1894. 

His father, Charles A. McCampbell, was born in Ohio and came to 
Missouri with his parents, J. W. and Mary McCampbell, who settled on 
a farm three miles west of Gentry where they still live. Charles A. Mc- 
Campbell became a minister in the Methodist church, and died while in 
the service of that church at Bolckow in 1907. His remains are buried 
in the Green Ridge Cemetery near Gentry. Rev. McCampbell married 
Margaruite Leonard, who, since his death, has lived in St. Joseph. Their 
children were: Walter E., the subject of this review; Ethel L. living in 
St Joseph where she married Artie L. Bryant, bookkeeper and secretary 
for the Central Oil Company; and Leonard J., now a student in Gards 
Business College in St Joseph. 

Walter E. McCampbell graduated from the Gentry High School in 
1912, and then attended the Northwest Missouri State Teachers College 
at Maryville for three summer sessions, and taught during the winter 
for six years. He taught his first term in the Canady District, and his 
last in the Carmack District. In July, 1918 he was inducted into service 
in th«^ U. S. Army and was sent to Camp Funston, where he remained 
six months in training. He was with Headquarters Company 10th Field 
Artillery, and was mustered out of service in February 1919 after six 
months of service. He then went to Cosby with the Cousins Lumber 
Company for one year. At the end of that time he went on the road, and 
sold lumber for nine months. He came to Darlington, Sept. 1, 1920, and 
has been the manager of the Cousins Lumber Company here ever since. 
The local office now handles all kind of builders' supplies, coal, and tile, 
and is one of the well known and profitable enterprises of Darlington. 

Walter E. McCampbell was married Nov. 7, 1920 to Katherine 
Jefferies, a daughter of Dr. C. O. Jefferies of Savannah. They have one 
child, Mary Katherine, born Nov. 18, 1921. Mrs. McCampbell was born 
in New York City, graduated from the Savannah High School, attended 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 525 

the Northwest Missouri State Teachers College at Maryville, and taught 
for two years in Andrew County. 

Mr. McCampbell is a Mason, and a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and the American Legion at Albany. He is a 
Republican. Mr. McCampbell is an efficient young business man, whose 
successful administration of the affairs of his company is assured by his 
ability and industry. 

James Edward Vandermark, plainsman during the early days of 
the development of the west, a Civil War veteran, and later a well 
known farmer of Gentry County, is now living at Darlington. He was born 
in Niles, Mich., Dec. 25, 1846, the son of Albert and Diana (Campbell) 
Vandermark, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania and both died in 
Michigan. 

Mr. Vandermark attended the public school at Pine Woods in Mich- 
igan. On Dec. 14, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil War. He 
was not quite 15 years old, but was placed in Company K, 12th Michigan 
Infantry, and was sent with the army of Tennessee. His first participa- 
tion in any battle was at that of Shiloh, Tenn., on April 6-7, 1862. Mr. 
Vandermark has a picture of the church at Shiloh where the battle was 
fought, and says that his feelings during those two days will never be 
lost from his mind. He was afterwards sent to Vicksburg, Nashville, He- 
lena, and was at Chickasha when the war closed. 

After the war, Mr. Vandermark went to St. Louis, and from there 
was sent to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and was then with Custer in the In- 
dian Territory at Camp Supply. In 1866 he went to Salt Lake with the 
18th Infantry quartermaster service. He later returned to Larimie. 
Wyo., where the government installed Ft. Saunders, and from this fort, 
he made many expeditions. He remained at Ft. Saunders for three 
years, and spent two summers with the surveying crew of the Union Pa- 
cific Railway. He was transferred to Ft. McPherson in the South Platte 
territory in Nebraska and later resigned from service. Before his resig- 
nation, however, he, with several others, made a 300-mile trip with a 
government expedition sent over the Nebraska plains to hunt buffalos. 
The party was escorted by United States troops and met with many in- 
teresting adventures, and dramatic experiences. After leaving the gov- 
ernment service, Mr. Vandermark went to Omaha, then back to Niles, 
Mich., and finally returned to Ft. Leavenworth where he re-entered the 
quartermaster service. This time he was sent to Camp Supply and Ft. 
Dodge, Kan. While he was in western Kansas, his company was at- 
tacked several times by hostile or pilfering Indians. The story of Mr. 



526 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Vandermark's advetnures in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and 
Kansas is one of enthralling interest. Life in those states in the early- 
days was filled with constant excitement, and sometimes actual peril. 

Mr. Vandermark knew Wild Bill Hickok in the days when that 
worthy was a law unto himself. "Wild Bill" lived at Hays City, Kan., 
and Mr. Vandermark was detailed on duty to help get the wounded men 
to a hospital after the famous fight in the town when "Wild Bill" Hickok 
"cleaned out" Tom Drumm's saloon. Men of the 7th United States Cav- 
alry undertook to manage the intrepid Hickok, but as was his custom, 
Mr. Hickok not only refused to allow himself to be reasoned with, but 
fully established his own ability to handle his affairs. Out in western 
Kansas in the winter of 1869, Mr. Vandermark was caught in a blizzard, 
which raged for days ; 19 of the mules belonging in the train were frozen 
to death. The men with the train named the spot "Boneyard," a name 
that is still used to distinguish the place. 

In 1871, Mr. Vandermark came to Missouri. He stopped at St. Jo- 
seph, and from there he and Keeran McKenny, a former comrade of Mr. 
Vandermark's, came by hack to Gentry County. They stopped with 
Thomas McKenny for a time, and in 1871, Mr. Vandermark moved to 
his place of 120 acres 3o miles southeast of Darlington, where he farmed 
until 1909 when he retired from active farm life and came to Darlington 
to live. 

In 1873. Mr. Vandermark was married to Fannie Davis. She died 
in 1890 in Nebraska where her husband had taken her for her health. 
She left two sons, E. H., now the superintendent of Union Pacific Rail- 
road shops in Los Angeles, Calif. ; and F. M., with the Santa Fe Railway 
at San Bernadino, Calif. Mr. Vandermark married the second time, 
Sept. 25, 1892, Nannie James of Darlington, a daughter of Bayliss and 
Nancy James. Mrs. Vandermark was born in Ohio, and her parents 
were pioneer settlers of Darlington. The railway station stands on 
ground formerly owned by the James family. 

Mr. Vandermark is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. He joined the latter 
lodge at Ford City when it was organized, later transferring his member- 
ship to Darlington. He has served as the mayor of Darlington for two 
terms, and was Commander of the G. A. R. Post for several years. He 
has made three trips to California in a Pullman car over the part of the 
route he had once driven a government six-mule team over. Mr. Vander- 
mark has been a friend of Mr. McCammon, the editor of this volume, for 
more than half a century. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 527 

Jonathan W. Van Hoozer, a farmer of Athens Township, Gentry 
County, is a native Missourian. He was born near Martinsville, Dec. 20, 
1872. His father, Isaac VanHoozer was a plainsman, and a veteran of 
the Civil War. He served in the State Militia from Harrison County. 
During the war and afterwards, he drove a team to Denver, Col., Ft. 
Kearney, Neb., and Laramie, Wyo. In 1866, he bought a farm near Mar- 
tinsville, Mo., and the place is still owned by his widow. He died in 
1900, and his remains are buried in Grace Cemetery near the farm which 
was his home for many years. 

Isaac Van Hoozer married Amy Wayman, a native of east Tennes- 
see, born Sept. 27, 1841, who now lives with her children. To this union 
the following children were born: Luella May, died at the age of 18 
years; Margaret, the wife of Tilman Guess of Ridgeway; J. W., the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; Willie, died at the age of 16 years ; Callie Maud, was 
the wife of L. Wilkerson and died in 1913; Albert L., died at Powell, 
Wyo., in 1917, at the age of 36 years; and Carl Victor, of Powell, Wyo., 
a World War veteran. He enlisted from Harrison County, and was sta- 
tioned at Camp Donaphan. 

J. W. VanHoozer attended the public school, and was a student in 
the Normal at Chillicothe. Mo. At the age of 19 years, he taught a term 
of school in the Adams District of Gentry County, and has followed the 
occupation of farming since that time. He spent five years in Comanche 
County, Oklahoma, then returned to Genti-y County and bought 100 
acres of land near his present farm. He sold the land in 1909 and bought 
his present farm of 141 acres six miles northeast of Albany. His farm is 
well watered, and has good improvements. Mr. VanHoozer raises sheep, 
hogs, and cattle, and does general farming 

J. W. VanHoozer was married Dec. 28, 1907, to Nellie Baldwin, 
born in Martinsville, a daughter of Edward and Susie (Glendenning) 
Baldwin. Mr. and Mrs. VanHoozer have a daughter. Amy Lenore, born 
Dec. 25. 1909. 

Mrs. VanHoozer's father, Edward Baldwin, was born in Michigan 
in 1838, and died at Martinsville, Mo., in 1895. His remains are buried 
in Kidwell Cemetery. He was a captain in the Confederate Army dur- 
ing the Civil War. His father, Ezra P. Baldwin, was born in New Hamp- 
shire, and came to Michigan then to Harrison County, about 1850. His 
father was a soldier in the American Revolution, and one of Mrs. Van- 
Hoozer's prized possessions is a button from the uniform of this ances- 
tor. The Baldwins were among the venturesome souls that came across 
in the Mayflower, and settled the new land. Mrs. VanHoozer's mother, 



528 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Susie (Glendenning) Baldwin, was born in Indiana in 1838. She 
died April 11, 1922. Her parents, Richard and Saleta (Carter) Glen- 
denning, came to Gentry County in 1841, and settled on a farm in How- 
ard Township. To the union of Edward and Susie (Glendenning) Bald- 
win the following children were born: Emma, later Mrs. Roundtree, 
died in 1907; Ellis, died at New Hampton in 1921; Eugene, of Shenan- 
doah, Iowa; W. A., of Bethany; Flora, now Mrs. Thompson of Dallas 
Township, Harrison County; Nellie, now Mrs. VanHoozer; Charles, ot 
Neosho, where he is the superintendent of Public Schools; and Ethel, 
deceased. . • j 

Mr. VanHoozer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, and Mrs. VanHoozer is a member of the Board of Education of the 
school district. They are a capable and progressive family, known as 
citizens who are ever ready to aid in the cause of civic improvement. 

Fred S. Austin, a prominent farmer and stockman of McFall is a 
native of New York, born May 12, 1869. He is the son of Stephen and 
Elmina (Pingrey) Austin. Stephen Austin was born in Stamford, Ct., in 
1817 ; in 1831 he removed from Connecticut to New York and came to 
Missouri in 1887. He was married in Elmina Pingrey in 1848. She was a 
native of New York, born in the town of Alfred. Stephen Austin began 
teaching school when he was 19 years old and continued teaching until he 
reached the age of 70. He was also extensively interested in fanning and 
stockraising and at one time was also the owner of 549 acres of land. He 
bought and sold cattle extensively. He was a member of the Methodist 
church and a highly esteemed and upright citizen. He died in 1907 and his 
wife departed this life in 1912 and their remains are buried in the cemetery 
at McFall. 

To Stephen Austin and wife were born the following children: Burt, 
who is engaged in the jewelry business in Oklahoma City, Okla.; Anna, 
who was a music teacher, married Fred Hamm and they reside at McFall; 
Alice, who resides with her brother Fred at McFall; and Fred, the subject 
of this sketch.They were all born at Andover, N. Y. 

Fred Austin received his education in the public schools of New York 
and Missouri and in early life was associated with his father in farming 
and the stock business which he still continues. He is the owner of a valu- 
able and well improved farm and carries on general farming and stock 
raising. He raises Jersey cattle, Poland China hogs and standard bred 
Rhode Island Red chickens. He and his sister together have 233 acres 
of land all within about three miles of McFall. 

Mr. Austin is one of the successful men of affairs of Gentry 




FRED S. AUSTIN 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 529 

County. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and 
is a supporter of the principles of the Socialist party. 

Willis Adams, owner of 175 acres of well improved land three miles 
northeast of Lone Star in Gentry County, is one of the well known farm- 
ers of Howard Township. He was born west of Lone Star, Aug. 25, 1861, 
in a log cabin, the roof of which was weighed down with poles. 

His parents were William and Delila (Wood) Adams, the former 
born in Illinois and the latter in Ohio. They were married in Illinois 
and came to Missouri in 1855, where they lived on a farm west of Lone 
Star for ten years, and then moved to a farm 3i miles north of Lone 
Star where they lived until their deaths. William Adams was a mem- 
ber of the State Militia during the Civil War. He took a very active in- 
terest in the schools of the county, and served on the local board of edu- 
cation for 31 years. He was a Democrat. He did general farming and 
stockraising on his place of 100 acres, and was successful. He died in 
1890 at the age of 59 years, and his widow died in 1906 at the age of 
73 years. The remains of both are buried in the Lone Star Cemetery. 
Their children were : Mary, now the wife of W. A. Hunter of Harrison 
County; Clark, of Ridgeway ; Matilda Jane, the wife of N. R. Spillman 
of Worth County; J. W., died in 1917 at the age of 58 years, and his re- 
mains are buried in the Lone Star Cemetery; Willis, the subject of this 
review; W. W., living near New Hampton; Elizabeth, the wife of A. L. 
Grooms of Howard Township; Loretta, married J. H. Shofner, died Nov. 
13, 1921, and her remains are buried in Lone Star Cemetery; C. F., on 
the home place; and Delia, also on the home place. 

Willis Adams attended school at District No. 1, Chris. Sellers was 
his first teacher. He later went to the Groom school and there Mr. Lan- 
den was his first teacher. Mr. Adams bought his present farm in 1885, 
and brought his wife there to begin housekeeping. They had a box 
house then, 15 feet square, with a "lean to" 8x15 feet. Mr. Adams 
traded the only team he owned for 40 acres of the land which made the 
nucleus of his later holdings. He owed about $100.00 on the farm, but 
worked out by the day, and soon had enough to buy another farm. The 
old box house was used as the basis of the present residence. Mr. Adams 
keeps a small- orchard, does general farming, and is interested in stock- 
raising. , 

Willis Adams was married Aug. 23, 1885, to Alice Dotson, born in 
Harrison County, the daughter of Noah and Scrilda (Smith) Dotson. 
Mrs. Dotson died in 1878 and her remains are buried in Smith Cemetery ; 
Mr. Dotson died in 1911, and his remains are buried in Matkins Ceme- 



530 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tery. Their children were: Mary, married W. W. Adams living near 
Matkins; Lafayette, living at Tulsa, Okla.; Alice, now Mrs. Adams; 
Sarah Susan, married to William Roush of Enid, Okla. ; Charles, living 
in Arizona; John, of Texas County; and William, of Hayes, Kan. A 
daughter, Ona, died at the age of two years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Adams have had the following children: Grace, died 
in 1910 at the age of 24 years; C. V., mentioned later in this sketch; E. 
R., married Iva Pulsifer, and is the superintendent of schools at New 
Hampton ; Wood, married Ruth Jones, and is a teacher in Harrison 
County ; Myrtle, married Edgar Parman, a farmer of Howard Township ; 
Russell, married Ada Hensley, and is farming in Worth County; Mabel, 
died at the age of two years; and Curtis, at home. 

C. V. Adams was born Oct. 22, 1887, and was reared on the home 
farm. He was inducted into the U. S. army, July 25, 1918, and was sent 
to Camp Funston for three months. He was twith the Ambulance Com- 
pany 237, 10th Sanitary Train, 10th Division. He was sent east to Cham- 
bersburg. Pa., and while waiting there for orders to go overseas, the 
armistice was signed, and Mr. Adams was esnt back to Camp Funston 
and was mustered out of service, Jan. 23, 1919. He owns a farm of 80 
acres in Worth County which he and his brother operate together, along 
with a part of their father's farm. Mr. Adams is a member of the Amer- 
ican Legion Donald Holden Post No. 106 at Albany. 

Willis Adams is a Democrat, a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, of the Knights of Pythias, and was a charter member 
of the Siloam No. 4407 Modern Woodman of America. He has served 
as a member of the township board for two years. He is a man esteemed 
for his reliability and industry. 

Simpson W. Needels, proprietor of the Salem Stock Farm, was born 
in Howard Township, Gentry County, on the site of his present re.si- 
dence, Aug. 18, 1865, and has spent all of his life in this community, 
where his father, G. W. Needels, was one of the prominent men of his 
day. 

George W. Needels was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October, 
1825. His father, Alexander Needels, was born in Delaware in 1797, 
and died in 1878. His mother, Elizabeth (Cubbage) Needjels, was also a 
native of Delaware. G. W. Needels came to Gentry County in 1845, and 
entered 200 acres of land in Howard Township. He improved his place, 
and in 1881 had 16 miles of rail fencing on the place. In Ohio he mar- 
ried Rebecca Throckmorton, a daughter of Archibald and Ruth (Simp- 
son) Throckmorton.! The marriage occurred in 1847, and Mrs. Needels 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 531 

died in 1878, at the age of 49 years. Her children were: John W., a 
farmer at Scott City, Kan. ; A. B., a prominent farmer and stockman, 
died at his home in Parnell, Nodaway County, at the age of 63 years; 
Ruth E., married G. W. Caster of New Hampton; Mildred F., died in 
1887 at the age of 30 years; Elizabeth, married N. J. Green, and was 
killed in a cyclone. May 10, 1890; Simpson W., the subject of this 
sketch; G. W., living in Webster County; and Elmer C, of Pasadena, 
Calif. 

George W. Needels was married in 1879 to Jane Nicholson of Bar- 
tholomew County, Indiana, and after her death, Mr. Needels married 
Barbara (Green) Culp, now living at Albany. Mr. Needels died Feb. 
24, 1903. He was a man with a wide vairety of interests. He owned 640 
acres of land, was interested in property in Albany, was an editor and 
publisher of the American Freeman, a reform paper of popularity dur- 
ing the early eighties, and helped raise militia for service during the 
Civil War. He was a quartermaster in the service of the state for a while, 
and was commissioned county judge of Gentry County in 1864, holding this 
position for two years. He was identified with the American Reform party 
in politics, and was a member of the Free Methodist Church, a man who 
was fearless in doing the thing he considered right, interested in everything 
that meant the development of the civic good. 

Simpson W. Needels attended the public schools. His land, known 
as the Salem Stock Farm is one of the good stock farms of the county. 
He has been a breeder of Durham cattle, but now breeds the Jersey cat- 
tle also. He maintains a small dairy, and keeps ten Jersey cows. He 
also raises Duroc Jersey hogs, and for 25 years has raised White Leg- 
horn and Buff Orpington chickens. He has been a breeder of Cotswool 
sheep for the past 21 years. He has a good residence, built in 1905, the 
former residence having been destroyed along with all the household 
goods on June 21st of that year. The farm is equipped with good farm 
buildings. 

Simpson W. Needels was married Aug. 20, 1890, to Mary Eliza- 
beth Noble, a daughter of Clark and Sarah Ann (Morris) Noble, the 
former born in February 1825, in Indiana; and the latter born in Octo- 
ber, 1834, in Ohio. Mr. Noble died in Gentry County in September, 
1890, and Mrs. Noble died in Gentry County, May, 1910. The remains 
of both are buried in the Carter Cemetery, where the remains of Mr. 
Needels' parents are also buried. 

To the union of Simpson W. and Mary Elizabeth (Noble) Needels 
the following children were born: Lulu Maud, the wife of Frank Find- 



532 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ley of Howard Township; Charles E., married Retha Long and lives in 
Howard Township, he entered the U. S. army, Oct. 3, 1917, was placed 
in the 40th Division Ambulance Corps, and sent to Camp Funston, then 
to Camp Kearney, went overseas in August, 1918, and was mustered out 
of service, June, 1919; Ruth E., married Alva Moberly, a World War 
veteran in service for nine months, but was not sent overseas; Edith B., 
married Charles Hulett, also a veteran of the World War, served over- 
seas; Elsie D., the wife of Elvis Arnold, in service during the World 
War for nine months; Curtis Simpson, died in infancy; Melville James, 
at home, and Anna Rebecca, at home. 

Mr. Needels is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
and belongs to the Yeoman and Forester Lodges. He is a substantial 
citizen of his township, a man of marked civic pride, and progressive 
ideas. 

H. F. Carter is a well known farmer of Howard Township, Gentry 
County. He was born on the farm which is now his home on April 27, 
1857, the son of Vinson and Patience (Glendenning) Carter, early set- 
tlers of Gentry County. 

Vinson Carter was born in Tennessee Jan. 4, 1814, and died in Gen- 
try County, Aug. 19, 1888. He was the son of Elijah Carter, born March 
29, 1786, and died Nov. 13, 1858, and Susannah Carter, born Nov. 19, 
1795, and died Sept. 9, 1859. Elijah and Susannah Carter were the par- 
ents of 15 children: Elizabeth, Vinson, Selety, Jane, Nancy, Joseph, 
Catherine, John, Sarah, Hiram, Susannah, Lewis, Nathan, Mary, and 
Martha. Vinson Carter came to Gentry County with his father in Octo- 
ber, 1841. They both entered land in Howard Township, and became 
prominent men in the community. Vinson Carter married Patience Glen- 
denning, also a member of a pioneer family of Missouri. She was born 
in Indiana, March 13, 1821, and died in Gentry County, Dec. 22, 1886. 
The remains of both Mr. and Mrs. Carter are buried in the Carter Ceme- 
tery. Their children were: Elizabeth, born June 9," 1840, married W. 
W. Mock, who is now dead; William G., born Oct. 23, 1841, now living 
at New Hampton; Susannah, born Jan. 27, 1844, and married Jackson 
Dye, they are both dead; Elijah A., born Jan. 13, 1846, living at New 
Hampton; John Lewis, born July 7, 1849, living in Howard Township; 
Martha, born Sept. 28, 1852, married William Clelland, who is now 
dead, his widow lives in Harrison County; Milton Riley, born Oct. 16, 
1854, lives in Howard Township ; Hiram Franklin, the subject of this 
review; and Jane, born Sept. 1, 1861, married Fillmore Needels. 

H. F. Carter attended the public schools, and has lived on a farm 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 533 

all of his life. His present residence is located on the site of the house 
where he was born. He owns 280 acres of land, 200 acres of which is a 
part of the Carter home place. The farm is well watered, with two good 
springs, and Mr. Carter has erected excellent farm buildings. He does 
general farming and raises Shorthorn cattle, Black Poland China hogs, 
Shropshire sheep, and horses and mules. The farm lies 6^ miles north- 
west of New Hampton. 

H. F. Carter was married on Nov. 30, 1884, to Ada Viola Stewart, 
the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cummins) Stewart of Howard 
Township, and to their union the following children were born : Duffy, 
married Helen Clelland and lives in Sullivan County; Maude the wife of 
Walter Bender of Harrison County; an infant, died at the age of six 
months; Claude R., married Mary Denny, lives at Darlington; Crit, mar- 
ried Gladys Goff, and is a farmer in Howard Township; and Carrie, and 
Victor, both living at home. Claude R. Carter enlisted for service in the 
World War Aug. 8, 1918. He was sent overseas and landed in France, 
Sept. 27, 1918, and was with the Evacuation Hospital No. 15 near Ver- 
dun, where he remained for ten months, returning to the United States 
June 27, 1919. 

Samuel Stewart, the father of Ada Viola (Stewart) Carter, was born 
in Ohio, July 4, 1819, and in 1827 his father moved to Indiana. Samuel 
Stewart came to Missouri in 1854 and entered 150 acres of land in Har- 
rison County. He later sold that land, and came to Gentry County, 
where he bought 200 acres of land in Howard Township, and improvea 
it, making of it one of the most substantial and beautiful farms in the 
community. He enlisted for service in the Civil War in the 1st Missouri 
Cavalry in 1862, and served for two years, when he was discharged as 
disabled. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Church. 
He was a man who took a pride in building up his home and community, 
esteemed in his neighborhood as a person of sterling worth and high 
character. He married Mary Cummings, a daughter of James Cummings 
of Virginia, Feb. 18, 1840, and they had six children: Alfred Stew- 
art, the oldest, served in the Militia during the Civil War; Arthur Stew- 
art, a retired farmer. New Hampton ; Albert, who enlisted in the 1st 
Missouri Cavalry at the age of 21 years, for service in the Civil War, and 
died in a hospital at Warrensburg, Mo.; Andrew, who died in 1887 at 
the age of 22 years ; Allen, Albany ; Martha, New Hampton ; Mary Alice, 
dead; and Ada Viola, now Mrs. Carter. Five children died in infancy. 
Mrs. Stewart died at New Hampton in March, 1906, and Mr. Stewart 
died in December, 1911. The remains of both are buried in Carter Cem- 
etery. 



534 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

H. F. Carter is a Republican in politics. ■ He is one of the substantial 
men of the township. 

George Sterling Runyan, well established farmer and stockman of 
Howard Township, Gentry County, has lived on his present farm of 160 
acres since he was a lad of 11 years. He was born in Howard Township, 
Sept. 10, 1861, the son of Silas and Elizabeth (Wood) Runyan, early set- 
tlers of Gentry County. 

Silas Runyan was born in Ohio, and his wife was a native of Illinois. 
They came to Missouri in 1855, and entered 80 acres of land in Gentry 
County. Mr. Runyan later sold this land, and bought the Fletcher farm 
near Lone Star, then known as Mt. Vernon. He traded that farm, and in 
1872 moved to the farm now owned by his son. G. S. Runyan. Silas Run- 
yan was well known as a freighter for the merchants of Gentry County. 
He had his route between Lone Star and St. Joseph, and used oxen to 
make the trip of five days between the two places. He died on his farm 
in 1903 in the 84th year of his age. Mrs. Runyan died in 1897 at the age 
of 70 years. The remains of both are buried in the Lone Star Cemetery. 
Their children were: W. M.. died in Kansas City; Absolom, a farmer in 
Howard Township ; LoRella, is the widow of Thomas Warden and lives 
in Howard Township ; Charles, living at New Hampton ; Shepherd, liv- 
ing in Carroll County; Sarah Ann, married Mr. Dotson, and is now dead; 
G. S., the subject of this review; Arthur, farmer of Howard Township; 
Melissa, married to Riley Grace of Iowa; and B. F., deceased. 

G. S. Runyan attended school at Lone Star, and has been a farmer 
all of his life. He bought the home place in 1901, and has improved it. 
The farm has a good residence, a large new barn, and good farm build- 
ings for the stock. Mr. Runyan raises Shorthorn cattle. He handled thor- 
oughbred jacks, Percheron horses and now raises hogs and sheep, and 
has been successful in this line of work. 

G. S. Runyan was married April 8, 1883, to Anna E. Grace, a daugh- 
ter of James and Judith Rebecca (Miller) Grace, sketches of whose 
lives appear in connection with the review of the life of John W. Grace 
in this volume. To the union of G. S. and Anna E. (Grace) Runyan the 
following children were boi-n : Ethel, now Mrs. W. J. Ebersole of New 
Hampton ; Ettie, the wife of Jesse Ballinger of Harrison County ; Emmet 
E., New Hampton; Rebecca, now married to W. Earl Austin of Lone 
Star; Edna, married to Ed Hinton of Howard Township; Richard, was 
in training with the Student Army Training Corps at Columbia when the 
World War closed, now a student in the Northwest Missouri State Teach- 
ers College; and Mabel, teaching at Crystal Lake in Harrison County. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 535 

Three children are dead: James, died Jan. 5, 1894, at the age of eight 
years; John, died at the age of two years; and Dorothy, who was a stu- 
dent in the New Hampton High School, where she became ill with the 
influenza, and died in February, 1920. 

Mr. Runyan is a Democrat. He has been a member of the township 
board. He is a substantial citizen, esteemed throughout his community 
as a man of integrity and uprightness of character. 

George Burkhart was born in Huggins Township, Gentry County on 
the fai-m where he now lives, Sept. 28, 1861. His parents were John and 
Winifred A. (Goodwin) Burkhail, both deceased. 

John Burkhart was a Kentuckian, who came to Gentry County in 
1856, and entered 40 acres of land to which he later added 80 acres by 
purchase, and then a tract of timberland, bought still later. He improved 
the land, and built a house which, like all the houses of that early day, 
was well constructed. It was of native wood, sawed at Gay Mill, with 
the doors, window frames, and sashes of walnut. The joists and ceiling 
were of seasoned cottonwood, and the roof of shaved walnut shingles. 
In this house, George Burkhart was born, and here John Burkhart died 
in 1884. His wife died in 1888, and the remains of both are buried in 
the Hugginsviile Cemetery. John Burkhart was a veteran of the Civil 
War. To his union with Winifred A. Goodwin the following children 
were born: Jane, now Mrs. Townsend of Albany; Mary, now Mrs. Hicks 
of North Dakota; Matilda, died at the age of 16 years; George, the sub- 
ject of this sketch; R. A., of Huggins Township; and J. H., living in 
North Dakota. 

George Burkhart attended the public schools and has made his own 
way in the world all of his life. He bought the interest of the other heirs 
in the home place, and made many improvements on it. He built the 
present residence in 1902, a good barn in 1898, and has erected farm 
buildings from time to time as they were needed in his work. He han- 
dles Duroc and Poland China hogs, raises cattle, and handles White Or- 
pington and Leghorn poultry. The farm shows the excellent results of 
Mr. Burkhart's progressive methods. 

George Burkhart was married Feb. 24, 1889, to Cora E. Canady, a 
daughter of Daniel A. and Sarah A. Canady, both born in Gentry County, 
and both now dead. To the union of George and Cora E. (Canady) 
Burkhart the following children were born: Arch, mentioned later in 
this sketch; Edith, the wife of Ezra Hopkins of Albany; Ruby, married 
to M. A. Hopkins of Albany; and Ro.ss, died at the age of one year. 

Arch Burkhart enlisted for service in the World War on Dec. 15, 



536 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

1917, with the 5th Company, 3rd Air Service Mechanics. He was sent 
first to Jefferson Barracks, then to Camp Hancock, Augusta, Ga., later 
to Camp Green, N. C, afterwards to Camp Upton, N. Y., and overseas 
on July 7, 1918, where he remained in France for nearly a year, and re- 
turned to the United States on June 28, 1919. He was mustered out of 
service, July 1, 1919, at Camp Dodge. He is a member of the American 
Legion Donald Holden Post No. 106 at Albany. 

George Burkhart is a member of the historic Old Brick Church. He 
is an efficient farmer, and a reliable citizen of the township. 

James E. Enyart, known throughout Gentry County and the surround- 
ing part of Missouri as the successful inventor of the Enyart Patent Life 
Hay-Ricker, Stacker and Loader and the Enyart Honey Comb Foundation 
Guage, is a native Missourian. He was born in Daviess County, June 7, 
1861, the son of J. T. and Amanda (Locker) Enyart. 

J. T. Enyart was born in Overton County, Tenn., July 15, 1821, and 
came to Daviess County in November, 1832. On December 25, 1865, he 
located near McFall, Gentry County, and bought 80 acres of the B. Mother- 
sead place and later acquired more land, making 200 acres in all. Mr. 
Enyart died September 15, 1905 and his remains are buried at McFall. His 
wife was born near McFall in 1838, and died on the home place. Her 
remains are buried in the Old Liberty Cemetery. The children of J. T. 
Enyart and his wife were: J. E., the subject of this review; Eugenia 
Frances, living in Illinois; Wilfred,, a farmer living in Miller Township; 
and Archie, deceased. 

J. E. Enyhart went to his first school in the Arnold District, a log 
building located on the James Arnold farm. Later J. T. Enyart helped 
organize the Hallsark District and his son attended that school. With the 
exception of three years, J. E. Enyai't has spent his life in the McFall 
neighborhood. Since 1867 he has been living on the farm he now owns. 
Besides the 80 acres which formerly belonged to his father and is now 
owned by Mr. Enyart, he owns 200 acres of well improved land. Up to 
12 years ago, Mr. Enyart followed farming and stockraising, but he was 
crippled at that time by a binder accident and has been renting his fann 
out. For 32 yeai's he has kept bees, but since 1916 he has developed this 
industry until he now has 34 stands. Mr. Enyart has experimented until 
he has reached the conclusion that a mixture of alsac clover, sweet clover 
and white clover makes the best honey. He has built up a good trade in his 
product, finding a ready and profitable market for the particular blend of 
honey produced by his methods. 

J. E. Enyart was married in 1881 to Mary Adaline Graves, born Dec. 
13, 1864, the daughter of Horace and Mary A. (Burton) Graves of Har- 



1 




lAMKS K ENVAUT AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 537 

rison County. Mr. and Mrs. Enyart have one son, James Logan, married 
to Ritchie Lee Fitzgerald, and living at McFall. They have a son, James 
Wilford Enyart. 

Mr. Enyart is a Democrat in politics. He has filled the office of trustee 
in Miller Township and for the past 10 years he has been a director in the 
Farmers Bank of McFall. Mr. Enyart has a most interesting work shop 
in which the visitor may look at the various devices invented by Mr. 
Enyart for the improvement of his work with bees. Here he makes his 
hives and honey boards, and here also is constructed his new patent, called 
the Lewis Beeware Four Way Bee Escape used to rid the supers of bees. 
Another method used successfuly by Mr. Enyart is a 30x32 galvanizd 
iron cover for the protection of the hives. He is a man whose work has 
been a series of successful accomplishments, and the community is justly 
proud of his achievements. 

John W. Grace, well known in Howard Township, Gentry County, 
as a successful farmer, and a citizen who has been active in township af- 
fairs, was born in Union County, Iowa, in 1865, the son of James and 
Rebecca (Miller) Grace. 

James Grace was born in Ray County, where his father, John Grace, 
had moved from Tennessee. James Grace grew up in Ray County, later 
went to Iowa, and in 1866 settled on a farm northwest of Martinsville, 
Mo. He later went to Ray County, where he remained until 1872 when 
he came to Gentry County, and bought a farm lA miles noi'theast of 
Lone Star in Howard Township, paying $10.00 an acre for the land. He 
later bought a tract of 100 acres for which he paid $5.00 an acre. There 
was some prairie land in the farm, and the remainder was open timber. 

James Grace was first married to Rebecca Miller a daughter of 
John Miller, who was killed in the Battle of Pea Ridge, while in the 
service of the Confederacy. Thomas Miller, a brother of John Miller, 
served for four years in the Confederate Army. He settled in Clay 
County after the close of the war, and died at Excelsior Springs. Mrs. 
Grace was born and reared three miles northeast of Excelsior Springs in 
Ray County. She died in 1867, and her remains are buried near Excel- 
sior Springs. Her children were: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Runyan of How- 
ard Township ; John W., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Grace married 
the second time, Huldah Cravens. She died in 1910, and her remains are 
buried in the Lone Star Cemetery. Her children were: Henry, living at 
New Hampton; R. F., living three miles northeast of Lone Star; Charles 
Elmer, died in 1908; Myrtle L., now Mrs. Miller of Howard Township; 
and Floyd, and Jesse, both living at Albany. Mr. Grace married the 



538 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

third time, Nancy Chitten, now living at Siloam Springs, Howard Town- 
ship. Mr. Grace died in 918, and his remains are buried in the Lone Star 
Cemetery. 

John W. Grace attended the public schools, and was a student for 
one year at Grand River College, Edinburg. He taught school for five 
years, the first term in Grundy County, and after that in Gentry County. 
At the end of that time he began farming in Howard Township, and for 
34 years has operated the same farm. He owns 120 acres, 95 acres of 
which has been in his name for 35 years, and the other 25 since 1919. 
The farm joins the city limits of Lone Star on the east, and the residence 
is located just one-half mile from the town. Mr. Grace built the present 
residence, and also the excellent farm buildings. When he came to the 
place, he found the entire farm, with the excption of three acres, fenced 
with rails. Mr. Grace says that the cyclone which struck Howard Town- 
ship in the early eighties, not only blew down the county court house, 
and demolished farm buildings, but it carried away his rail fences. As 
wire fencing was just becoming known, Mr. Grace replaced the damage 
done to his fences by installing some of the new wire fencing. 

John W. Grace was married Nov. 8, 1885, to Matilda Harris, a 
daughter of William and Mary (Witten) Harris. Mrs. Grace was born 
and reared near her present home. William Harris was born in Ken- 
tucky and his wife was a native of Tazewell County, Virginia, who was 
reared in Grundy County. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are now living at Bak- 
ersfield, Calif., and celebrated their golden wedding on Sept. 27, 1916, 
when all of the children yet living were present. To the union of Wil- 
liam and Mary (Witten) Han-is the following children were born: Ma- 
tilda, now Mrs. Grace; a daughter, now Mrs. A. J. Hunter of Porter- 
ville, Calif. ; W. W., a resident of Bakersf ield. Calif. ; Mrs. A. K. Carson 
of Bakersfield, Calif.; M. M., of San Francisco, Calif.; H. E., Bakers- 
field, Calif.; and Anna, now Mrs. Carson of Bakersfield, Calif.; Mollie 
wife of Amos McKinley, Porterville, Calif. 

Mr. and Mrs. Grace have the following children: W. A., a resident 
of Albany; Mabel, the wife of George H. Hamilton of Bakersfield, 
Calif.; and Curtis E., graduated from the New Hampton High School, 
attended Palmer College at Albany, and is now teaching his second 
term in the Colvin District. Mr. and Mrs. Grace have the following 
grandchildren: John A., and Louise Hamilton; and William, Helen and 
Kenneth Paul Grace. 

William M. Harris, the father of Mrs. Grace, is a well known man 
in Gentry County where he lived for many years. He was a prominent 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 539 

Democrat here, and served four years as the county assessor. In 1904, 
he moved to California and has lived there ever since. He has been a 
frequent contributor to the Albany Ledger, for which he has written his 
recollections of much of the early history of Gentry County. Although 
no longer a citizen of Missouri, yet he maintains a keen interest in the 
state and takes a delight in reviving his memories of the happenings of 
the stirring early days in Gentry County. 

Mr. Grace relates many interesting things concerning his own boy- 
hood recollections. He was reared by his grandmother, Polly Miller, 
who died in 1905. Her father-in-law, Frederick Miller, was an early set- 
tler of the county. He gave the original two acre tract of land that com- 
posed the Christian Union Cemetery, and later in his will, he bequeathed 
another two acres to be added to the cemetery. Mr. Grace says that he 
started to school at the age of four years, going first to the school in the 
Jackson District in Ray County. He is a man who has always been ac- 
tive in his participation in public affairs, and has at various times, filled 
every office in Howard Township. He was on the Democrat County Com- 
mittee for 12 years, and was the secretary of that organization for two 
years. He is now a member of the board of the Gentry County Mutual 
Insurance Company. 

Annie Laurie (Akin) Carter is a descendant of Ensign Henry Wal- 
lace of Virginia, who served in the American Navy during the Revolu- 
tionary War, and is also one of the few women of Missouri who success- 
fully operates a farm. For the past 19 years, Mrs. Carter has managed 
her farm of 240 acres in Gentry County, manifesting a marked capacity 
for the work. The farm is located 4.1 miles northwest of Albany, and is 
about one-half bottom land. Mrs. Carter has improved the place, and 
has a good residence and farm buildings. 

Annie Laurie (Akin) Carter was born in Clarinda, Iowa, Aug. 28, 
1873, a daughter of William and Hannah (Wallace) Akin, the former 
born near Clarinda, Iowa, and the latter a native of Tennessee. They 
were married at Maryville, where Mrs. Akin's parents were early set- 
tlers. Mrs. Akin died in January, 1913, and her remains are buried at 
Clarinda. Mr. Akin now lives on his farm near Hopkins. Their children 
were: Annie Laurie, the subject of this review; A. B., in the transfer 
business at Clarinda, Iowa; William, Jr., an electrician at Colorado 
Springs, Col.; a daughter, now Mrs. C. M. Davis of St. Joseph; Asa, a 
farmer of Elmo; and Jesse, a farmer near Quinby, Iowa. 

Annie Laurie Akin was educated at Clarinda, Iowa, and was a well 
known teacher in Page County, Iowa, and Nodaway County, Mo., for 



540 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

four years. On March 28, 1894, she was married at Clarinda to Mark P. 
Gregory, a descendant of Daniel Sheldon, who was a veteran of the 
War of 1812. Mr. Gregory was born in Illinois and, at the time of his 
marriage, was a farmer in Nodaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory 
moved to the farm now owned by Mrs. Carter in 1900 where Mr. Greg- 
ory died. March 23. 1903, leaving two sons: Paul A., born Jan., 3, 1897. 
volunteered for service in the World War on May 5, 1917, was sent to 
Camp Clark at Nevada, Mo., then to Ft. Sill, Okla., and was transferred 
to the Veterinary Division from Company G, 35th Division, 139th Regi- 
ment, and remained until Feb. 11, 1919, but because of an injury which 
he received he was unable to go overseas, and on Aug. 20, 1919, he was 
killed in an automobile accident, and his remains are buried at Albany; 
and Homer Jack, born Aug. 15, 1901, and died July 19, 1911, at the age 
of ten years. 

Annie Laurie (Akin) Gregory was married the second time to 
Charles L. Carter and to this union a daughter, Hannah Kathleen, was 
born. She is now at home. 

Mrs. Carter is a woman of culture, business ability, and energy. 
She has applied her education to practical ends, and by dint of natural 
capacity plus determination, has achieved an enviable success in her un- 
usual line of work. 

John B. Robison, a progressive farmer of Huggins Township, Gen- 
try County, is a native of Indiana. He was born on a farm in Parke 
County, Dec. 28, 1859. His parents were James P. and Sarah J. (New- 
lin) Robison, both natives of Indiana. James P. Robison was a well 
known farmer near Rockville, Ind. 

John B. Robison attended the common schools of Indiana and later 
was a farmer and stockman in that state. In 1890, he came to Missouri, 
where he located in Gentry County. Two years later he bought 100 
acres of his present farm from J. W. Coulter, and has since added 60 
acres to the original holdings. The farm is well watered, 62 acres of it 
being bottom land. The residence is six miles northwest of Albany, and 
there are two barns on the place, as well as various other good farm 
buildings. Mr. Robison keeps the greater part of the farm in pasture. 
He keeps a small herd of registered Hereford cattle, and raises horses, 
hogs, Shropshire sheep, and poultry. The farm presents the appearance 
of a well operated tract of land, and shows the effects of the owner's 
methods of work. The David Church is located on the northwest corner 
of Mr. Robison's farm. 

John B. Robison was married on Dec. 25, 1899, to Anna Compton, a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 541 

daughter of J. P. and Eliza Compton of Cherry Point, 111. Mrs. Robison 
was born in Virginia, and her parents moved to Illinois when she was a 
child of six years. Mr. and Mrs. Robison have a daughter. Hazel, the 
widow of Guy Lykins. 

Mr. Robison is known as an efficient farmer, a substantial business 
man, and a good citizen. 

R. J. Allenbrand, a capable farmer of Huggins Township in Gentry 
County, is a native of this county, born in Miller Township, Feb. 8, 1884. 
He is the son of Joe and Minnie (Eberle) Allenbrand; Mrs. Allenbrand 
is now living in King City; her husband is deceased. 

Joe Allenbrand was born in Canada. He served two years in the 
Union Army during the Civil War, and at the close of the war, settled in 
Gentry County. To his union with Minnie Eberle the following children 
were born : L. G. living at King City ; Dora P., married to John Fitzger- 
ald of Hobart, Okla. ; F. P., living at Dexter, Mo. ; H. D., of McFall, 
where he lives on the home place; R. J., the subject of this sketch; Eliz- 
abeth, the wife of Ray Gartin of Darlington; Edna married to Bert Mc- 
Kay of Ft. Morgan, Col. ; Lottie, employed in the Federal Reserve Bank 
in Kansas City; and Benjamin, died at the age of four years. 

R. J. Allenbrand attended the schools in Miller Township, and grad- 
uated from the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111., in 1908. For 
the year following his completion of his course at Quincy, he worked 
for a wholesale firm in Kansas City. Since that time, he has farmed in 
Gentry County. He bought his present farm of 97i acres in 1910, and 
moved to the place the next year. The farm lies 5i miles northwest of 
Albany, and Mr. Allenbrand has built a good residence, excellent farm 
buildings, and in 1919, added a silo to the farm equipment. He raises 
Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, and standard bred Wyandotte 
chickens. At the Albany poultry show in 1921, his pen took the second 
prize, and he also received the second prize on pullets. At the same ex- 
hibition. Mr. Allenbrand took second prize on yellow corn. 

Mr. Allenbrand was married Oct. 12, 1910, to Pearl Bennett of 
Caldwell, Idaho. She was born at Great Bend, Kan., a daughter of A. 
W. and Emma (Fesler) Bennett, both natives of Illinois, now living in 
Kansas City, where Mr. Bennett is a plumber. Mrs. Allenbrand has one 
brother, Bert L., also a plumber in Kansas City. Mr. and Mrs. Allen- 
brand have one son. Rex Ross, born Aug. 20, 1914. Mrs. Allenbrand 
was educated in the public .schools of Illinois and was a student in James 
Milliken University at Decatur, 111., for a year. She later taught in Ma- 
con County, Illinois, prior to her marriage. 



542 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Allenbrand is a capable and ambitious farmer, a man who suc- 
cess in his undertakings because of his industry and ability. 

S. R. Hise, well known as the efficient cashier of the Bank of Gen- 
try at Gentry, is a native of this county, born in Bogle Township, July 
8, 1865, the son of Noah and Elizabeth (Ross) Hise. 

Noah Hise was born near York, Pa., July 1, 1821, and went to Ohio 
when he was a small boy. In 1856, he came to Missouri and settled in 
Bogle Township. Gentry County, where he bought a farm. He served 
in the Missouri State Militia during the Civil War, and was a prominent 
farmer and stockman of Gentry County until his death, Dec. 19, 1921. 
He married Elizabeth Ross, born in Holmes County, Ohio, Aug. 25, 1842, 
the daughter of Henry and Hannah Ross, early settlers of Bogle Town- 
ship. Mr. Ross died in 1893, and Mrs. Ross died in 1869. The remains 
of Mr. and Mrs. Ross, and of Mr. Hise are buried in the New Friendship 
Cemetery. Mrs. Hise now 79 years of age, makes her home in Gentry. 
To her union with Noah Hise the following children were born : S. R., 
the subject of this review ; Almeda D., the wife of H. L. Johnson of 
Tucson, Ariz.; Belle, married to John M. Ray of Gentry; George F., 
a retired farmer living at Maryville; Archibald M., a dealer in imple- 
ments, hardware, and lumber at Hutchinson, Kan. ; Elizabeth, the wife 
of H. R. Cadjew of Omaha, Neb.; Margaret, deceased; May, living at 
Gentry; and Maud, the assistant cashier of the Bank of Gentry. By a 
former marriage of Noah Hise to Sarah E. Rambeau, he had the follow- 
ing children : Mary E., the wife of John Summa ; Aaron R., of Stanberry ; 
John F., of Stanberry; Sarah A., married to James F. Ross of Gentry; 
and Martha E., married Mr. Guyum, and is now dead. 

S. R. Hise attended the rural schools, and was a student in the 
Normal School at Stanberry, and also in the Missouri State University 
at Columbia. He taught school for three years, and studied medicine 
under the tutelage of Dr. Campbell of Albany for two years. He then 
took charge of his father's farm until 1903 when he was elected cashier 
of the Bank of Gentry which position he has filled ever since. 

The Bank of Gentry was organized Feb. 6, 1900 with a capital 
stock of $20,000.00, the only bank that has ever done business in Gentry. 
The year of its organization, the present bank building was erected, 
and has been the home of the institution ever since. The first officers 
were: J. L. Hash, President; C. B. Hash, Vice President; A. F. Galloway, 
Cashier; the above named officers and J. W. Hinote, S. R. Hise, C. F. 
Canady, H. P. Dills, and B. B. Coffey, Directors. The capital stock re- 
mains the same as when the bank was organized ; the surplus and un- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 543 

divided profits are now $45,000.00; and the present officers are: Walter 
Gladstone, President; G. E. Gladstone, Vice President; S. R. Hise, 
Cashier; and Maud Hise, Assistant Cashier. The directors of the bank 
are the president, vice president, cashier, and J. W. Dills, W. C. Canady, 
Ira Summa, and C. A. Jackson. The Bank of Gentry is a thriving organ- 
ization which owes its success to the efficient management that has been 
its part since its incipiency. 

Mr. Hise was married on Dec. 9, 1903 to Ola M. Snider, born in 
Gentry, a daughter of N. B. and Martha J. Snider. Mrs. Hise grew up in 
Gentry, and attended the school here. To her union with S. R. Hise two 
children were born: a son, who died in infancy; and Harry Snider, born 
June 27, 1912. Mrs. Hise died on Feb. 12, 1920, and her remains are 
buried in the New Friendship Cemetery. 

S. R. Hise is known throughout the community as an efficient busi- 
ness man who well merits the success that has accompanied his enter- 
prises. 

Philip Sale, well known stockbuyer of Gentry, has been a resident 
of Gentry for more than 40 years. He was born in Huggins Township, 
Sept. 3, 1863. His parents were Benjamin Franklin and Elizabeth 
(Armstrong) Sale. 

B. F. Sale was a Civil War veteran. He came to Missouri from 
Michigan in the forties, and entered land in Huggins Township, where 
he owned 100 acres of land at the time of his death on his farm in 1921. 
His wife was born in Ohio, a daughter of John and Rosa Armstrong, 
early settlers of Gentry County. Mrs. Sale died in 1910. The remains 
of Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong and Mr. and Mrs. Sale are buried in the 
Hugginsville Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Sale had the following children : 
John, a farmer in Huggins Township; W. M., farming in Huggins Town- 
ship; Philip, the subject of this review; Comfort, married to J. A. 
Henderson and living on the home place; Allie, married to J. N. Motes, 
a minister in Green City; and Etta, was Mrs. Danford, and is now dead. 

Philip Sale went to the rural school in Huggins Township and has 
bought and sold stock since he was 17 years old. For the past 15 years 
he has been located at Gentry where he has been successful in his work. 
He buys cattle, mules, horses, and hogs. 

Mr. Sale was married on Oct. 24, 1886 to Ada M. Lawrence, a 
daughter of Newton and Ulissa Lawrence, both now dead. Mrs. Sale 
was born on the Lawrence home farm, and attended the rural schools. 
To her union with Philip Sale the following children were born : Bertha, 
died at the age of 11 years; Newton, married Cordie Summa, and died 



544 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a few years later, leaving two sons, Philip, and Russell; Hazel, the wife 
of Ray Hall, a physician of Gage, Okla. 

Mr. Sale is a Republican, and in 1914 made the race for sheriff of 
Gentry County on the Republican ticket. He is a man of practical busi- 
ness ability, well versed in the phases of his work. 

Martin Van Buren Miller, now deceased was a prominent farmer and 
stockman of Jackson Township and was identified with Gentry County for 
many years. He was born in Virginia, a son of John and Sophia (Cowden) 
Miller, both natives of Virginia. Martin Van Buren Miller bought the farm 
which is now the family homestead in Jackson Township in 1884. The 
place consists of 181 acres and here he carried on general farming and stock 
raising until the time of his death, Feb. 27, 1910, and his remains are 
buried in Lafayette Cemetery. Since that time his widow and sons have 
operated the place. The farm is well improved with a good residence and 
other buildings. 

Martin Van Buren Miller married Malinda Sheridan, a daughter of E. 
G., and Hettie D. (Rose) Sheridan, both natives of Indiana. E. G. Sheridan 
settled in Iowa when he first came west and later came to Missouri and 
settled in Gentry County. He was engaged in farming and stock raising 
for a number of years and also devoted considerable attention to bee culture 
and raising flowers in which he was very successful. He is now living re- 
tired at the age of 88 years. He is a Republican and a member of the 
Quaker church. His wife died March 24, 1918 and is buried in Lafyette 
Cemetery. Mrs. Miller is one of the following children born to her par- 
ents: James, lives at Conception Junction ; William, lives in Gentry County; 
Sadie, married M. L. Law, near Stanberry; Frank, Farmington, Wash.; 
Ethelena, married George Doherty, of Stanberry; Hettie, married Erson 
Voorhies, Stanberry; Addie, married Archie Wermelskirchen, Stanberry. 

To Martin Van Buren Miller and wife were born the following chil- 
dren: Robert, born May 24, 1882, and died in August, 1886; Har\'ey, born 
Sept. 1, 1886, died Feb. 6, 1906; Bertha, born Oct. 17,1884 married Ovid 
Francis and they live in Gentry County ; Edith, born June 12, 1888, mar- 
ried Rector H. Smith and they live in Nodaway County ; Roy E., born July 
26, 1890 and resides on the home place; John D., born, March 31, 1897 was 
inducted in the United States Army during the World War and was at 
Camp McArthur, Texas when he received his final discharge after the 
armistice was signed, is now engaged in farming in Gentry County ; and 
Dale M., born Feb. 16, 1901, is on the home place with his mother; Alfred 
Beebe, a boy taken to raise by the Millers, was born in 1876 and died Aug. 
6, 1886. Mrs. Miller has nine grand children. The Miller family is well 
known and highly respected in Gentry County. 



i. 




MAKTIX VAXHriilOX MII.LKR 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 545 

Aseph Butler Price of the A. B. Price Clothing Company of Albany 
was born in Gentry County, Aug. 7, 1862, and grew up on the home farm 
near Albany. He was educated in the public schools and first estab- 
lished himself in business as a dealer in meat. He soon enlarged his line 
to include groceries, and finally developed one of the principal mercan- 
tile establishments of the county. He now handles dry goods, men's 
clothing, and ladies ready-to-garments. Mr. Price comes of a family that 
has long been prominent in northwest Missouri. 

Peter Price, great-grandfather of A. B. Price, was of German par- 
entage and the German language was always spoken in his home. He 
was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer by occupa- 
tion. About the opening of the nineteenth century he moved his family 
to the Miami Valley in Ohio. The country was new and the Indians were 
not always friendly to the white newcomers. One day Mr. Price, while 
hunting in the wilderness whei'e the wild game abounded but where the 
hostile Indians occasionally lurked, was accosted by two red men who 
tried to bargain with him for his gun. Divining their sinister purpose, 
Mr. Price declined their proffer, but finally agreed to go with them to 
their wigwams. The Indians tried to get him to lead the way, but Mr. 
Price, too wary to be tricked, declined to go first. In single file. The 
Indians preceding, they moved along for some distance, Mr. Price keep- 
ing close watch on his companions' movements. Suddenly the Indians 
came to an abrupt turn in the road and the one in the rear wheeled 
quickly and aimed his gun at Mr. Price. Mr. Price fired first, sending a 
bullet through the head of the treacherous Indian. Then jumping over 
the body of the fallen foe, he struck the other Indian with the barrel of 
the gun, disabling him, and retreated rapidly to his camp. There he 
gathered his family and household goods together and returned to the 
block house which had been erected for the protection of the frontiers- 
men of the neighborhood. 

Sometime later, Peter Price moved to Kentucky and later settled in 
Vigo County, Indiana. He afterwards moved to Morgan County, Illinois, 
where he died. His wife, Mary (Williams) Price, died many years be- 
fore that time. She also was of German stock. Their children were: 
Mary, who married Robert Miller; Sarah, married Aaron Hatfield and 
they both spent their lives in Cole and Tazewell Counties, Illinois; Mi- 
chael, settled in Iowa; Henry, died in Indiana; Peter, Jr., died in Gen- 
try County; David, died near Randville, 111.; and John, also died in Illi- 
nois. 

Peter Price, Jr., was born April 2, 1794, the son of the Peter Price 



546 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

who founded the Price name and fortunes in Northwest Missouri. He 
grew up in Ohio and Kentucky, and for several years lived near Terre 
Haute, Ind. About 1810 he married Nancy Rector, born in Powell's 
Valley, Claiborne County, Tenn., a daughter of George Rector, one ot 
the pioneer settlers of Vigo County, Indiana. From Vigo County, Indi- 
ana, Peter Price, Jr., and his wife moved to Morgan County, 111., and 
about 1837 they came to Buchanan County, Missouri. There Mr. Price 
found Joseph Robidoux whose trading post was the only thing of that 
sort along the Missouri River, and the nucleus of what has since become 
the city of St. Joseph, named for Joseph Robidoux. Peter Price, Jr.. lo- 
cated about six miles southeast of the present St. Joseph Union Station 
on land now owned by the Beardsley heirs. During his residence in Bu- 
chanan County, he served as justice of the peace. In 1846 he moved to 
Gentry County where he entered land just southeast of Evona, later 
buying more land. He followed farming'and stockraising and was ac- 
tive in building up the new country. He died in 1872 at the age of 79. 
His wife, two years his junior, died 11 days before his death. In the late 
fifties, Mr. Price served as county judge of Gentry County. He was a 
Democrat up to the time of the Civil War, after that he became a Re- 
publican. In his youth he served in the Mexican War under Gen. Harri- 
son, and for his service was granted a land warrant which he used in 
Gentry County. He was identified with the Christian Church of which 
he was an active member. The children of Peter Price, Jr., and his wife 
were : David, died in Buchanan County and his remains are buried in a 
St. Joseph Cemetery; John, died in California, crossed the plains to the 
West in 1850, and later became a farmer; George W., served in the 
Mexican War and in the Missouri State Militia during the Civil War, 
now a farmer of Gentry County; Michael, the father of A. B. Price, the 
subject of this sketch; Phoebe, married Benjamin Sampson, and died 
near Albany; Deborah, married Andrew J. Galloway, and died in Cali- 
fornia; James, crossed the plains to California, was a gold digger and 
timber man in the Napa Valley, returned to Missouri in 1853, and died 
near Wallace, Mo., in 1912; Sarah A., married R. A. Miller and died in 
California; Nancy, married William Quigley, a Civil War veteran, and 
died at Albany; and Henry C, went to California in 1859, was a stock- 
herder, later engaged in the packing business in Sonoma County on the 
route from that county to Idaho, returned to Missouri in 1865 by way of 
the Isthmus of Panama, now a retired farmer. 

Michael Price was born in Vigo County, Indiana. He was a veteran 
of the Mexican War, and was one of the principal participants of the 



k ^ 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 547 

Taos trouble. Mr. Price was selected to serve as arbiter to settle the dif- 
ficulties with the Mexicans there, but it was impossible to arbitrate, and 
the result was the uprising of the Mexicans and the Battle of Taos in 
which the Americans were victorious. Mr. Price went to California in 
1849, where he mined in the Truckee River Valley. He remained on the 
coast until 1853, when he returned to Missouri by way of the Panama 
Route, to New York, thence to the Ohio River, and then to the Missouri 
River. He came down the river to Weston, where he landed and came 
overland by stage to Gentry County. He participated in the last part of 
the Civil War, and then settled on his farm five miles southeast of Al- 
bany, where he became a prominent farmer, and spent the remainder 
of his life. He died in 1894 at the age of 70 years. Michael Price mar- 
ried Clarinda Butler a daughter of Aseph Butler, one of the well known 
pioneer settlers of Cypress Township, Harrison County. He entered 
land in Harrison County in 1836, later building a residence that became 
famous throughout the county as the first house erected with glass win- 
dow panes. His daughter, Clarinda, was born near Blackhawk, 111. She 
died in Albany, in 1911, at the age of 78 years. To her union with Mi- 
chael Price the following children were born : Bolwar, deceased ; Clem- 
ence, deceased ; Aseph B., the subject of this sketch ; Florence, now Mrs. 
Rourke of Lamar, Col. ; Rector, a farmer of Gentry County ; a daughter, 
now Mrs. J. B. Foster of Albany; Ella, living at Albany; and Roscoe, a 
resident of Chicago, 111. 

Aseph B. Price was married in Gentry County, Feb. 7, 1884, to 
Emma C. Duncan, daughter of J. W. Duncan. Mr. and Mrs. Price had 
the following children: Hershel D.; Garvin B., married Blondina Dalby, 
and now a clothing merchant at Leon, Iowa; Loren Wood; Mary Clar- 
inda, at home; and James Michael, served in the S. A. T. C. at Colum- 
bia, Mo., and was training for overseas duty in the World War when 
the armistice was signed. 

Hershel D. Price enlisted for service in the World War, Oct. 1, 
1917, at Mt. Ayr., Iowa, selling out his interest in the Price and Agee 
Clothing Store at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, in order to enter the United States 
army. He was sent overseas with the 339th Field Artillery Band which 
had trained at Camp Dodge, Iowa. He was mustered out of service in 
January, 1919, and was married shortly afterwards to Henrietta 
Rhoades of Plain View, Neb. They have a daughter, Emma Gertrude. 
Mr. Price is now connected with the A. B. Price Clothing Company, of 
Albany. Loren Wood Price was one of the first three boys to volunteer 
for service in the World War from Albany. He was sent to Camp Funs- 



548 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ton, where he trained for three months, and was discharged because of 
physical disability. He is now located at Albany. 

Mrs. Price is a life member of the Red Cross, and was one of the 
best workers in the Red Cross during the World War. With all three of 
the sons, veterans of the war, the Price family may well be proud of the 
family record for service. Aseph B. Price is a Republican in National 
affairs, but is independent in his political views locally. The Price fam- 
ily are identified with the Christian Church. Mr. Price takes a very ac- 
tive interest in all civic matters ; he served as a member of the Albany 
Board of Education, as the treasurer of Palmer College, and as the pres- 
ident of the Carnegie Library Board. He is one of the men who stand 
for progress and achievement in the town, a citizen of whom the com- 
munity is justly proud. 

George William Mitchell, well and favorably known through out 
his community in Gentry County as an enterprising man, was born in 
Bogle Township, June 22, 1870. 

Mr. Mitchell's parents were Aaron and Martha (Green) Mitchell. 
Aaron Mitchell was born in Ohio, and settled in Gentry County in 1866. 
He bought a farm in Bogle Township, and at the time of his death, in 
July, 1916, he owned 440 acres of land. His remains are buried in the 
New Friendship Cemetery. His wife was born in Gentry County, the 
daughter of William and Mary Green, early settlers in Athens Town- 
ship. They both died in Gentry County, and their remains are buried in 
Carter Cemetery. Aaron and Martha (Green) Mitchell had two child- 
ren; G. W.. the subject of this sketch; and Anna E., now Mrs. Kier, 
living near New Friendship church. 

G. W. Mitchell went to the Schockley school in this county, and has 
lived on his present farm for more than 25 years. He owns 80 acres of 
the home farm, and 240 acres in Bogle Township. His residence is 
located seven miles northwest of Albany in Huggins Township. The 
farm is improved ; Mr. Mitchell raises both cattle and hogs and has 
registered males. 

G. W. Mitchell was married in 1896 to Etta Manela, a daughter of 
Job and Nancy Manela of Bogle Township. Mrs. Manela was born and 
reared in Bogle Township; and Mr. Manela was born in Nodaway 
County. They both died in Gentry County, and their remains are buried 
in the Magee Cemetery. Their children were Etta, now Mrs. Mitchell; 
McDaniel Guyun, of S. Dak. ; and Matilda, now Mrs. Sitton of Stanberry. 
To the union of G. W. and Etta (Manela) Mitchell the following child- 
ren were born: Ora, now the wife of Wesley Parsons; Iva, married to 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 549 

Ray Errickson; Edward, married to Dessie Summa; and Erie, and 
Herschel, at home; and Victor, also at home. 

Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
at Gentry. He is one of the reliable and substantial men of the township. 

William Ellis Melton, a prominent breeder of Shropshire sheep and 
Duroc Jersey hogs, also raises Shorthorn cattle and single comb Brown 
Leghorn chickens. His son, W. A. Melton, is a partner with him in the 
business which they conduct on Mr. Melton's farm of 102 acres in Athens 
Township. Mr. Melton has handled sheep since 1900, and since 1910, 
has dealt only in purebred registered animals. He keeps a herd of about 
75 on the farm all of the time, with 30 of them, breeding ewes. In 1917, 
Mr. Melton and his son imported four ewes from England. These were 
all bred by T. A. Butter of England, and are four of the highest priced 
ewes in this country. A little later, Mr. Melton and his son bought the 
highest priced ewe ever sold at public auction in the United States, an 
animal which, when a year old, brought $750.00 at a sale in Wisconsin. 
The Melton herd of Duroc Jersey hogs is well known throughout the 
state. In it are to be found several boars, held to be among the best in 
this country. In October of last year, Mr. Melton held his regular annual 
.sale at Albany, an event that attracted the attention of stockmen all 
over the state. 

W. E. Melton was born in White Oak Township, Harrison County, 
Aug, 29, 1872, the son of T. J. and Elizabeth (Persinger) Melton, the 
former born in Albemarle County, Va., and the latter in Daviess County, 
Mo., where her father was an early settler. T. J. Melton died in 1898, 
and Mrs. Melton died July 7, 1912. The remains of both are buried in 
Foster Cemetery. Mr. Melton was the only child of his parents. By a 
former marriage of Mrs. Melton to Mr. Rowlett, she had the following 
children: T. M., was an attorney, died in New York; W. F., a retired 
farmer; Martha E., now Mrs. Williams of Pattonsburg; and Rebecca J., 
now Mrs. Black of Colorado Springs, Colo. 

W. E. Melton was educated in the rural schools of the county, and 
was a student in the Normal School at Stanberry. He farmed in White 
Oak Township in Harrison County until 1913 when he sold his farm, 
and bought his present place in Gentry County. Since that time, he has 
achieved a marked success in his work as a stockman and breeder. He 
has only sheep that are registered, on the farm, and the degree of suc- 
cess he has attained is indicated by the fact that at the Bethany, Ridge- 
way, and New Hampton fairs, two rams bred and reared by Mr. Melton 
in 1916, took first and second championship prizes, and the sweepstake. 



550 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Melton was married Dec. 7, 1892 to Lizzie Walton, a daughter 
of Aaron and Nancy E. Walton of Bucklin, Kan., and to this union the 
following children were born: William Thomas, a veteran of the World 
War, who served 13 months in France with the transport and ambulance, 
srvice, now living at Bucklin, Kan. ; William Archie, was a student in the 
Rahe Auto and Tractor School in Kansas City, a stockman in partnership 
with his father, and a member of the American Shropshire Registry 
Association; and Lucy, W. Robert, Ruth, and Mary, at home. 

W. E. Melton is a member of the Duroc Jersey Association of Peoria, 
111.; the American Shropshire Registry Association of Lafayette, Ind., 
and of the County Farm Bureau of Gentry County. He is one of the 
progressive men of the county, an able breeder, and a capable business 
man. His son and partner, W. A. Melton, is one of the efficient young 
stockmen of the county. To his natural ability has been added the train- 
ing which he received from his father, and these combine to make him 
a thoroughly competent business man. 

D. P. Rice, veteran of the Civil War, and a member of a pioneer 
family of Gentry County, grew up in this county, where he was born in 
Athens Township, Aug. 27, 1843. His parents were William and Sarah 
(Pitchford) Rice. 

William Rice was born in Maryland and his wife, in Allen County, 
Ky. They were married in Kentucky and came to Missouri in 1842. 
They settled first on the present site of Albany, but later moved to a 
different location. William Rice owned 160 acres of land in Athens 
Township and 40 acres in Howard Township at the time of his death in 
1891. His wife died in 1871. The remains of both are buried in Henton 
Cemetery. Their children were: Helen, born in Allen County, Ky. in 
1837, now living at Albany, the widow of J. H. Orr; Evaline, born in 
Allen County, Ky. in 1841, now makes her home in Albany, the widow 
of J. N. Shepherd ; and D. P., the subject of this review. 

D. P. Rice attended the district schools of Athens Township, and 
grew up on the Rice home place, which he farmed until 1886, when he 
moved to his present farm of 160 acres, four and one-half miles north- 
east of Gentry. He has improved the place, but for the past 10 years, 
has preferred to rent the land instead of doing the active work on it 
himself. On March 22, 1862, Mr. Rice enlisted in Company E, 1st Mis- 
souri Cavalry and served for three years in the Civil War. Prior to that 
time, he had enlisted for six months' service. Most of his service was in 
guerrilla warfare, but he participated in several of the battles which 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 551 

were fought in Missouri, including those at Kirksville, Pea Ridge, Lex- 
ington, and Price's Raid. 

D. P. Rice was married in Gentry County on June 25, 1866 to 
Elizabeth Green, a daughter of William and Mary (Rambeau) Green. 
Mr. and Mrs. Rice have a daughter, Beatrice, married to C. C. Jonagan ; 
and a daughter, Dora, who died at the age of 11 years. 

Mr. Rice and his two sisters are the three oldest living representa- 
tives of any pioneer family in Gentry County. He was a member of the 
Grand Army of the Republic at Albany as long as the organization was 
in existence. He is an interesting gentleman, whose reminisences of 
pioneer life in Gentry County are a fund of valuable information. 

Henry P. Dills, pioneer of Gentry County, and a veteran of the Civil 
War, is a native of West Virginia, born in Tazewell County, March 22, 
1840, the son of James R. and Mary P. Dills. 

James R. Dills and his wife came to Missouri in 1859, and settled 
on a farm six miles north of Albany. They later moved to a farm four 
miles north of Albany, where they spent the remainder of their lives. 
Their remains are buried in the Henton Cemetery. Their children were: 
Nancy J., married B. F. Severson and died in Oct., 1920; Henry P., the 
subject of this review; Jefferson H., died in Feb., 1915; Joseph, died in 
Topeka, Kan. in 1905 ; Sarah, the widow of Robert Spanhower of 
Albany ; and Robert, a farmer of Howard Township. 

Henry P. Dills attended school in West Virginia and came with his 
parents to Missouri. He enlisted in the Union Army in April, 1862, and 
served for two years, 25 months and one day. He participated in the 
battles of Kirksville, Boonville, and in several skirmishes. In one of the 
minor battles, Mr. Dills was thrown from his horse and injured. 

In 1867, Mr. Dills bought 80 acres of his present farm. To this he 
added until he now owns 335 acres of well improved land. When Mr. 
Dills bought the land it was unbroken prairie, and he broke the greater 
part of it with oxen. A log cabin which stood on the place was the home 
of Mr. and Mrs. Dills for many years. Neighbors were scarce, but in 
Bogle Township at that early time, were living some of the people whose 
names are connected with the development of the community. Among 
those remembered best by Mr. Dills were Beverly Mahoney, L. L. Skock- 
ley, Jene Martin, Heniy Ross, and Noah and Alex Hise. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dills still live on their farm, six and one-half miles northwest of Albany, 
but Mr. Dills does no active work, preferring to rent the land to his 
children. 

Henry P. Dills was married March 10, 1864 to Emily J. Gay, a 



552 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

daughter of Jesse and Mary (Hunter) Gay. Jesse Gay was born in 
Maine, was one of the first settlers of Gentry County, and died near 
Topeka, Kan. Mrs. Gay was born in Illinois, and died in Gentry County. 
Mrs. Dills has a sister, Sarah, living in southern Missouri. 

To the union of Henry P. and Emily J. (Gay) Dills the following 
children were born: Mary M., now the widow of Newton Bentley of 
Bogle Township; J. W., farmer and stockman of Bogle Township; Sarah 
Z., max-ried to W. H. Moody of Bogle Township ; and James F., deceased, 
was married to Lydia Todd, who now lives at Albany with one daughter, 
Gussie E. The other grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Dills are; Malcolm 
and Wade Moody; Frank, Dick, and Woodson Bentley; and Tressie, 
Otis, Ruth, Opal, and John Dills. There are also these great grand- 
children; Doris, Garvin, and Russell Bentley. 

Mr. Dills is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Albany. 

James Perry Jolly, a prominent farmer and stockman of Miller Town- 
ship, is a Gentry County pioneer and a member of one of the very early 
pioneer families of this section of the state. He is a native of Kentucky, 
born, Sept. 27, 1894, in Breckenridge County, and is a son of Samuel and 
Malinda (Robertson) Jolly, both natives of Breckenridge County. The 
Jolly family came to Missouri in 1852 and here the father engaged in 
pioneer farming. They made the trip from their native state to their new 
home in the wilds of Gentry County, in a covered wagon drawn by horses 
which was the common method of transportation in those early days. They 
lived in a double log house after coming here. The father entered his first 
land from the Government and became the owner of 800 acres and was an 
extensive stockman. He worked hard. Was a good manager, a progressive 
citizen and became well-to-do. He .served in the Civil War as a first lieu- 
tenant. He started in life without funds in a new country and succeeded 
in his undertaking. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist 
church and both he and his wife are now deceased and their remains are 
buried in Fairview Church Cemetery. 

To Samuel Jolly and wife were born the following children: Carlos, 
one died in infancy; Benjamin, Albert Newton and Mary, all of whom are 
deceased, Benjamin, having died with measels while a soldier in the Civil 
War; Sarah, married Lloyd Neil now deceased and she lives in Nebraska; 
H. C, a druggist in McFall ; Mattie, married William Manring; and James 
Perry, the subject of this sketch. 

James Perry Jolly attended such schools as the pioneer times afforded. 
He was reared on his fathers farm and in early life assisted in its opera- 
tion. Early in life he bought land and began his independent career as a 
farmer and stockman. He bought more land later and is now the owner 







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HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 553 

of a well improved farm of 340 acres. He had 500 acres but has given 
some land to his children. For many years he successfully carried on gen- 
eral farming and stock raising and has also dealt extensively in cattle and 
has fed large quanities of cattle for the market. He is now living on his 
home place in Miller Township although practically retired. 

Mr. Jolly was married in 1872 to May Shaffer, a native of Ohio and a 
daughter of John and Charlotte (Munson) Shaffer, the former a native of 
Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Jolly was a private teacher be- 
fore her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Jolly have been born the following 
children: Eunice, William, and Lulu, infants, all of whom are deceased; 
and Maude, married Bemo Robertson and lives in Gentry County ; Anna, 
married Frank Tyler, lives in Miller Township; Frank, lives in Gentry 
County ; George, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County ; Blanche, was 
a teacher before her marriage, is now the wife of Frank Allenbrand and 
they live in Stoddard County, Mo. ; Addie, married Ralph Jennings and 
lives in DeKalb County ; Scott, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County ; 
and John ; who resides on the home place. 

Mr. Jolly is a Republican and a member of the Freewill Baptist Church. 
He is one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Gentry County. 
Mrs. Jolly died March 4, 1915, and her remains are buried in Fairview 
Church Cemetery. She was an estimable woman and beloved by all who 
knew her. 

Lemuel Beauchamp, since 1889 a minister in the United Brethren 
Church, a veteran of the Civil War, and a well known farmer of Bogle 
Township, Gentry County, was born in Vermilion County, Ind., Nov. 2, 
1837, the son of David A. and Dorothy (Juvenile) Beauchamp. 

David A. Beauchamp was born in Delaware in 1799, and was an 
early settler of Indiana. He died at the age of 68 years. His wife was 
born in Ohio in 1798, and died at the age of 53 years. Their children 
were: John, died in Indiana; Andrew, died in Indiana; James, died at 
Chillicothe; Elizabeth, later Mrs. Donavan, died in Illinois; Mary, Mrs. 
Sanders, died in Iowa; Eliza Ann, Mrs. Doughty, died at Avalon ; David 
A., died at the sa,me place; William, a veteran of the Civil War, now 89 
years old, and living at Topeka, Kan.; J. F., also a veteran of the Civil 
War, now a farmer living in Worth County; Harriet, Mrs. Edmunds, 
died at Chillicothe ; Lemuel, the subject of this sketch ; Lottie, Mrs. Chit- 
tendon, now dead, was the widow of J. T. Chittendon who was killed in 
the Civil War; Margaret, died at the age of two years; and George 
Washington, a Civil War veteran, now living in Long Beach, Calif. 

Lemuel Beauchamp attended the schools in Indiana, and at the age 



554 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of 24 years, enlisted for service in the Civil War. He was placed in Com- 
pany E, 115th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and served for seven months 
until the war closed. He participated in the battles in Kentucky, Vir- 
ginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. He was in eastern Ten- 
nessee at the end of the struggle, and was mustered out of service at In- 
diana in 1865. He remained in Illinois until 1866. when he came to Mis- 
souri and moved to his present farm in Gentry County. At that time, Mr. 
Beaucahmp says the place was a wilderness of brush, inhabited only by 
deer and wild turkeys. There was no house in sight and the nearest trad- 
ing post was Albany, 12 miles away. Mr. Beauchamp improved the land, 
and now owns 200 acres on which he does general farming. 

Lemuel Beauchamp was married on Oct. 9, 1860, to Sarah C. Phene- 
ger, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Susan (Stauffer) Pheneger. Mr. 
Pheneger was born in Pennsylvania and died in Indiana. His wife was 
born in Virginia and died in Ohio. Mrs. Beauchamp, after a life of more 
than 80 years, died on May 27, 1921. Her remains are buried in the 
Prarie Chapel Cemetery. She was one of the courageous pioneer women 
who unfalteringly took up life in a new and unpeopled country. To the 
union of Lemuel and Sarah C. (Pheneger) Beauchamp the following 
children were born: John W., married Lottie Strait, and has charge of 
a Presbyterian Church in Ripley County; Charles A., married Julia Blay- 
lock, and lives in Worth County; Eddie M., married Mary Glick, and is 
the pastor of the United Brethren Church at Manlius, 111. ; Dora Alice, 
the widow of Sampson Worth of Worth County; B. F., married Lulu 
Robertson, and lives in Worth County; and William O. and Marj- D., 
twins, the former married to Grace Walker and living in Bogle Town- 
ship ; and the latter now the wife of J. B. McComas of Worth County. 

Reverend Beauchamp was a traveling minister in the United Bre- 
thren Church for eight years, and has also held several charges in north- 
west Missouri, where he is known as an able minister. Politically he is 
a prohibitionist, and was a friend and ardent supporter of ex-Governor 
J. P. St. John when he ran for president in 1884. 

Edward W. Manion, farmer and stockman of Bogle Township in 
Gentry County, is the owner of 336 acres of well improved land located 
eight miles northwest of Albany on the Airline Trail. Mr. Manion has 
lived on this place since 1881. when he came to Missouri and bought 80 
acres of land, for which he went into debt, but which became the nu- 
cleus of his present land holdings. 

The parents of Edward W. Manion were R. P. and Eliza (Henry) 
Manion. The former was born in the south, and was an early settler of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 555 

Fayette County, Indiana, where his aon,..Eid:Wiard W., was born on Feb. 
12, 1857. R. P. Manion was a veteran ' p.v,^-'e Civil War, in which he 
served in the 40th Illinois Infantry. He died in Illinois in 1884, and his 
widow afterwards moved to Gentry County, where she died in 1918. 
Their children were: B. F., a farmer of Bogle Township; Edward W., 
the subject of this review; Mary, now Mrs. Morris of Illinois; Margaret, 
now Mrs. Romack of Jennings, Okla. ; Nancy, married Mr. Peyton, and 
died in Illinois; John, living in Oklahoma; Isaac, died in Illinois; Sarah, 
now Mrs. Leach of Kansas City ; Emma, now Mrs. Leach of Washington ; 
Ella, now Mrs. Collins of Darlington; Joshua, living in Fayette County, 
Illinois; Ida, now Mrs. Wiley of Hepburn, Iowa; and Paradine and An- 
geline, twins, the first, now Mrs. Younger of Gentryville. and the latter 
now Mrs. Hise of Bogle Township. 

Edward W. Manion attended the public schools of Illinois and grew 
up on his father's farm. At the age of 24 years, he began work on his 
present farm, and has made many improvements on the place. He has 
always been especially interested in raising corn which he has used for 
feeding cattle, hogs, and sheep for shipping. Mrs. Manion keeps more 
than 300 Black Plymouth Rock hens, and her work with poultry is one 
of the profitable phases of the farm. The Manion farm shows the effi- 
cient methods of farm mnaagement used by the owner. 

Edward W. Manion was married the first time in 1879 to Sarah A. 
Perkins of Illinois, where she died leaving a daughter Belle, now the 
wife of James Henton of Bogle Township. Mr. Manion was married the 
second time to Mary A. Romack, now dead. To this union two children 
were born: Mae, married W. Hinton and lives in Bogle Township; and 
Fred, married Alta Jones, and lives on the home place. On Nov. 13, 
1919, Mr. Manion married Tuleta (Grace) Grooms, a daughter of James 
and Arminta (Chittin) Grace, and the widow of Alva Grooms. Mr. 
Grace was an early settler of Missouri. He lived first in Ray County, 
then in Harrison County, and came to Gentry County in 1906. His wife 
died in 1911. and her remains are buried in the Lone Star Cemetery. Mr. 
Grace now lives at Albany. By her first marriage, Mrs. Manion had 
three daughters, Althea, Fern, and Alva Grooms. To her union with 
Mr. Manion a daughter. Hazel, was born. 

Mr. Manion is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He 
is also a member of the township board for Bogle Township. Mr. Manion 
is an able and progressive farmer, esteemed for his integrity, and civic 
pride. 



556 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Edgar L. Smith, a farmer of Huggins Township, Gentry County, 
has been a resident of theidiamty since 1897, when he came here from 
50uth Missouri, where he had lived near Springfield for three years. Mr. 
Smith was born in Jackson County, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1870, the son of W. 
H. and Emma (Randall) Smith, both natives of England. 

W. H. Smith was born in London, and his wife, in Devonshire. They 
were married in Jersey City, N. J. Mr. Smith came to the United States 
when he was 18 years old. He was a blacksmith and settled in Lamotte, 
Iowa, where he lived for 47 years. When he went to Iowa, there were 
no railroads in the state, and Mr. Smith watched the development of the 
industries and commercial enterprises of his community through the 
long period of his life there. He died in 1890, and his remains are buried 
in the Lamotte Cemetery. His wife died at Bellevue, Iowa, in 1914, and 
her remains also, are buried at Lamotte. Their childern were : Sarah 
Ann, the wife of Samuel Davis of Jeannette, Pa. ; Eva M., married Philip 
Young, and died at Shawnee, Okla.; Mary Ann, the wife of William 
Conger of Vinton, Iowa ; Clara Belle, married G. W. Smith, and died at 
Pierson, Iowa, Feb. 7, 1921; George H., living at Maquoketa, Iowa; 
Ida B., died at the age of 14 years; Charles W., died at the age of 11 
years; Edgar L., the subject of this review; Angle May, the wife of Her- 
man Custer of Bellevue, Iowa; and Charles R., in the service of the 
United States navy at Honolulu. 

Edgar L. Smith attended the schools of Iowa, and then began to 
work for himself. He worked for nine years for one man, H. McQueen 
of Marcus, Iowa. At the end of that time, he began to work indepen- 
dently, and for the next two years, farmed in Iowa. He came to Mis- 
souri, where he operated a farm in the southern part of the state, and 
then bought 80 acres of land in Huggins Township, to which he later 
added 160 acres in the same township. Mr. Smith moved to his present 
farm of 20 acres, five miles west of Albany, in April, 1920. He has re- 
built the residence, has erected a new barn, and garage, and now has 
one of the attractive places in the community. He also owns a residence 
in Albany, near Palmer College. Mr. Smith has his son, Elmer, and his 
son-in-law, Leo James, as his business partners in operating the home 
farm. 

Edgar L. Smith was married on Feb. 8, 1893, to Zella C. Smith, a 
daughter of Jacob and Martha (Cline) Smith, early settlers of Dubuque 
County, Iowa. They both died in Cherokee County, Iowa. To the union 
of Edgar L. and Zella C. (Smith) Smith the following children were 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 557 

born : Elmer, in partnership with his father on the home farm ; Viola, 
married Foster Wilson of Muggins Township; Lydia, the wife of Leo 
James, on the home place; Carl, Mae, and Kenneth, at home; and Don- 
ald, died in infancy; and Edna, died at the age of 2.\ years. 

Mr. Smith is a Republican. He has served on the township board 
for two terms, and on the Board of Education for 20 years. He is a di- 
rector in the Bank of Albany, and also a director in the Albany Poultry 
House and he now owns the building. Mr. Smith is a man of business 
ability, keen intelligence, and high civic ideals. He is esteemed highly 
among his fellow citizens in his capacity as an officer of the township, as 
a business man, and as a citizen. 

David Marshall Cottrill, known throughout Gentry County as a 
successful specialist in the raising of seed corn, is a native of Ohio, born 
in Vinton County, Aug. 3, 1869. 

Mr. Cottrill's parents, Henry and Margaret (Reed) Cottrill, were 
both born in Vinton County, Ohio, and were married there. They came 
to Gentry in 1870, making the trip down the Ohio River by boat, and 
then up the Mississippi, to Quincy, HI. From that point, they came by 
train to Lexington, Mo., and then overland to Gentry County. They set- 
tled on a farm in Howard Township, within a half mile of Henry Cot- 
trill's present home. Mrs. Cottrill died on March 21, 1885, Mr. Cottrill, 
now 76 years old, is still active. To the union of Henry and Margaret 
(Reed) Cottrill the following children were born: Ida, deceased; Da- 
vid M., the subject of this sketch; Edgar, living at Walthill, Neb.; and 
Addie, the wife of John Barbers of Howard Township. By a second mar- 
riage of Henry Cottrill to Percy Beck, he had two children: William, at 
home; and Woodson, a poultry dealer at Lone Star. 

David M. Cottrill went to school at Lone Star, and has been a 
farmer all of his life. He worked by the month, and rented a farm for 
nine years, then married, and for the next four years, operated a farm 
near Pinhook Church. More than 20 years ago, he bought 110 acres of 
his present farm, later adding 95 acres to the first holding. The farm 
comprises rich bottom land, with the exception of ten acres, and is well 
improved. There are two residences, four barns, and excellent farm 
buidlings. Mr. Cottrill raised 90 acres of corn last year. He has estab- 
lished an enviable reputation in his successful work as a seed corn spe- 
cialist, and has a building specially constructed for the work of select- 
ing and curing the seed. He also raises stock in connection with his work 
as a general farmer. 



558 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

David M. Cottrill was married on Dec. 24, 1896, to Lydia J. Terry, 
a daughter of W. B. and Mary (Ray) Terry. Mrs. Cottrill died on Dec. 
7, 1907, and her remains are buried in the New Friendship Cemetery. 
To her union with David M. Cottrill the following children were born: 
Edith, married to James Ray and living near Berlin ; Emmett, married 
Myrtle Shafer, and lives on the home farm ; Aubrey, at home ; Georgia, 
living at home and keeping house for her father; and Paul, at home. 
Since the death .of his wife, Mr. Cottrill has reared his family alone. 

Mr. Cottrill is a Republican. He is one of the substantial citizens of 
his township. 

William H. Kerfoot, well known in Bogle Township, Gentry County, 
is the owner of 240 acres of land, which he bought in 1885 and which 
has been his home since Nov. 26 of that same year. Mr. Kerfoot was 
born in Hardin County, Kentucky, May 25, 1858, the son of Albien and 
Elizabeth (Cecil) Kerfoot. 

Albien Kerfoot was the son of George W. Kerfoot, a Kentucky pio- 
neer of the early days of that state. Albien Kerfoot was a well known 
farmer of Hardin County, Kentucky. His first wife, Elizabeth (Cecil) 
Kerfoot, died in 1863. To her union with Albien Kerfoot, the following 
children were born: Charlie, died at Hobart, Okla. ; John, for many 
years a resident of Gentry County, where he owned a farm near Mount 
Pleasant, now living at Garden City, Kan.; Ezra, living in Oklahoma; 
Mollie, the widow of W. H. Cecil of Davis County, Kentucky; and Wil- 
liam H., the subject of this sketch. By a second marriage of Albien Ker- 
foot he had the following children: Luke, deceased; Lizzie, was Mi'S. 
Keene, now dead; Owen, on the home farm in Kentucky; Eva, the wife 
of Silas Nail of Hardin County, Kentucky; Andrew J., Kentucky; Allie, 
Kentucky; Noah, a resident of Grayson County, Texas; and Birdie, now 
Mrs. Bruner of Hardin County, Kentucky. Albien Kerfoot died on 
March 9, 1880, and is buried in the Kerfoot Cemetery, Hardin County, 
Kentucky. 

William H. Kerfoot attended the rural schools of Kentucky and 
was a farmer there prior to his coming to Missouri in 1884. The next 
year he bought his present farm upon which he has put all of the im- 
provements. He built the residence in 1893, and has added excellent 
farm buildings. The place lies five miles northwest of Gentry, and is 
well adapted to the raising of stock. Mr. Kerfoot raises Angus cattle, 
and Spotted Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs. He raised sheep for 
more than 20 years, but no longer engages in that line of work. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 559 

Mr. Kerfoot was married on Oct. 8, 1885, to Texa M. Hash, born 
Nov. 13, 1866, in Tazewell County, Virginia, the daughter of C. B. and 
Nickettie (Claypool) Hash. C. B. Hash, Sr., was born in Grayson 
County, Virginia, and died at Gentry, Mo., Jan. 1, 1920. Mrs. Hash was 
born in Tazewell County, Virginia, Aug. 4, 1841, and died at the home 
of Mrs. Kerfoot, Sept. 29, 1918. The remains of both are buried in the 
Greenridge Cemetery. They were married in Virginia, Dec. 30, 1864, 
and came to Missouri in 1867. They located in Calloway County, where 
they remained for a year, and then moved to Audrain County. In 1868 
they came to Gentry County, and the next year located near Gentry. 
Mr. Hash was one of the leading farmers and stockmen of his day in 
Gentry County. His herd of Shorthorn cattle was among the best in this 
part of the state. He also raised hogs, and bred English Shire horses, 
importing the stallions. He served his township and county in official 
capacities ; he was the assessor during the years 1874-1876 ; was elected 
county treasurer in 1882 ; and was the census enumerator for Bogle 
Township in 1880. He was a man who was ambitious, not only for per- 
sonal success, but for the development of the community where he lived. 
C. B. Hash served in the 45th Infantry and later Company H, 8th Vir- 
ginia Cavalry. Confederate army, from beginning until the close of the 
war. 

To the union of C. B. and Nickettie (Claypool) Hash the following 
children were born: Tera M., now Mrs. Kerfoot; Sallie, the wife of R. 
E. Bentley of Ft. Cobb, Okla. ; Frank Lee, of Baxter Springs, Kan.; 
James M., died in 1871; George, died in Texas County, Missouri, Oct. 
11, 1912; Jessie V., the wife of George M. Etter of Gentry; Clinton B., 
Jr., living at Gentry; Rebecca Alice, died in infancy; Nannie, died in 
childhood ; and Grover C, a farmer in Harrison County. 

To the union of William H. and Texa M. (Hash) Kerfoot, two chil- 
dren were born: Lily Virginia, born May 21, 1890, was married on Sept. 
30, 1908, to Emmet E. Nicholson of Albany, and died, Oct. 24, 1912, 
leaving a daughter, Jennie Belle; and William Henry Fitzhugh L?c, 
born Aug. 30, 1894, now farming near Garden City, Kan. He was edu- 
cated in the district schools of Gentry County, and attended Gem City 
Business College at Quincy, 111. On April 26, 1918, he enlisted for serv- 
ice in the World War, and was sent to Waco, Texas, for training. He 
was placed with Company L, 34th Infantry, 7th Division and was sent 
overseas in August, 1918, where he remained until May 15, 1919. Ho 
was at the front when the armistice was signed. He was mustered out 
of service at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, on June 26, 1919, and then bought 



560 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

his present farm of 160 acres of land in Finney County, Kansas. He is a 
member of the American Legion at Albany. 

William H. Kerfoot is esteemed throughout his community as a 
substantial and reliable man. 

Moses Mann, well known farmer and stockman of Harrison Township, 
was born July 13, 1864, in Marion Township, Daviess County, a son of 
Capt. Milton and Julia Ann (Luck) Mann, both natives of Kentucky. 

Capt. Mann was born Oct. 10, 1829, in Taylor County, Ky., and was 
a son of Wm. and Rhoda (Tungat) Mann, natives of Kentucky and Tennes- 
see. William Mann died in Kentucky and his widow lived with her son, 
Capt. Mann, in Daviess County, until her death. 

In 1850 Capt. Mann was marrried to Julia Ann Luck, who was born 
Aug. 22, 1828, in Kentucky, and died Jan. 9, 1908. Her father, Mr. Luck 
went west about 1830, but was never heard from, and it is believed he was 
killed by the Indians. The Luck family were natives of Virginia. 

In 1853, Capt. Mann, father of the subject of this sketch, left Ken- 
tucky and settled near Civil Bend, Marion Township. He with his wife 
and one child made the trip with oxen and were on the road six weeks. 
They made their home near Civil Bend from November, 1853 to March, 
1865, when they moved to Harrison Township where Captain Mann died 
Feb. 18, 1912. During the Civil War, Captain Mann was a soldier in the 
Union Army, being a member of Company C^ 33rd Regiment, Missouri 
Militia, and was soon made a captain of Company C. He was in active 
sei'vice throughout the war. 

Capt. and Mrs. Mann were the parents of nine children ; George W., 
living near Keystone, Okla. ; David, Hamilton, Mo., retired farmer; Susan 
Mary, died in infancy ; Jown W., deceased ; Martha, deceased, was the wife 
of Samuel Cunningham ; Moses, the subject of this sketch ; Emma, widow 
of Miles Bays, of Hamilton, Mo., living with brother; William, deceased; 
Amanda, deceased, was the wife of Vader Cox. 

Moses Mann was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
district schools. He has been a farmer almost his entire life, and is now 
the owner of 400 acres of land in Harrison Township, and also four acres 
in Monroe Township. In 1912, Mr. Mann moved to Gallatin, and engaged 
in the life insurance business. In 1914 he was made chairman of the 
Repubican County Committee, and served six years in this capacity. In 
1916 he was elected County Treasurer and served in this office for four 
years. Mr. Mann is unmarried. 

Capt. Mann was a member of the Christian church, and was a member 
of the Masonic lodge for more than 50 years. He was a Republican. 

Moses Mann has in his possession the spindle head of the old spinning 




MiiSKS MANN 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 561 

wheel used here in Daviess County by his mother. He also owns a chair, 
which is 150 years old and was used in a wagon on trips to and from 
church. It was made in Virginia and was used on the long trip to 
Daviess County. 

Moses Mann is well educated and is one of the prominent citizens of 
Harrison Township. 

Charles Ray, a well known farmer of Bogle Township, Gentry 
County, was born in the northeast part of Clay County, May 22, 1864, 
the son of Andrew Jackson and Rebecca Jane (Franklin) Ray. 

Andrew J. Ray was born in Virgania in 1827, the son of Brice Ray, 
who moved his family to Kentucky in 1828, and to Missouri about 1848. 
He settled in Clay County, where he died. His wife died in Kentucky. 
Andrew J. Ray came to Gentry County before the Civil War, and durinjc 
the war, returned to Clay County, where he entered the Missouri Militia. 
He came back to Gentry County in the spring of 1869, and settled in 
Bogle Township, where he died in 1910. His remains are buried in the 
New Friendship Cemetery. His wife died in 1914, and is also buried in 
the New Friendship Cemetery. Their children were: Benjamin P., died 
near Madison, Kan., in 1910, married the first time to Libbie Bigelow, 
and after her death, married Ella Mize of Gentry County; Mary Ellen, 
married Mr. Terry, and died in 1905; William T., died in 1916; Nancy 
Elizabeth, now dead, was the wife of Robert Murphy; Martha Alice, 
keeping house for her brother, the subject of this review ; Charles Ray, 
the subject of this sketch; John M., living at Gentry; and Dora L., the 
wife of T. W. Jones of Gentry. 

Charles Ray attended the Shockley School in his boyhood. He owns 
80 acres of land 3} miles east of Gentry, which he keeps in grass. He 
rents other land near by for general farming. He has improved his land, 
has built a good residence, and other farm buildings. 

Charles Ray was married on March 21, 1888, to Cynthia Ann 
Hurst, a daughter of Thomas J. and Anna Hurst. Mrs. Hurst died in 
January, 1886, and Mr. Hurst died several years later. The remains of 
both are buried in the Knox Cemetery. Mrs. Ray died on June 11, 1889, 
and a daughter, Ora Ethel, died on Aug. 13, 1889. Since that time Mr. 
Ray's mother, and later his sister has kept house for him. 

Mr. Ray served two years on the town.ship board, and was the town- 
ship assessor and clerk for four years. He is a member of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows at Albany. Mr. Ray is a capable and ener- 
getic man. He made an excellent officer of his township, and is a man 
of high ideals for the community. 



562 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

E. E. Moore, a leading farmer and stockman of Wilson Township in 
Gentry County, and the owner of the Nobility Stock Farm, is a man who 
has achieved unusual success in his work. He was born in Harrison 
County, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1860, the son of William D. and Emiline Moore 
natives of Ohio, where they were married. They moved to Iowa, and 
there Mr. Moore died in Mills County. Mrs. Moore died in Worth, Mo. 
Their children were: Ellen Amanda, later Mrs. Martin, and now de- 
ceased; William G., deceased; Mary C, now Mrs. Abel of Winfield, 
Kan.; Emma R., now Mrs. Lewis; E. E., the subject of this sketch; and 
Frank, Worth. 

E. E. Moore left his home when he was 16 years of age and began 
to work by the month in Ohio. The first year, his wages were $12.00 a 
month, but out of this he saved enough to come to Mills County, Iowa, 
and there he worked for another year and a half by the month on a 
farm. While in Iowa, Mr. Moore became connected with a Chicago com- 
mission company which bought cattle, and he worked for this firm in 
Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Iowa. He bought cattle in 
Texas, then drove them north. He kept them assorted in bunches, and 
bought stock fields, but the work was arduous because there were no 
wire fences in the states in which he worked. He learned the stock bus- 
iness from every angle during that period, and had his ideas of a stock 
farm fully developed before he began to operate a farm for himself. 

In 1883 Mr. Moore began to operate the Nobility Stock Farm in 
Gentry County. At one time he owned 1,100 acres of land, and leased 
1,280 acres near Stanberry, and 640 acres in Harrison County. He win- 
tered the stock on the Nobility Stock Farm. He was, for years, one of 
the prominent corn buyers in the county. At the time that Mr. Moore be- 
gan his work as a breeder, there was only one man in the county who 
bred Hereford cattle. The first Hereford male on the Nobility Stock 
Farm was imported by Mr. Morgan, and, when 13 months old, was 
bought by Mr. Moore for $500.00, in 1883. Mr. Moore was the first man 
in the county to dehorn his cattle, and the first year of his work on his 
new farm he dehorned 100 head of his own herd, and within the next 
three years, had dehorned more than 1,000 head for other stockmen in 
the community. About 1883 he began breeding the big type Poland 
China hogs, and for the next 14 years, followed this line of work. 

Mr. Moore has disposed of part of his original land holdings, and 
now owns 545 acres of land. He keeps 30 acres of his farm in blue stem 
grass, probably the only raw prairie left in the county. After a cultiva- 
tion of ten years, the land will return to blue grass in two years' Lime. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 563 

On the farm now he has 90 head of big type Poland China hogs, all 
either registered, or eligible for registry. He has also 160 head of White- 
face cattle, nearly all registered, and is feeding a car of Whiteface baby 
beeves. He buys most of the corn needed for feeding, and keeps the 
farm in pasture. J. M. Dannar is the present foreman of the farm. He 
is known for his interest in stockraising, and for his ownership of a span 
of Shire mares which took first premiums at the fairs at Worth, Gentry, 
and Parnell. 

Mr. Moore was the second man in the county to have a telephone 
installed in his home. He has a good residence on his farm, and his 
barn, 40x52 feet, is one of the best ventilated barns in Gentry County. 
It is built on a model designed by Mr. Moore; all the doors roll back, 
there is room for from 15 to 50 cows, and above the feed boxes and 
mangers, there is an opening which allows the air to pass up, and out 
at the cupola. This arrangement makes the barn cool, even on the hot- 
test days. The farm is equipped with non-sag iron gates, and presents a 
thoroughly modern appearance. A grove of two acres, planted by Mr. 
Moore on the north side of his buildings, now provides an excellent wind 
break. Since 1915, Mr. and Mrs. Moore have lived in Worth, where 
their children are in school. They have a modern residence in the west 
part of the town. 

Mr. Moore was married the first time in 1884 to Luella Salmon of 
Worth County. She died on Jan. 16, 1905, leaving one daughter, Mattie, 
now the wife of W. J. Adams of St. Joseph. Mr. Moore married Myrtle 
Poff, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Poff of Alanthus, on Dec. 3, 
1906. Mrs. Moore was born, reared, and educated in Gentry County. 
To her union with E. E. Moore the following children were born: Hazel 
B., born March 15, 1908, now a student in the Worth High School; 
Edith, born Oct. 31, 1909; and Aletha G., born Oct. 18, 1912. 

Mr. Moore was one of the organizers of the Worth Mutual Tele- 
phone Company, and of the Bank of Worth. This latter institution was 
founded in 1901, and Mr. Moore was a director in it for several years, 
and has been the president of the managing board for the past five 
years. Mr. Moore is a progressive farmer and stockman, a highly re- 
spected citizen, and is an asset to Gentry County. 

C. E. Littlewood, well known druggist of Albany in Gentry County, 
conducts a drug store located on the south side of the Square, where he 
handles all of the merchandise unusually found in a .store of that kind, 
and also runs a soda fountain. Mr. Littlewood has been connected with 
the drug business since his boyhood, when he worked under the direc- 



564 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tion of his father, Dr. Littlewood, a prominent physician of Gentry 
County. 

C. E. Littlewood was born at Gentryville, Sept. 7, 1877, the son of 
Dr. W. H. and Esther (Swetenham) Littlewood. Mrs. Littlewood was a 
native of Sheffield, England, born on Aug. 9, 1848. Dr. Littlewood was 
born in Manchester, England, in 1844, graduated from London Medical 
College, and located at Gentryville in 1874. He practiced his profession 
there for six years, and then located at Evona, where he was a practic- 
ing physician for 15 years. At the end of that time he moved to Albany 
and went into the drug business. He remained in this work until his 
death in 1909. His remains are buried in Grand View Cemetery. He 
was an active member of the Democratic party and was a man who was 
known for his staunch loyalty to his friends. As a pioneer physician in 
the county, he endured many hardships, but he never refused to minister 
to the afflicted. He had one of the first buggies ever used in the county, 
but in bad weather he was compelled to ride horseback, sometimes for 
miles over trails that were at best, but indistinct markings. Many times 
he set out for a 25-mile trip carrying his medicine case, and riding at 
night in response to calls for help. He was one of the best known and 
widely esteemed men of the day. 

Dr. Littlewood's widow now lives in St. Joseph. Their children 
were: William, born, reared, and educated in England, now a resident 
of St. Joseph; Edwin, born in England, now living at Concordia, Kan.; 
John, born in England, and died in infancy; and the following children 
all born in the United States: C. E., the subject of this sketch; Edith, 
living at St. Joseph ; Fred, living in Iowa ; George, a resident of McCook, 
Neb.; and Frank, died in 1918 at St. Joseph. His remains are buried in 
Grand View Cemetery. The youngest son, Clarence, now lives in Mc- 
Cook, Neb. He is a veteran of the World War, and served overseas for 
more than a year. He was born and reared at Evona, and enlisted in 
Nebraska at the beginning of the war. 

C. E. Littlewood attended the school at Evona, and was a student in 
Christian College. Besides his interest in the drug business, he has oper- 
ated moving picture shows at Albany. He was one of the promoters of 
the Fair Association at Albany, and was the vice-president, and after- 
wards the president of that association. For seven years he was the man- 
ager of the fair and was in charge of the premium and concession work. 
The efficient work that he did is shown by the fact that in 1912 there 
were 11,000 paid admissions to the Fair Grounds, the largest crowd ever 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 565 

assembled there. One of the features of that fair was that all soldiers 
and their families were admitted free, as were also any indigent mem- 
bers of the community. 

Mr. Littlewood was married Aug. 6, 1898, to Lora Adams, a daugh- 
ter of E. and Mahala J. (Lunsford) Adams. Mrs. Littlewood was born, 
reared, and educated in Albany. She was a student in the High School, 
and afterwards attended Northwest Missouri College and Christian Col- 
lege at Albany. Mr. and Mrs. Littlewood had three children: Doris, and 
Dorothy, both students in Palmer College, and both graduates of the 
Albany High School; and Esther, born April 18, 1905, and died Sept. 
27, 1905. Her remains are buried in Highland Cemetery. 

Mr. Littlewood is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons at Albany, and of the Shrine at St. Joseph. He has served as a 
councilman of Albany, and also as a member of the Democratic Commit- 
tee of Gentry County. Mr. Littlewood has spent all of his life in Gentry 
County with the exception of three years when he was in Canada and 
Texas. He is therefore well known in the community, where he is highly 
esteemed as a man of progress, industry, and initiative. 

James Robertson, a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, and for 
many years a resident of Wilson Township, Gentry County was born in 
Boone County, Missouri, Feb. 27, 1844. He was the son of Bryant and 
Louisa (Hand) Robertson, pioneer settlers of Missouri. 

Bryant Robertson was born in Indiana, lived in Boone County, Mis- 
souri for 25 years, and died near Guthrie, Okla., at the age of 87 years. 
His wife was born in Indiana, and died in Boone County. They came to 
Missouri in the pioneer days. Mr. Robertson entered 160 acres of land 
in Boone County, which he improved. His wife spun the yarn, and wove 
the cloth out of which she fashioned her children's wearing apparel. 
Her son, James, the subject of this review, says that until he was six 
years old, he wore a tow shirt as his only garment. Besides James Rob- 
ertson of this sketch, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson had the following chil- 
dren : Eliza, now Mrs. Cardwell of St. Joseph; W. E., died at Rich Hill; 
Mary, later Mrs. Philippi, died in Andrew County in 1921 ; Ellen, was 
Mrs. Smith, died in Andrew County in 1876; and Jane, died in Boone 
County in 1860. 

James Robertson attended the rural schools of Boone County, and 
enlisted for service in the Confederate Army in Boone County. He 
served under General Price for about eight months, and participated in 
several skirmishes. He settled in Andrew County in 1866, and lived 



566 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

there for 20 years. In 1887 he moved to Gentry County, where he bought 
the 87 acres of land eight miles northwest of Gentry that is his present 
home. The residence, barn, farm buildings and all other improvements 
were put on the place by Mr. Robertson. He does general farming and 
stockraising and is known as an energetic and capable man. 

Mr. Robertson was married on July 19, 1868, to Emily Hall, a 
daughter of Charles and Permelia (Jackson) Hall. Charles Hall was 
born in Indiana in 1819, and died at Nebraska City, Neb., in 1865. He 
served in the Confederate Army under General Price, and was a partici- 
pant in the Battle of Lexington. He was a teacher as well as a farmer. 
He entered 80 acres of land in Andrew County, which he made his home. 
His wife was born in Kentucky in 1824, and died at her home in Andrew 
County in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Hall's children were: Mary, now Mrs. 
Clizer of Barnard ; Emily, now Mrs. Robertson ; David, living at Fillmore 
in Andrew County; John, died in infancy; Lucy, now Mrs. Turpin of 
Maryville; Susan, now Mrs. Parker of Springfield; Marj-, married Mr. 
Wright of Rosendale ; Kate, now Mrs. Goodloe of Denver, Col. ; William, 
a resident of Dale. Ore.; Eugenia, now Mrs. Hummon of Fillmore; and 
Elsie, was Mrs. Russell of St. Joseph, and is now dead. 

To the union of James and Emily (Hall) Robertson the following 
children were born: Charles, married Sylvia Harris and lives on the 
home place ; William, married Myrtle Powers, and lives in Wilson Town- 
ship ; Doyle, married Verdie Messick, and is a resident of South Dakota; 
Ida Kate, married Mr. Liggett, died in Oklahoma and her remains arc 
buried in Enyart Cemetery; Viola, the wife of Charles Hicks of Wilson 
Township ; and Julia, the wife of John Dye of Grant City. Mr. and Mrs. 
Robertson have the following grandchildren : Beuna and Uvon Roberta 
son; Mrs. Florella Horton ; Homer and Ralph Robertson; James, Ches- 
ter, and Velva Liggett; Paul, Clifford, Harold, Marjorie Robertson; 
Elba, Elaine, and Varnell Dye; and two great grandchildren, Lena 
Wharton and Homer Robertson, Jr. 

Mr. and Mrs. Robertson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary 
on July 19, 1918. Mr. Robertson, although nearly 80 years of age, is 
still hale and strong, and looks after the management of his farm. After 
the death of Mrs. Liggett, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson took Mrs. Liggett's 
children and reared them. Their house has therefore never ceased to be 
the home of young people. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are highly re:;.p3:ted 
in the community, where they are known by two generations. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 567 

Earl Summa, proprietor of the Summa Poultry Farm near Gentry, 
Mo., is one of the well known poultry fanciers of this part of the state. 
During the past four years he has taken more than 300 ribbons at the 
various fairs and poultry shows where he has exhibited his fowls. He 
keeps 16 pens of poultry of various kinds, the Rhode Island Red, White 
Wyandotte, Barred Plymouth Rock, Anconas, Dark Cornish Games, and 
White Leghorns. One pen of 22 Anconas came from Michigan. All ot 
these birds have trap nest records of more than 200 eggs, and the fowls 
are valued at $600.00. Mr. Summa has exhibited at Grant City, Albany, 
Easton, Pattonsburg, Chillicothe, and Bethany in Missouri, and at Troy, 
Kan. 

Mr. Summa was born in Bogle Township, Aug. 3, 1892, the son ot 
Ira and Kate (Funderburk) Summa. He was educated in the public 
schools, and graduated from the Chillicothe Business College in l'J12. 
He was interested in raising poultry even in his boyhood, and for the 
past five years, has devoted his time to that business. He maintains five 
acres of land as a range for the fowls, and has his place equipped in a 
thoroughly modern fashion for the hatching of the chicks. He keeps an 
incubator capacity of 18,000 eggs, and during the year 1922 put out 
about 60,000 chicks. He sends the chicks to practically all parts of the 
United States using the parcel post as a means of transpox'tation. The 
original enterprise has prospered until Mr. Summa now conducts one of 
the thriving businesses of the community. Mr. Summa handles the 
agency for the Newton Grant Incubator Company in addition to his 
other work. 

Earl Summa was married on Jan. 4, 1912, to Kittle J. Chapin, a 
daughter of E. and Ola Chapin of Chillicothe. Mr. Chapin is dead, and 
his widow lives at Chillicothe, where she is an officer in the Girls Indus- 
trial School. Mrs. Summa was born, reared, and educated in Chillicothe. 
Mr. and Mrs. Summa have four children; Kenneth Wayne, Martha, 
Dorothy, and Ruby. 

Mr. Summa is a life member of the American Poultry Association, 
and of the Missouri State Poultry Association. He is an industrious and 
capable young man who is attaining a marked success in his life work. 

Ira Suntma, the owner of a well improved farm of 120 acres of land 
near Gentry in Bogle Township, Gentry County, was born on the farm 
where he now lives, and which he later bought from the heirs. Mr. 
Summa has improved the farm, has built a good residence, and erected 
farm buildings, as his operation of the land made more farm facilities 
necessary. 



568 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Summa was born on Feb. 11, 1861, the son of Frederick and 
Highley (Long) Summa. Frederick Summa was born in Indiana and 
came to Gentry County in 1840, and in 1846 "proved up" on the land 
which now makes the Summa farm. He died on this farm in 1866, and 
his remains are buried in the Murphy Cemetery. His wife was a native 
of Indiana. At the death of her husband she was left with 11 children 
to rear, and a farm to manage. She lived on the farm, and died in 1892. 
Her remains are buried in the Friendship Cemetery. Her children were : 
John, died in 1883; Lewis, died in October. 1912; Louisa, the wife of 
John Hurst of Gentry; W. Riley, died in June, 1894 ; Philip, died in May, 
1920; Peter, died in 1907; Elizabeth, the wife of John A. Best of Hug- 
gins Township; Francis M., of Bogle Township; Ira, the subject of this 
review; Lucinda, married to R. E. Canady of Albany; and Frederick, 
living in Huggins Township. 

Ira Summa was married on Sept. 10, 1891, to Martha Funderburk, 
a daughter of G. B. and Cynthia (Nelson) Funderburk. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Funderburk died when Mrs. Summa was only a girl, and the re- 
mains of both are buried in the Enyart Cemetery. Mrs. Summa was 
reared by her uncle. B. H. Watkins, and attended the rural school, where 
her first teacher was Giles Canmon. Mrs. Summa has the following 
brothers and sisters: John, living in Wilson Township; Thomas, of Gen- 
try; Sarah, the wife of Cassius Ardis, Cathay, Calif.; and George, Wil- 
liam, Henry, Buchanan, Eliza, Mrs. Huldah Rodgers, and Mai-y Magda- 
lene, all deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Summa have the following children: 
Edwin Earl, married Catherine Chapin, and lives on the home place; W. 
G., married Maggie Thompson, and lives at Newell, Iowa, where he is 
the agent for the Illinois Central Railway Company ; Herbert B., married 
Eloda Lewis, and lives in Huggins Township; Dale, died at the age of 19 
months; Orville Clyde, married Beatrice Evelyn Johnson of Alta, Iowa, 
and is living at home; and Orville Truman, at home. 

Mr. Summa has served on the township board, and as the township 
committeeman for the Democratic party in Gentry County. He is an effi- 
cient farmer, a capable man, and the Summa family are highly esteemed 
in the neighborhood. 

William J. Sidens, well known and successful farmer and stockman 
of Athens Township, Gentry County, four miles northwest of the Court 
House on the Allendale Road. His land holdings comprise 627 acres lo- 
cated in Athens. Howard, Huggins, and Bogle townships. On the home 
place of 340 acres he has three sets of improvements, a house built in 
1912, and excellent farm buildings. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 569 

Mr. Siddens was born on March 14, 1868, on the farm where his 
father, W. T. Siddens was born. The land was entered by Joseph Sid- 
dens, grandfather of W. J. Siddens, the subject of this review, and is 
the present Siddens home place. W. T. Siddens died in Albany and his 
remains are buried in the Henton Cemetery. His widow, Julia A. (Par- 
man) Siddens, was born in Howard Township, a daughter of Giles Par- 
man, one of the early settlers of Gentry County. Mrs. Siddens now lives 
with her son, W. J. To her union with W. T. Siddens the following chil- 
dren were born: William J., the subject of this sketch; Sarah M., now 
Mrs. Madden; and John V., a resident of Albany. 

William J. Siddens attended the public school, and has been a 
farmer and stockraiser all of his life. He handles Duroc Jersey and Po- 
land China hogs. He feeds from two to six carloads of hogs each year, 
and from three to six cars of cattle. He is one of the efficient stockmen 
of his community. 

Mr. Siddens was married on Feb. 14, 1891, to M. A. Burgess, a 
daughter of Thomas A. and Nancy Burgess. Mrs. Siddens was born, 
reared, and educated in Bogle Township. Mr. and Mrs. Siddens have 
the following children : Charles Edgar, married Kate Whitman of Al- 
bany, and is in partnership with his father on the home place; Lola, now 
the wife of W. Lainhart of Albany; and Ralph, Sylvia, Goldie, and Re- 
tha, all at home. 

Mr. Siddens is a Democrat, but is independent in his political poli- 
cies locally. He is esteemed throughout the county as a capable and 
energetic man, and the Siddens family are an asset to their community. 

James M. Gregory, well known farmer and stockman of Huggins 
Township, Gentry County, was born in Worth County on April 24, 1861, 
the son of Alva L. and Mary Ann (Canady) Gregory, who moved to Gentry 
County in 1864, and settled in Huggins Township on a fann three miles 
east of Hugginsville. Mrs. Gregory was a daughter of Caleb S. Canady 
and lived on the land now incorporated in the townsite of Albany. Her 
uncle, Riley Canady, ran a stage coach between St. Joseph and Albany for 
many years. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory were well known in Huggins Town- 
ship. Mr. Gregory was a veteran of the Civil War. He died at Albany, 
and Mrs. Gregory died at the home of her son, James M. The remains of 
both are buried in the Brick Church Cemetery. Their children were: 
Laura Elizabeth, married J. W. Banks, and lives at Enid, Okla. ; James, the 
subject of this sketch; Esther J., the wife of R. E. Mahoney, Colorado; 
and Jonathan M., married Etta Summa. and lives on the home place, 
which he owns. 



570 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

James M. Gregory attended the rural school in the David District. 
He was married at the age of 23 years, and that same year, bought 33 
acres of land. To this he added until he owned 265 acres. Mr. Gregory 
recently divided his land, with the exception of the 40 acres where he lives, 
among his children. The land is well improved, good houses barns and 
other farm buildings. Mr. Gregory and his sons are raising registered 
White Spotted Poland China hogs. They own a male, "Sampson," bred 
by J. D. Gates and Son, which took the first premium as a senior yearling 
at the state fair at Sedalia in 1920, and headed the two other herds of 
young bores that took premiums. His dam, "Spotted Lou," headed two 
herds of sows that took premiums that same year. On Nov. 5, 1921, Mr. 
Gregory and his sons sold 29 registered hogs at the Branham sale barns. 
J. E. Gregory, one of Mr. Gregory's sons, does a dairy business in con- 
nection with his other work. He has a herd of 12 milk cows, Holstein, 
Jersey, and Shorthorn. 

James M. Gregory was married on April 3, 1884, to Elizabeth Anna 
Lewis, a daughter of George and Bettie Lewis. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lewis 
died on their farm in Huggins Township, and their remains are buried in 
the Hugginsville Cemetery. Mr. Lewis was a Civil War veteran. Mrs. 
Gregory was born on Oct. 31, 1861, and grew up in Huggins Township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory have the following children: Lewis C, born, Nov. 22, 
1885, married Delia Summa, and has two children, Jessie Beatrice and 
Meredith ; W. S., born June 30, 1887, married Mary Higginbottom, and 
has two children, Doris Elizabeth and Mildred; Sarah Jane, born, Oct. 13, 
1888, married Ray Johnson, and had one daughter, Goldie, who died in 
infancy ; Jesse Layf ayette, who conducts a grocery store and garage at 
Alanthus, was born Sept. 12, 1890, married Sadie Buckridge, and has four 
children, Fern Marie, Marvin, who died at the age of two years, Ermal, 
and J. H. Jr. ; Ammon Virgil, born on April 15, 1893, married Edith Jen- 
nings, and had three children, James Ambrose, Keotha, died in infancy, 
and Straussey; and Joseph Elza, born on March 23, 1896, man-ied Eliza 
Boatwright, and has two children, Gladys Louise, and Joyce Esther. 

Mr. Gregory and his family are among the substantial citizens of the 
township. They are known as progressive farmers and stockmen, and are 
an asset to the community. When Mr. Gregory came here he was without 
funds, and cleared up his place and lived in an old log cabin at first, and 
by his industry he worked his way to success. Each of his boys are settled 
and have a farm of their own. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory and children are 
members of the church of Christ, except one. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 571 

The Farmers and Mechanics Bank of Stanberry, Gentry County, was 
first organized in 1880, as a private banking institution by Armstrong & 
McLean with a capital stock of $20,000. In 1885 the bank was reorganized 
as a state bank with the amount of the capital stock remaining the same. 
The first officers under the new organization were D. F. Hill, President ; A. 
R. Stockton, Vice President ; and Frank Jones, Cashier. The present cap- 
ital stock of the bank is $50,000 the surplus and undivided profits are 
$30,000, and the present officers are: W. E. Teel, president, L. E. Holding, 
vice-president; J. A. Moore, cashier; Cleo Gregg, assistant cashier; and W. 
E. Teel, W. A. VanHook, L. E. Holding, D. C. Thomas, R. S. Liggett and J. 
A. Moore, directors. The business is conducted in a two story brick build- 
ing, owned by the bank, and located on the northwest corner of the square, 
where it was built in 1880. The farmers and Mechanics Bank is one of the 
thoroughly reliable and most thriving financial institutions in this part of 
Missouri. 

William E. Teel, the president of the bank, was born near McFall, 
Aug. 8, 1868, the son of A. M. and Emiline (Hardin) Teel. Alexander M. 
Teel was born in Indiana in 1839, and came to Gentry County when he was 
a small boy. He was married in Miller Township to Emiline Hardin, born 
in Kentucky in 1840. Her father came to Gentry County in 1851, and 
lived there until his death at Gentryville. A. M. Teel was a well known 
farmer and stockman of Gentry County. He died in 1914, and Mrs. Teel 
died on Sept. 15, 1917. The remains of both are buried in McFall Ceme- 
tery. Their children were: W. E., the subject of this review; James E., a 
farmer in Miller Township; Jennie, living at McFall; Minnie, living at 
McFall ; and Aaron H., operating the home farm which still belongs to the 
Teel estate. 

W. E. Teel attended the public schools of Gentry County, and later 
was a student in the Stanberry Normal and the Northwest Missouri College 
at Albany. He taught school for 15 years, and was elected to the office 
of county clerk of Gentry County in 1906. He was reelected in 1910. His 
term of office expired Jan. 1, 1915. and he at once came to the Farmers 
and Mechanics Bank as the cashier. He held that position until the fall 
of 1917, when he was made the president of the institution. 

W. E. Teel was married Nov. 26, 1902, to Permelia J. Akes, a daughter 
of Alexander and Matilda Akes, both now living at Stanberry. Mr. Teel 
was bom, reared and educated in Gentry County. To her union with W. 
E. Teel the following children were born: Lois, a graduate of the Stanberry 
High School; Carl, now a student in the Stanberry High School, and 
Lucille. 

Mr. Teel is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and of 



572 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Stanberry. He is an able and 
progressive business man, was an officer of excellent repute, and is a sub- 
stantial citizen of the community. 

J. A. Moore, cashier of the Fanners and Mechanics Bank, was born 
on the Island of Cape Breton, June 28, 1855, the son of Benjamin and Susan 
(Musgrave) Moore. Mrs. Moore died in 1857 and Mr. Moore married 
Susan Moffatt in 1857. They came to the United States and settled in 
Gentry County, leaving J. A. Moore's son in Cape Breton. He joined his 
father's family in Gentry County in 1876. Benjamin Moore, who had 
served in the Civil War and was discharged because of illness, died in 1866. 
His remains are buried in Hugginsville Cemetery. His widow now lives 
at Mount Ayr, Iowa. J. A. Moore has a brother. Thomas A., now Hving 
in Alberta, Canada, and a half brother, Edward, living at St. Louis. J. 
A. Moore was reared by his maternal grandmother, Ann Musgrave. For 
more than 45 years he has lived in Gentry County. He farmed in Cooper 
Township until 1885, and since 1887 has been connected with the Farmers 
and Mechanics Bank, first as the bookkeeper, and, since October, 1917, as 
the cashier. 

J. A. Moore was married Dec. 15, 1880 to Martha Saunders, a daughter 
of James H. and Mary (Rowe) Saunders, both deceased. Mrs. Moore was 
born in Gentiy County, Feb. 11, 1862. Her father died here, and her 
mother died in Montana in March, 1918. Their children were: W. A., a 
resident of Silicia, Mont. ; Mary, now Mrs. Rose of Stanberry ; Effie, now 
Mrs. Stockton of Stanberry ; Jasper, living in Montana ; and Martha, now 
Mrs. Moore, who was the oldest daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Moore had three 
children : a son, who died in infancy ; James Carl, born in 1884, and died in 
1915, who graduated from the Stanberrj' High School, married Blanche 
Mathis, and left three children, Doris Merle, Albert and Ai'lan, who with 
their mother live at Stanberry ; and Merle, died at the age of 23 years. 

Mr. Moore is a member of the Masonic lodge. He is an efficient and 
courteous bank official, a citizen highly esteemed for his progressive 
ideas, and a man of energy and ability. 

John J. Cain, well known operator of a real estate, loans, and insurance 
office at Stanberry, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1845, the 
son of Isaac and Mary Ann (Reed) Cain. They were married in Ohio, 
and both died near Bloomfield, Ind., Mr. Cain in 1852, and his wife in 1864. 
John J. Cain is the only one of their ten children now living. The others, 
who lived to be adults, were: James and Isaac, who died from cholera in 
1848; Jacob, died at Lexington, Ky., while serving in Company K, 80th 
Indiana Regiment, during the Civil War; Alexander died in Iowa in 1860; 
and Elizabeth died in 1863. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 573 

John J. Cain attended the rural schools of Illinois, and enlisted for 
service in the Civil War when he was 17 years old, in Company K, 80th 
Indiana Volunteers, but was transferred to the Veterans Reserve Corps, 
Company E, 8th Regiment in December, 1863. He remained in service 
until 1865. After the close of the war, Mr. Cain farmed in Illinois, and in 
1871 he settled in De Kalb County, Mo. In partnership with P. C. Noaks 
and his brother, Mr. Cain ran a saw mill on the Isaac Miller farm. They 
sawed more than 500,000 feet of lumber during one summer, after they 
bought the Jameson Mill, which was later moved five miles west of Pattons- 
burg. 

In 1880 Mr. Cain moved to Gentry County and settled two miles north- 
west of Stanberry on the farm of 110 acres, now operated by his son. For 
more than 30 years Mr. Cain has been writing insurance at Stanberry, 
where he lives, and for the past 22 years, has handled real estate and loans. 
He has conducted a constantly increasing business, and is known as an 
enterprising business man. 

John J. Cain was married near Swan Creek, 111., Oct. 21, 1869, to 
Margaret J. Fry, a native of Virginia, born on Sept. 27, 1850, the daughter 
of Abraham and Eliza (Helms) Fry. Abraham Fry died in DeKalk County 
about 1918, and his wife died some years before. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have 
seven living children: Mary E., married L. D. Hughes of Stanberry, and 
he has been dead about 20 years ; Joseph A., married Minnie Heims, and is 
a bookkeeper in Kansas City ; Rausa E., at home ; Aaron D., a bookkeeper in 
Kansas City; G. C, married Rebecca W. James, and is living on the home 
farm; Sylvia M., at home; and Paul H., married Ida Yarrington and is a 
traveling salesman in Kansas City. 

Mr. Cain is a member of the Masonic lodge, and is Commander of the 
Grand Army of the Republic post at Stanberry. He assisted in the organ- 
ization of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Gentry County 
and has served on the board of that organization for 15 years. He also 
helped to institute the Fanners Mutual Tornado and Cyclone and Wind- 
storm Association of the Third Congressional District, and was the presi- 
dent of the company for ten years. .This company has increased its terri- 
tory until it now covers the entire state of Missouri. Mr. Cain is a reliable 
business man, one' of the substantial citizens of his community, and a 
highly esteemed individual. 

Claud A. Greenlee, secretary of the Gentry County Trust Company at 
Stanberry, was born in Washington County, Dec. 14, 1884. His parents 
are E. F. and Rebecca (Middleton) Greenlee, the former a native of Indiana, 
and the latter born in Wisconsin. They now live in Washington County. 
Their children are: A. C, Claud A., J. E., John, J. P., Mary, the wife of 



574 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Cleve Record, and May, now living in St. Louis. Three children died in 
infancy. 

Claud A. Greenlee attended the public schools and graduated from the 
commercial course of the Stanberry Normal School in 1905. He spent 15 
months as timekeeper for the Wabash Railway Company, and in August. 
1907, he became the assistant cashier for the Farmers and Mechanics 
Bank at Stanberry. He remained in that position until November, 1919, 
when he organized the Gentry County Trust Company. 

The Gentry County Trust Company was organized on Nov. 26, 1919, 
with a capital stock of $75,000, and with the following officers: S. H. Dres- 
bach, president; George Morton, vice-president; Claud A. Greenlee, secre- 
tary ; Gladys Collier, assistant secretary ; and W. A. Temple, W. S. Hardin, 
L. 0. Grantham, G. W. Rose, C. S. Allen, Andrew Bennett and Owen Collier, 
directors. The only change in the personnel of the officers since the organ- 
ization of the company is in the position of assistant secretary, now held 
by Loren Stockton, and A. R. Liggett, treasurer. 

Claud A. Greenlee was married in March, 1908, to Iva Blakesley, a 
daughter of Mrs. Harriett Blakesley of Burlington Junction. Mrs. Green- 
lee was born in Nodaway County, attended the Stanberry Normal School, 
from which she graduated, and then was a student in the Northwest Mis- 
souri State Teachers College at Maryville, from which she also graduated. 
She taught in Nodaway and Gentry Counties for two years prior to her 
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Greenlee have two children: leca and Claud 
Ansel. 

Mr. Greenlee is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
has sen'ed on the Board of Education of Stanberry, and has been the 
clerk of the City Council since 1907. He was a member of the Interstate 
Highway Commission for two years. He is a man of marked executive 
ability and ambition. He was born in a log cabin in the Ozark Mountains, 
and has worked hard for his success. He made his way through high 
school, and when he entered the Normal School at Stanberry, he had just 
$12.50 in his possiession. He managed however, to complete his college 
work, and his pluck and perserverance have cai'ried him on to his present 
success. 

S. D. McCoy, proprietor of the Cash Store at Stanberry, is a native 
of Ohio, born in Richland County, Dec. 11, 1849, the son of Benjamin and 
Catherine (Simpson) McCoy, both natives of Pennsylvania. Benjamin 
McCoy died in Ohio, in 1852, and his widow came to Guildford. Mo., then 
moved to Worth County, and afterwards to Saline County, Kans., where 
she died in 1880. 

S. D. McCoy was living at Guildford, Mo., in the sixties when the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 575 

deer were plentiful, and the wolves still infested the country. He taught 
school for a time. His first school was taught in a log cabin in Worth 
County the year he was 18 years old. He took a claim in Saline County, 
Kans., and lived on the land for three years. He sold the farm and moved 
to Salina, Kans., where he entei'ed the marcantile business. While he was 
living in Saline County, he had an opportunity to make a most undesirable 
acquaintance with a Kansas cyclone. One of the "freaks' 'of that particu- 
lar storm was to carry away from the wagon upon which it had been loaded 
the 500 pound master wheel of a Marsh Harvester. The wheel was never 
found and the supposition was that it had been blown into the river and 
embedded in the soil there. 

Mr. McCoy came to Stanberry in 1882, and opened a restaurant. He 
remained in that pursuit for 10 years, in the meantime opening a grocery 
store. From this latter business he built up his present enterprise of the 
Cash Store, where he handles glassware, queensware, tinware and granite. 
The store represents the continued work and forthought of 40 years of 
Mr. McCoy's life, and is evidence of his business acumen and industry. 

Mr. McCoy was married in 1871, to Anna Milligan, a daughter of W. 
J. and Nancy Milligen of Worth County. W. J. Milligen was one of the 
first judges of Worth County and was a prominent man in his community. 
Mrs. McCoy died in 1912 and her remains are buried in the Stanberry Cem- 
etery. Her children were: Ora V., now the wife of S. B. Sweat, a sketch of 
whose life appears later; Howard C, married Bertha Drinkard, and is con- 
nected with the Wabash Railway Company at Stanberry ; and William A., 
married Gretchen Frederick, and is a clothing merchant of Stanberry. Be- 
sides the children of Mrs. Sweet, Mr. McCoy has the following grandchild- 
ren; Howard C, Claude L., Alice, Isabell, Mary Elizabeth, and Ora McCoy. 

S. B. Sweat, born in Miller Township, Nov. 20, 1871, is the son of C. 
and Sarah (Teel) Sweat). C. Sweat was born in 1848 and came to Missouri 
when he was but a child. He died in 1893, and his remains are buried in 
the High Ridge Cemetery. His widow now lives at Stanberry. Their 
children were: S. B., the subject of this sketch; and Susan, the wife of E. 
Buckley, now in partnership with Mr. Sweat. Mr. Sweat was educated 
in Stanberry. and took the commercial course in the Stanberry Normal 
School. He then worked for the J. T. Norman Dry Goods Company for a 
year and later for the Standard Oil Company for two years. He left that 
company to enter the lumber business, and has been the manager of the 
Stanberry Lumber and Coal Company since 1911. From 1896 he was the 
manager of the Groomer & Company Lumber Yard, a business which was 
taken over by the present firm of the Stanberry Lumber and Coal Com- 
pany. 



576 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Sweat was married in June, 1896 to Ora McCoy and to this union 
three children were born; Vestena, now with the Farmers and Mechanics 
Bank at Stanberry ; Blanch, a teacher in Kansas City; and Elizabeth, now 
a student in the Stanberry High School. 

Mr. Sweat was elected County Judge of Gentry County on the Repub- 
lican ticket in 1905. He is a member of the Masonic and Knights of 
Phythias lodges. Mr. McCoy has served as justice of the peace at Stan- 
berry. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both 
Mr. McCoy and Mr. Sweat are excellent business men. 

Hon. Silvester W. Brandom, A. B., LL. B., of Gallatin, was born in 
Grundy County. He lived on the farm with his parents until he was 15 
years old, working on the farm in summer and attending the country 
school in winter. Then his father told him that if he wanted to go to 
school any more he must earn the money himself to pay the expenses. 
So, with the father's consent he left home to shift for himself and began 
the struggle for an education. After years of earnest toil, he had com- 
pleted a regular college course, attended the Missouri University for some 
time and received his law degree from Washington and Lee University, 
after taking the regular course in law and equity. While in school he pur- 
sued regularly the study of music, and completed the regular college course 
in voice, piano, thorough bass and harmony. He has always claimed that 
no one, man or women, should neglect to become proficient at least in the 
rudiments of vocal and instrumental music. 

He was a teacher for several years, and now holds a first grade or life 
certificate to teach in the school of Missouri. He has been admitted to 
practice law in all the courts of Missouri, Kansas and Colorado, and has 
engaged in practice in the three states named. He was chosen represen- 
tative of Daviess County, and served in the Forty-fourth General Assembly 
during the administration of Gov. Joseph W. Folk. In 1914 he published 
two volumes of his addresses. At that time Prof. Howard A. Gass was 
state superintendent of schools, and also editor of the Missouri School 
Journal, and in the November, Missouri State Journal (1914) there was a 
reference to Mr. Brandom and one of his books, in these words: "Sixteen 
Miles to Hell, and Other Addresses, by Hon. S. W. Brandom, A. B.. LL. B., 
author of "Capturing the Colonel and Other Themes." This work consists 
of a number of addresses or sermons delivered by Mr. Brandom on differ- 
ent occasions, which have been gathered together and put in book form, 
205 pages, paper bound. Mr. Brandom is a lawyer and a minister of the 
gospel, and in years past was a successful teacher. He is an interesting 
writer, a strong speaker and a good student." 

Then in the Missouri State Journal of December, 1914, was another 




S. W. DRAM (IM 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 577 

reference to the other book and the author in these words: "Hon. S. W. 
Bradom of Gallatin, has published a book of sermons and addresses under 
the general title of 'Capturing the Colonel' Every address is worth read- 
ing, as it is filled with wise suggestions that will prove helpful to all." 

During his struggles to acquire college and university training, he 
gained that reliance upon himself and his own resources which has proved 
to be his chief dependence in both professional and business efforts. His 
mother's people were Kentuckians, while his father was a native of the 
Old Dominion, and came to Daviess County in 1856, but a few years later 
moved to a farm in Grundy County, and at the date of his death was presi- 
dent of the Citizens Bank at Trenton. 

July 3, 1886, S. W. Brandom married Etta L. Boyce, daughter of 
Judge and Mrs. D. D. Boyce of Harrison County. This union was blessed 
with four children, three boys and one girl, viz: Vincent Boyce, Ralph 
Wallace, Charles Daniel, and Lena. His wife departed this life on May 
12, 1917. The oldest son, Vincent Boyce Brandom married Miss Loie 
Jameson of Buchanan County and now lives on a farm in Harrison County. 
The second son, Ralph Wallace Brandom, married Miss Ruth Trimble of 
Clay County, and now lives on a farm in Grundy County. The third son, 
Charles Daniel Brandom, married Miss Katherine Dudley, of Daviess 
County, and is now pi'acticing law in Gallatin. The daughter. Miss Lena 
Brandom, is attending school at the Kansas State University at Lawrence. 

S. W. Brandom came to Pattonsburg in 1897, as superintendent of the 
Pattonsburg schools, which position he held for two years, and he moved 
to Gallatin in February, 1904, and the next month opened a law office in the 
town. He purchased a vacant block of ground, and improved it for a per- 
manent home, where he now resides; he has also doubled his real estate 
holdings in Grundy County, since moving to Daviess County. Upon enter- 
ing the work of the gospel ministry, his efforts to accumulate property 
naturally ended, in 1907. He has been secretary of the Daviess County 
Baptist Association continuously from September, 1906, to the present 
time. May, 1922. He has held pastorates in Altamont, Nettleton, Edin- 
burg, Clarksdale, Stewartsville, Bethany, and a few country churches. His 
work as an evangelist has extended over several counties, and his work 
has been generally successful. 

The Official Manual of Missouri, for the years 1907-1908, on page 
33 refers to the subject of this sketch, in the following words: 'S. W. Bran- 
dom, representative from Daviess County, was born Aug. 30, 1863, in 
Grundy County, Mo. He received his education in the public schools, 
Grand River College,, Missouri State University and Washington and Lee 
University. He married Miss Etta L. Boyce, July 3, 1886, in Harrison 



578 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

County, Mo., and resides at Gallatin. He was elected a member of the 
legislature in 1906, and during the session of 1907 was a member of the 
following committees: Criminal Jurisprudence, Criminal Code and Public 
School Text-books. He is a lawyer and practices in the courts of the 
Seventh judicial circuit. 

His attitude toward professional and political issues all through his 
life has been one of duty and right. He has persistently refused to seek 
or court popular applause, or resort to any questionable expediency to 
gain a point of advantage. When drafted as a candidate for the legisla- 
ture, he said that, "We need the enforcement of the laws, rather than the 
enactment of more laws." He has consistenely contended in his public 
addresses that good laws will not result in good government or good social 
conditions while people themselves are wrong. Therefore, he argues, that 
the work of the churches in evangelizing and saving men, women, boys 
and girls' is the most patriotic service of all. Hence, he says, that the 
work the preachers are doing is the best work to which any man can devote 
his time and talents. September 16, 1920, Mr. Brandom married Ida San- 
ford, and to this union one son, Sanford Woodrow, was born Feb. 7, 1922. 

C. C. Mendenhall, a Civil War veteran and for 35 years and a well 
known merchant at Stanberry, is a native of Ohio, born in Ross County, 
Sept. 6, 1844. His parents were Jesse and Clara (Kilbourn) Mendenhall. 

Jesse Mendenhall was a native of Virginia and died in Illinois in 1865. 
His wife was born in Ohio, and died at Bui'lington Junction, Mo. Their 
children were: Addie, now Mrs. Loomis of Hickory County; C. C, the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; William, deceased ; Edgar, a resident of Salem, Neb. ; 
and Emerson, living in Oklahoma. The Mendenhall family left Ohio and 
went to Fulton County, 111., in 1846. After the death of Jesse Mendenhall 
there, his widow drove overland to Missouri and located at Burlington 
Junction, where she later married William Graham. 

C. C. Mendenhall settled at Farmington, 111., Where his father had been 
interested in the manufacturing of "Blue" steel plows, so called because of 
the blue paint used on the plows. Mr. Mendenhall later came to Burling- 
ton Junction, then moved to Fall City. He afterwards located at Norcatur, 
Kans., where he farmed for ten years and followed the trade of sign paint- 
ing which he had learned earlier in life. He moved to Maitland, Mo., and 
operated a restaurant there for some time, and came to Stanberry in 1887. 
He opened a restaurant and made a specialty of a 15 cent meal for farmers. 
Finding himself successful in handling mercantile work, he opened a racket 
store about 15 years ago. He handles groceries also and conducts a thriv- 
ing business. 

Mr. Mendenhall enlisted for service in the United States Army on 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 579 

Jan. 26, 1864. He wa.s placed in Company C, 103rd Illinois Infantry. He 
was on garrison duty at Paducah, Ky., and later in South Carolina. He 
participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C, in May, 1865, and 
was mustered out of service at Springfield, 111., after a service of 18 
months, and having marched over 500 miles with the company. Mr. Men- 
denhall had served in the 100 day enlistment during 1863 also. He joined 
the Grand Army of the Republic Post at Norcatur, Kans., and while living 
there in 1890, he was appointed census enumerator for two townships. 

C. C. Mendenhall was married in 1872 to Amanda J. Golding of Bed- 
ford, Iowa. Mrs. Mendenhall was born in Indiana, and died at Stanberry, 
in March, 1919. Her remains are buried at Stanberry. Mr. Mendenhall 
has three living children: Edith, married to Clarence Shisler of Stanberry; 
Frank Leslie, married Hazel Akers, and lives in Chicago, 111.; and Nellie 
Fay, the wife of Blaine Van Tilburg of Kansas City. Two sons are dead: 
Charles Ernest, the oldest child, died in 1887, at the age of 21 years ; and 
the fourth child, Carl, died in infancy. Mr. Mendenhall has the following 
grandchildren ; Gwendolyn and Clarence Jesse Shisler, and the adopted 
daughter of F. L. Mendenhall. 

Mr. Mendenhall has been an acute observer of men and events all of 
his life, and is an interesting conversationalist. He says that he prefers 
to keep in touch with the outside world by remaining in active business life, 
and he operates his business with the same vigorous foresight that built 
up the enterprise in the first place. 

Samuel H. Dresbach, judge of the County Court of Gentry County, 
from 1912 to 1916, president of the Gentry County Trust Company since its 
organization in 1919, and a member of the firm of Dresbach and Ross at 
Stanberry, is one of the well known men of Gentry County, where he has 
lived since 1902. 

Judge Dresbach was born in Edgar County, 111., Feb. 5, 1861, the son 
of Samuel B. and Mary A. (Cheeseman) Dresbach. Samuel B. Dresbach 
died in Illinois in 1862; and his widow moved to Iowa, and later came to 
Gentry County, where she died in 1911. Their children were: Charles 
E., a farmer at Glenwood, Ark. ; Helena, the wife of R. Weldon of San 
Antonia, Texas; and Samuel H., the subject of this review. 

Samuel H. Dresbach attended the public schools of Illinois, and left 
that state in 1899. He located in Clarinda, Iowa, then moved to Missouri, 
where he settled in Clearmont, in Nodaway County. He bought a farm 
there which he later sold, and moved to Winterset, Iowa. From Iowa he 
came to Gentry County and purchased a farm which he operated until he 
entered his present occupation. In 1919 Judge Dresbach, in partnership 
with Clarence D. Ross, bought the N. G. Dillion mill at Stanberry, and have 



580 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

been operating it with success ever since. The mill grinds wheat for 
graham flour, oats, corn, and the owners buy and sell feed grains. The 
business has developed rapidly and is one of the flourishing commercial en- 
terprises of the community. 

S. H. Dresbach was married in 1887 to Laura B. Morris, daughter of 
Oliver and Mary K. Morris, both deceased. Mrs. Dresbach was born and 
reared in Edgar County, 111. To her union with S. H. Dresbach the follow- 
ing children were born: Hilah B., died at the age of 12 years; Mary K., the 
wife of John Hanson of Luverne, S. Dak. ; Charles Chester, married Gladys 
Chilton, and is living on the home farm in Gentry County ; Bruce, enlisted 
for service in the World War, but died at the age of 22 years before he had 
been called for training; and Helen B., now a student in the Stanberry 
High School. 

Samuel H. Dresbach was elected the judge of the County Court on the 
Democratic ticket and made an efficient and unprejudiced official of the 
county. He and the county officials who were serving at the same time 
had the court house remodeled and redecoi'ated and made a much needed 
improvement in the county jail. As a county official, as one of the direct- 
ing factors in the Gentry County Trust Company, as a business man, and 
as a private citizen, Judge Dresbach has proved himself a capable and 
reliable man. 

George A. Sager, carrier on Rural Route No. 2, from Stanberry, Gentry 
County, since June 1, 1901, is a native of the county, where he was born in 
Cooper Township on Oct. 16, 1872. His parents were Augustus and Eva 
(Kaiser) Sager. 

Augustus Sager was born in Germany, Aug. 14, 1830, and came to 
America in 1842, with his parents. They settled in Sandusky Plains, Ohio, 
later moving to Iowa, and to Genti-y County in the fifties. Mr. Sager en- 
tered 240 acres of land in Cooper Township, and married Eva Kaiser, the 
eldest of 12 children born to Conrad and Martha Kaiser, early settlers of 
Cooper Township. Augustus Sager enlisted for service in the Civil War 
■from Gentry County and served in Company K., Missouri Infantry, under 
Colonel Craner and Captain Curry. He moved to Stanberry in 1882, and 
died there Jan. 31, 1918. His widow died at Stanberry on Dec. 16, 1921. The 
remains of both are buried in High Ridge Cemetery. Their children were: 
Alena, the wife of George Allen of King City; Martha, married to J. A. 
Dresbach, a veterinary surgeon at Stanberry; Susie, married to W. C. 
Smelzer of Muscatine, Iowa; G. A., the subject of this sketch; Clara, the 
wife of A. G. Heyde of Stanberry ; Elmer, a farmer in Cooper Towliship ; 
and Nellie, the wife of Earl Temple of Fleming, Colo. 

George A. Sager attended the public school in his boyhood and grad- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 581 

uated from the commercial department of the Stanberry Normal School 
in the class of 1898. He worked at the terminal shops in St. Joseph for 
a short time, then returned to Gentry County and farmed until he was 
appointed mail carrier by President McKinley. Mr. Sager is the oldest 
man in the point of service in Gentry County, and is very popular with 
his patrons. He expedites the delivery of the mail on his route by using 
an automobile. 

George A. Sager was married Dec. 1, 1920 to Jennie Roberts, a daugh- 
ter of J. W. and Diana (McClintock) Roberts. Mrs. Robei'ts was a daugh- 
ter of Colonel Armstrong McClintock a veteran of the War of 1812 and a 
United States Indian Agent in this part of Missouri in the pioneer days. 
He helped to lay out the town site of Athens, now Albany. He died near 
Gower in Clinton County in 1872. Mrs. Roberts died there in 1881. J. 
W. Roberts was sheriff of Worth County. He was born near Rosendale, 
Andrews County, and died in Nodaway County, in 1918. Besides the 
daughter, Mrs. Sager, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts had a son, John, now living 
on the home farm in Nodaway County, where the Roberts family is well 
known, J. W. Roberts having lived there for more than 30 years. Mrs. 
Sager was born in Clinton County and attended school there and in Noda- 
way County. 

Mr. Sager is a Mason, belonging to No. 109 Blue Lodge, and Chapter at 
Stanberry, No. 98 Council P. W. G. at Chillicothe. He is also a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America, 
at Stanberry. He is highly esteemed in the community for his efficiency 
in his work, and is accounted an enterprising and industrious citizen. He 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, singing in the choir for 
25 years. He never missed Sunday School unless he was sick or out of 
town. He is a member of the Board of Trustees. 

E. C. Lockwood has been a well known lawyer in Gentry County since 
1901, when he began practicing at McFall, later moving to Stanberry, 
where he has remained. He was born near McFall, Dec. 26, 1874, the son 
of Jacob and Eleanor D. (Christie) Lockwood. 

David Lockwood, the paternal grandfather of E. C. Lockwood was 
born in Kentucky in 1798. He married Jane Wilson, a native of Cabell 
County, Va., and two years later they moved to Warren County, Ind., 
where they remained for 14 years. In 1844 they came to Daviess County, 
and David Lockwood entered 800 acres of land which he improved. He 
became one of the prominent men of his community. He died on his farm 
in 1864, and his widow died in 1888. Their children were: William, died 
near Ft. Laramie on his way home from California, in a party which in- 
cluded Henry Bolen and Pole Brown of Pattonsburg ; Robert, died in Colo- 



582 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

rado ; Jacob, mentioned later in this sketch ; Henry, killed in the battle 
of Pea Ridge, Ark.; Mary A., married J. Watson; Sarah A., married 
Rueben Shultz, a representative from Gentry County to the Missouri legis- 
lature of 1861, and a supporter of Claiborne Jackson, the war governor of 
Missouri ; Elizabeth, married to Z. Spiers, a pioneer farmer of Gentry 
County; Moriah J., the widow of Francis Cravens of Payson, Utah; Eliza, 
the widow of Abram Miles of Gentry, Ark. ; and four children who died in 
infancy. Three sons served in the Confederate Army. 

Jacob Lockwood, the father of E. C. Lockwood, was born in Warren 
County, Ind., Sept. 16, 1836, and came to Missouri with his parents. He 
married Eleanor D. Christie, a daughter of Israel Christie, who moved from 
Shelby County, Ky., to Davies County, in 1851. Israel Christie's wife was 
a daughter of Abram Cook, a pioneer Baptist minister of Kentucky, and the 
ancester of the Cook family whose name appears in the annals of the 
Baptist church in Missouri. Two of Israel Christie's sons, Jeffry and 
Israel, Jr., were well known Baptist ministers in Northwest Missouri. 
Jacob and Eleanor D. (Christie) Lockwood were married in the Liberty 
church in Daviess County, and to their union the following children were 
born: Anna Lee, died in infancy; Henry Wayne, accidently killed while 
working in timber land on Dec. 18, 1897; Charles S., formerly a teacher 
and an attorney at law in Gentry County, now a salesman in Tulsa, Okla. ; 
Robert P., died in infancy ; and Ernest C, the subject of this review. Mrs. 
Lockwood died in 1878, and by the second marriage of the father to Naomi 
Belle Shores he had two children : Bernice, now Mrs. Williams of Oklahoma 
City, Okla.; and Eva, died in infancy. Naomi Belle (Shares) Lockwbod 
died in 1885. 

E. C. Lockwood attended the public schools of Daviess and Gentry 
Counties, was a student in Central Christian College at Albany, and took 
the law degree at the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1900. In the 
fall of 1901, he located at McFall, later moving to Stanberry on July 2, 1917. 
He served as the prosecuting attorney of Gentry County in 1913 and 1914. 

E. C. Lockwood was married on Sept. 30, 1906, to Ellen G. Hendrix 
of Edgerton. To this union two children were born: Margaret Ellen, and 
Jacob R. Mrs. Lockwood died July 23, 1919. On Dec. 29, 1921, Mr. Lock- 
wood was married to Anora Nelle Law, who was born and reared in Gentry 
County, and attended Central College at Lexington. 

E. C. Lockwood is highly esteemed in Gentry County. As an officer 
of the county he served faithfully and efficiently. He is capable in his pro- 
fession, and is a citizen of high ideals. The Lockwood family has been 
known in the county for many years and has always been a respected 
family, one that has been an asset to the community. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 583 

Victor Fields, president of the Chamber of Commerce and proprietor 
of the Fields Clothing Company at Stanberry, is a native Missourian. He 
was born in Linn County, April 25, 1876, the son of Joseph J. and Eliza- 
beth (Street) Fields. 

Joseph J. Fields was born in Virginia in 1837. He served in the Con- 
federate Army during the entire four years of the Civil War, and came to 
Missouri in 1865. He located at Linneus, and taught school practically all 
the remainder of his life. He died in 1917. His remains are buried in the 
Confederate Home Cemetery at Higginsville. His widow, born in Sulli- 
van County on Dec. 31, 1850, now lives at Browning. Their children were: 
Hermia, the wife of Guy Adams of Browning ; W. H., Pine Apple, Ala. ; 
Maude, living at Browning; Victor, the subject of this review; Floy, now 
married to Claude Manning of Chula; and Claude, address unknown. 

Victor Fields attended school at Humphreys, and began work in a 
store there when he was 16 years old. He spent two years in St. Louis 
working in the Rice, Styx Wholesale house, and in 1901, he went to Brown- 
ing and established a general dry goods store. After operating that store 
for eight years, he sold out and went to Gifford for two years. From Gif- 
ford he came to Stanberry in 1912, and traded for the R. B. Coffey Cloth- 
ing Store. He has operated this business ever since and has made a mark- 
ed success of his venture. He carries a. good line of merchandise, handling 
the Society Brand clothes for men and boys. Stetson hats and Ralston 
shoes. 

Victor Fields was married on Oct. 16, 1904, to Ollie Dunkin, a daugh- 
ter of J. H. and Martha Dunkin of Browning. Mrs. Dunkin died in 1915. 
She and her husband were both born in Iowa. Mr. Dunkin still lives in 
Browning, where he is a poultry dealer. Mr. and Mrs. Fields have five 
children : Mary, a student in the Stanberry High School ; Ruth in the 
grammar school ; Richard and Harold, twins ; and Paul Eugene. 

Mr. Fields is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Yoe- 
man, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias 
lodges. He was elected alderman of Stanberry in April, 1921. Mr. Fields 
is a man of keen business ability, energetic and capable. He is one of the 
highly esteemed men of Stanberry. 

Benjamin Pierce, deceased, was a Civil War veteran and a well known 
farmer of Gentry County, where he came after the close of the Civil War, 
and bought 160 acres of land which he improved and which is now owned 
by his widow. Mr. Pierce was born in Clinton County in 1844. His parents 
were John and Sarah Pierce. 

Mr. Pierce was reared in the county of his birth and enlisted there 
in Company A, 13th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. After three years of 



584 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

service, he reenlisted in the Federal service and was placed on duty to cross 
the plains. He became a prominent farmer in Gentry County, where he 
spent many years of his life. He was a member of the Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons and of the Grand Army of the Republic at Stanberry. 
He died on Feb. 8, 1903, and his remains are buried in the High Ridge 
Cemetery. 

Benjamin Pierce was married on May 29, 1870, to Elizabeth Liggett, 
born, Jan. 9, 1854, the daughter of Enoch and Frances (Wilson) Liggett. 
Mrs. Liggett was born in Indiana, and died on the Liggett farm in Cooper 
Township, Gentry County. Her remains are buried in Cooper Cemetery. 
Enoch Liggett was well known in political annals of the county. He served 
as a county judge, and was the representative from Gentry County to the 
state legislature for a term. After the death of his first wife, he married 
Sarah Elizabeth Osborn, and to their union three children were born: 
Enoch, deceased; Joseph, now living in the southern part of Missouri; and 
Rolla, deceased. Enoch Liggett died in 1895, and his remains are buried in 
Cooper Cemetery. His son, John Thomas Liggett, has been a member of 
the Missouri legislature. 

To the union of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Liggett) Pierce the fol- 
lowing children were born: Sarah F., the wife of William Stephenson of 
Stanberry ; Charles, married Nannie Philips, and is a fanner and stockman 
in Gentry County; D. M., married Mary Ellen Swaringen, and is a farmer 
and stockman on the home farm ; James H., died at the age of 19 years ; 
Florence, married first to Clyde Brown, and later to Earl Murry, now living 
at Stanberry; and Benjamin Harrison, married Vinna David, and lives 
at Stanberry. Mrs. Pierce has the following grandchildren: Clarence, 
Gladys, Dorothy, Doris and Edgar Pierce ; Forest and Bernice Stephenson ; 
Norma and Velma Pierce ; Eva, Neva and Mona Frances Brown ; Curtis 
Murry ; and Millard Pierce. 

Mrs. Pierce has been a resident of this neighborhood for 63 years. 
She and her husband are both members of the Baptist church, as were also 
Mrs. Pierce's parents. The Pierce family has been well and favorably 
known for many years in Cooper Township, where the members of the 
family have always been esteemed as reliable and capable men and women. 

Judge Lester L. Hawthorne, a member of the Big Four Hardware 
Company of Stanberry, Gentry County, was born in Illinois, the son of 
Dr. J. A. and C. M. (Yost) Hawthorne. Dr. Hawthorne died at Stanton, 
Va., his home at that, time, in 1899. His widow brought her family to 
Gentry County in 1901, and she now lives at Stanberry. Dr. and Mrs. 
Hawthorne had the following children : Leota, now Mrs. Dice of Stanberry ; 
Fred Y., of Stanberry ; Harry L., also a resident of Stanberry ; Don S., the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 585 

cashier of The Bank of Bronson, at Bronson, Kans. ; and Lester L., the sub- 
ject of this review. 

Judge Hawthorne was educated in Gentry County. He became con- 
nected with the Big Four Hardware Company in partnership with S. J. 
Dice, Fred Y. Hawthorne and Harry L. Hawthorne, just after he com- 
pleted his work in the Stanberry High School, and has been with the firm 
ever since. He is now the vice president of the company of which S. J. 
Dice is the president ; Fred Y. Hawthorne, the secretary-treasurer, and 
Harry A. Hawthorne, a director of the company and manager of the imple- 
ment and coal departments. The firm carries a complete line of farm 
implements, hardware and coal, and does plumbing. The company was or- 
ganized in 1904, and the business has become a well established enterprise. 
The company now has a branch store at Clyde, where R. J. Gross is the 
manager; and another store at Whitesville, where Ed Kerns and Fred 
Berry are the managers, and at Burlington Junction, Mr. L. D. Severs, 
manager. At these branch stores the same line of goods is carried that is 
handled at the main store. 

Lester L. Hawthorne was elected judge of the North District in 1920 
on the Republican ticket by a majority of about 350 votes. He is now 
serving his second year in his official capacity, and has made a thoroughly 
competent officer. The other members of the court are Judge T. N. 
Regney, and Orvil Brown of King City. The court is starting a Holstein 
herd at the County Home with ten cows, and one male, purchased from 
the State Hospital at St. Joseph. 

Judge Hawthorne is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Stanberry. He 
is a man of keen intellect and of marked business ability, and is well and 
favorably known throughout the county. 

J. A. Dresbach, for 42 years a well known veterinary surgeon of north- 
west Missouri, is a native of Ohio, where he was born in Fairfield County, 
Oct. 18, 1856. the son of Benjamin and Emily (Roby) Dresbach, both of 
whom died in Ohio. 

Dr. Dresbach has lived in Stanberry, Gentry County, since 1890, and 
has practiced his profession in this and surrounding counties all of that 
time. He attended the Toronto Veterinary College in Toronto, Ontario, in 
his youth, and graduated from that institution in 1875. He later prac- 
ticed in Ohio for 10 years, and for two years in the West. He came to 
Gentry County from Dallas, Texas, and for the years prior to that time, 
he had worked in the states of Nebraska, Colorado, Indiana and Texas. 
He was a pioneer in his work in northwest Missouri, and soon established 
an excellet business. For many years he did all of the veterinary work 



586 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

for C. A. Comstock, Robert Chenowith, Daniel Gibson, nad Mr. McClelland, 
all prominent stockmen of Gentry County. At the same time, Dr. Dres- 
bach widened his territory to include Daviess, Nodaway, DeKalb, Worth, 
and Andrews Counties, and he still handles a large practice. 

On Aug. 30, 1891, Dr. Dresbach was married to Martha A. Sager, a 
daughter of Augustus and Eva (Kaiser) Sager, who were pioneer settlers 
of Cooper Township. 

Dr. Dresbach is a Republican, but is independent in his political views. 
He served on the town council of Stanberrj' for six years, and was twice 
elected to the office of mayor. His last term expired in 1907. Dr. Dres- 
bach filled the office with marked success, and went back to private life 
with the highest esteem of his fellow citizens. He is a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. 
In 1902. Dr. Dresbach built his present residence on North Park Street. 
He is one of Stanberry's reliable and substantial citizens. 

Truman Cooper, a fireman with the Union Pacific Railway Company, 
is a resident of Stanbeny, Gentiy County. He was born in Cooper Town- 
ship, Dec. 12, 1895, the son of William M. and Ollie (Van Horn) Cooper. 

William M. Cooper was born in Cooper Township, Gentry County, Jan. 
6, 1868, the son of J. C. and Polly (Floyd) Cooper. J. C. Cooper was born 
in 1843, and died on Nov. 23, 1911. He was a member of the Missouri 
State Militia from Gentry County during the Civil War. His wife was 
a daughter of Benjamin Floyd, an early settler of Cooper Township. She 
died Aug. 29, 1921, at the age of 76 years. To her union with J. C. Cooper 
two children were born: William M., the father of Truman Cooper; and B. 
L., a resident of Stanberry, who is connected with the Wabash Railway 
shops. He married Mary Miller. 

William M. Cooper attended school in the Floyd district, and followed 
farming until 1910, when he moved to Stanberry. He and his brother 
still own a farm of 78 acres three miles west of Stanberry. For several 
years after he came to Stanberry, Mr. Cooper operated a mill, and was 
agent for the Collins Oil Company, four years before the mill burned. The 
mill was burned, and in 1920, he discontinued that work, and since that 
time has been operating a truck, handling commercial business. 

William M. Cooper was married, June 30, 1880 to Ollie Van Horn, a 
daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Vinsent) Van Horn. Mr. Van 
Horn was born in Bucks County, Pa., June 17, 1826, and came to Missouri 
in 1850. He settled close to Meadville on a farm, and died at Hale, April 
8, 1900. His wife was born in Ohio, and died in Missouri, Dec. 19, 1916, 
at the age of 89 years and nine months. The remains of both Mr. and 
Mrs. Van Horn are buried in Cooper Cemetery. Their children were: 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 587 

George L., deceased; Anna, married Mr. Randal, and is now dead; Clara, 
now Mrs. Brown of Hot Springs, Ark. ; Emma, now Mrs. Bierbower of 
Camden, Minn. ; John, living at Meadville ; Harriett, now Mrs. Belsher of 
Junction City, Kans : ; Ida, married Mr. Taggart and lives in Oklahoma 
City, Okla. ; Ada, now Mrs. Madden of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Grant, a resi- 
dent of Oklahoma City. Okla.; Ollie, now Mrs. Cooper; and two children 
who died in infancy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper had two sons: Irvin, born on Feb. 24, 1891, mar- 
ried Cleota Montgomery on Feb. 18, 1912, and died in Aug. 1920 ; and Tru- 
man, the subject of this sketch. Irwin Cooper left three children, Eldred, 
Lora Evelyn, and Lester ; and they and their mother now live at Gregory, 
S. Dak. 

Truman Cooper was born, educated and has spent most of his life in 
Gentry County. He married Mary Cure on Dec. 31, 1916, and they have 
a daughter, Phyllis. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Brotherhood of Fire 
and Locomotive Engineers. He is a young man of excellent character, in- 
dustrious, and competent. 

Guy Forrest Grissinger, a well known photographer fo Stanberry, 
Gentry County, was born in Jasper County, Iowa, April 13, 1882, the son 
of John A. and Gertrude (McClellan) Gressinger. They came to Gentry 
County, where Mr. Gressinger was a successful farmer for several years. 
Since March, 1921, Mr. and Mrs. Gressinger have lived at Stanberry. 
Their children are : Guy F., the subject of this sketch ; Oakey, a farmer in 
Nodaway County ; Z. Henry, a resident of Stanberry ; and Andrew, a 
teacher of Gentry County. 

Guy Forrest Grissinger attended the public schools of Platte County, 
and for the past 15 years has followed the profession of photography. He 
started with home portraits and commercial photographs, and from that 
beginning has developed his present thriving business. He had a studio 
at DeKalb for two years, and for the past two years has been located at 
Stanberry. Mr. Gressinger has one of the best studios in Northwest 
Missouri and his work .shows the skill of the true artist. His is progressive 
in his methods, and has received the hearty support of the entire com- 
munity. 

Guy Forrest Gressinger was married on Sept. 29, 1918, to Charlotte 
Mallary, a daughter of Alexander and Charlotte (Pugh) Mallary. Mrs. 
Mallary was a native of Indiana, and died in Daviess County, in 1896. Her 
remains are buried in Old Union Cemetery. Mr. Mallary now lives at De- 
Kalb. He was a teacher in Daviess County for 14 years, and since that 
time has been farming. Mrs. Grissinger has two brothers: Omer, an 
attorney at Ft. Morgan, Colo. ; and Ray, a farmer at Rushville. Mrs. Gres- 



588 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

singer attended the DeKalb High School and the Northwest Missouri State 
Teachers College at Maryville. She was a successful teacher in Buchanan 
County before her marriage. 

Mr. Grissinger is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and Mrs. Grissinger is a member of the Rebecca Lodge. Mr. Grissinger is 
an exceptional man in his line of work ; a man of energy, ambition and 
progi'essive ideals. 

Charles Henry Runyon, a locomotive engineer on the Wabash Rail- 
way since January, 1888, has lived in Stanberry, since that time. He 
was born in Highland County, Ohio, June 30, 1862, the son of Eli and 
Lydia (Shoemaker) Runyon. Eli Runj'on died at Stanberry in 1916. 
Their children were: Charles Henry, the subject of this review; Nellie 
M., now Mrs. Madison of Seattle, Wash.; Laura, now Mrs. Harter of 
Everette, Wash.; W. C, Everette, Wash.; Anna E., now Mrs. Wilson of 
Los Angeles, Calif. ; Edward, with the Chicago Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- 
way Company, at Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Daniel, with the Union Pacific 
Railway Company at Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

C. H. Runyon attended school in Ohio and at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and 
began working for the railroad when he was 13 years old. His first posi- 
tion was with the Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Council Bluffs Road at 
Council Bluffs, Iowa. He later became connected with the Burlington Rail- 
way at the same place; and in 1884, accepted a position with the Wabash 
Railway Company. He later returned to the Burlington Road, but since 
1888 has been with the Wabash Company. For the past 22 years he has 
been in passenger service, and for 16 years has made the night run from 
Stanberry to Moberly. He makes this trip seven days each week. His 
record of accidents is the minimum and he has always escaped with only 
slight injuries. The story of the careful, guiding hand of the locomotive 
engineer has been told in story and song many times. Mr. Runyon, with 
45 years of active work to his credit, is the t^-pe that has provided inspir- 
ation to writers. 

C. H. Runyon was married in September, 1886 to Nora Elmira Rodgers 
of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her parents were both natives of Iowa, and died 
before the marriage of their daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Runyon have the 
following children: Fay E., married Grace Plymale, and is a locomotive 
engineer running out of Stanberry ; Lottie M., now Mrs. Collier of Stan- 
berry ; Charles E., connected with the Wabash Railway at Moberly ; Fred 
H., at home and Vivian, at home. 

Mr. Runyon is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and the Knights of Pythias. 
He served as the chairman of the grievance committee of the Brotherhood 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 589 

of Locomotive Engineers, and has been the secretary of that lodge of which 
he has been a member since 1891. Mr. Runyon is a man well known in his 
business capacity for his level head and sure hand. He is capable, ener- 
getic, and, during his long period of service with the Wabash Company 
and his residence in Stanberry, has etablished an excellent reputation. 

D. L. Collier, a well known locomotive engineer with the Wabash Rail- 
way at Stanberry, Gentry County, was born in Upshire County. W. Va., 
April 23, 1854, the son of John and Emmaranda (Banackman) Collier. 
They settled in Indiana, later moving to Iowa, and in 1874, to Missouri, 
where they located in Moniteau County. John Collier was a farmer. 
He died in Pennsylvania at the age of 74 years and Mrs. Collier died at 
Monett, Mo., at the age of 56 years. Their children were: Frank, an engi- 
neer at Pacoso, Wash. ; Owen, a conductor on the Wabash Railway at Stan- 
berry; Lewis, operating a hotel at Tacoma, Wash.; Harriett, now Mrs. 
Torey of Calif.; Anna, now Mrs. Mitchell of Bozeman, Mont.; and D. L., 
the subject of this sketch. 

D. L. Collier, second child of his parents, was educated in Indiana, and 
Iowa. When he was 20 years old, he began work for the Missouri Pacific 
Railway Company out of Tipton. He later went to Burlington, Iowa, and 
worked for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railway Company; then 
to Moberly, where he again became connected with the Wabash Company, 
in whose service he has remained ever since. For the past 15 years, he has 
operated a passenger engine. Mr. Collier has never wrecked a pilot nor an 
engine, nor has he had an accident or wreck in his life, although he says 
that such a thing might happen any time. Mr. Collier makes the run be- 
tween Stanberry and Brunswick, leaving Stanberry one day and returning 
the next. In 1897 Mr. Collier moved to Stanbeiry. Several years prior to 
that time, he had lived in Stanberry for a while. 

D. L. Collier was married on Oct. 1, 1876 to Sonora Jones, a daughter 
of Wilson K. and Harriet A. (Fisher) Jones. Mr. Jones was born in Ohio, 
and his wife, in Virginia. He was a Civil War veteran, enlisting from 
Morgan County, Mo., and died while in service. Mrs. Jones died in Oregon, 
at the age of 83 years. Mrs. Collier has a sister and three brothers living: 
William Henry, living in California ; Geogre W. and Joseph W., twins, both 
living in Oregon ; and Mary, now Mrs. Smith of Lakeview, Orgeon. Mrs. 
Collier was educated in the Morgan County schools, and was living in that 
county at the time of her marriage. To her union with D. L. Collier the 
following children were born: Nettie F.. married to David Turner of Ogden, 
Utah ; Rosa L. and Daisy D., twins, the former married to Howard Graham 
of Stanberry, and the latter the wife of C. H. Parrish of McClennan, 
Canada; Margaret, married to Ward Boston of Moberly; and Blanche O., 



590 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

married to C. E. Wray of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Collier have 
also these grandchildren: David L., Wesley, Hazel May, and Clarence 
Turner, Pauline, Marjorie Madeline, and Virginia Arlene Wray, and Loren 
Howard Graham. 

Mr. Collier is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, 
and his wife belongs to the Auxiliary of that order. Mr. Collier is a compe- 
tent man in his business, a man highly esteemed for his integrity and in- 
dustry. 

J. J. Smith, who has operated a locomotive out of Stanberry, Gentry 
County, since 1888, was born in Indiana, Feb. 8, 1857, the son of Ebenezar 
and Jane <Wiley) Smith. Mrs. Smith died in Stark County, 111., in Feb- 
ruary, 1859 ; and Mr. Smith died in Harper County, Kansas in 1902. Their 
children were: Julius F., living at Breckenridge, Texas; Joseph J., the sub- 
ject of this review; James M., living in Iowa; and Mary E., m.arried Mr. 
Houser and is now dead. 

J. J. Smith attended the school of Illinois, and followed farming until 
he came to Missouri. He located at Stanberry in 1880, and worked as the 
foreman of the car repair shops for several years. In November, 1884, he 
began firing and served in that capacity until 1888. In 1888 he was made 
an engineer, and for the past 25 years, has been on a passenger engine, run- 
ning between Stanberry and Omaha. Mr. Smith has a photograph of the 
first engine he ever ran in 1884. It is a Baldwin Mogul type. He has had 
two accidents by derailment, one in 1912, and one in 1913, but such things 
are to be expected occasionally. 

Mr. Smith was married, June 20, 1877 to Alice Richardson, born in 
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Andrew and Jane E. (Houser) Richardson. 
Andrew Richardson was a veteran of the Civil War; he was wounded in 
the right shoulder during the Battle of Fredei-icksburg, and died from the 
effects of the wound. His remains are buried near McConnellsburg, Pa. 
His widow came west in 1865, and later moved to Harper County, Kan., 
where she died in 1903. Her children were: Flora, married S. Reed, and 
they are both dead; Lillie, married James Dusenberry, and died in Feb- 
ruary, 1917 ; Alice, now Mrs. Smith ; and Mazy, married Frank Patton, and 
died in 1901. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children: Clarence, married Frances 
Gallagher, and lives at Stanberry, where he is a conductor for the Wabash 
Railway ; Mabel, married to James L. Miller, the assistant cashier of the 
Commercial Bank and Stansberry ; Flora the wife of Ray Murray, a fire- 
man on the Wabash Railway at Stanberry; and Harry R., living at home, 
a brakeman of the Wabash Railway. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four grand- 
children: Gaylord, Clarence, and Alice Mary Miller, and Forest Murray. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 591 

Mr. Smith is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. 
He has won the esteem of his community by his integrity, and has made a 
successful record in his work by his strict adherence to the work at hand. 
He is a thoroughly competent and capable man. 

Thomas H. Sanford, who has been connected with the Wabash Rail- 
way Company at Stanberry, Gentry County, since 1889, is a native of Ohio, 
where he was born in Noble County, Aug. 18, 1862. His father, Thomas 
H. Sanford, Sr., was born in 1835, and was a veteran of the Civil War in 
which he served as First Corporal in the 92nd Ohio Regiment. He was 
with Sherman on his March to the Sea, and served under General Thomas. 
He married Elvira Blake, born in 1835, and to their union the .following 
children were born: Thomas H., the subject of this sketch; W. I., connected 
with the Hewitt Brothers Wholesale Grocery Company at Des Moines, la. ; 
Rosalie, died at the age of two years ; Flora, died at the age of one and one- 
half years; Laura Isabell, married Mr. Caverly, and is now dead; and 
Robert Edgar, married Nellie Fox, and died in Iowa. Thomas H. Sanford, 
Sr., died at Chariton, Iowa in 1884; and Mr. Sanford died at Stanberry in 
1905. Her remains are buried in the High Ridge Cemetery. 

Thomas H. Sanford was educated in the schools of Iowa and began work 
for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railway when he was 18 years 
old. He progressed from the positions of wiper, boiler washer, and 
machanist to his present position of engineer. On Nov. 24, 1889 he came 
to Stanberry, and took a position with the Wabash, Omaha, and St. Louis 
Railway, but later remained with this road when it became the Wabash. 
For the past 23 years, Mr. Sanford has operated the engine on the pas- 
senger between Stanberry and Omaha, and from Stanberry to Moberly. 
Mr. Sanford had one wreck in 1898 caused by his engine striking a cow 
near Elmore. The cab was torn from the engine, but no other damage 
resulted. 

Mr. Sanford was married, Nov. 4, 1884 to Adele Barrow, a daughter 
of Andrew J. and Mary Jane (Young) Barrow of Chariton, Iowa. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Barrow are dead, and the remains of both are buried at Char- 
iton, Iowa, their home. Mr. and Mrs. Sanford have three children: Earl 
Edwin, married Flossie Lightle of Stanberry, and is mentioned later in 
this sketch; Genevieve, graduated from the Stanberry High School and 
Platte Business College at St. Joseph, now in civil service work in the 
postoffice at South St. Joseph ; and Gaylord Goss, graduated from the Stan- 
berry High School, and from the Chicago Musical College in the class of 
1921, now doing advanced piano work in the Chicago Musical College, and 
teaching in Municipal Hospital under the direction -of the Chicago school 
board ; Earl Edwin Sanford graduated from the Stanberry Normal School, 



592 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

where he took the scientific course. He later became a student in mechan- 
ical engineering at Missouri State University, and then was made fore- 
man of the shops at Stanbeny, later going to Decatur, 111., as assistant 
mechanic for the Illinois Division of the Wabash. He is now located at 
Moberly, general foreman of the roundhouse. He and his wife have two 
children; Marjorie Lee, and Robert Eugene. 

Thomas H. Sanford is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En- 
gineers, and has been the insurance secretaiy of that order. Mr. Sanford 
is an efficient engineer, esteemed for his competence and loyalty. He has 
educated his children along the lines of their interests, and is justly proud 
of his family. 

Salathiel Carter, an enterprising and reliable farmer of Union Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born July 21, 1863, in Daviess County, and is a 
son of E. C. and Lucy A. (George) Carter. 

E. C. Carter was born in Franklin County. Ind., April 18, 1833. Dur- 
ing the Civil War he served in the militia. When a young man, Mr. Carter 
came to Missouri and settled on a farm in Union Township, Daviess County, 
where he carried on general fanning and stock raising until the time of 
his death, July, 1896. He is buried in Centenary Cemetery. Mrs. Carter 
was a native of Daviess County. She died March 2, 1876, and is also buried 
in Centenary Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Carter were the parents of 
seven children, as follows: Maggie, deceased, Salathiel, the subject of this 
sketch ; Viola May, the wife of W. R. Grady, who is engaged in the orchard 
and truck business in Colorado; Willie G., married Anne B. McCoy, Galla- 
tin ; Edgar, farmer, married lona Vandike, Union Township, Daviess 
County; Ola E., the wife of Mr. Knepper, living in Sharp County, Ark.; 
Festus, mai-ried Maud Harrison. Daviess County. 

Salathiel Carter was reared in Daviess County, and received his educa- 
tion in the district schools. He then engaged in farming in Union Town- 
ship, where he rented 13 acres of land. He later rented 160 acres and 
farmed for 25 years. Mr. Carter then purchased his present place in the 
southwestern part of Gallatin, which he operates. Mr. Carter moved to his 
present home in March, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Carter raises turkeys and 
have won three prize cups at the Gallatin Poultrj^ Shows in 1911, 1912, 
1913. Their turkeys were awarded first prizes ; one weighed 44 pounds. 

On Feb. 28, 1893, Mr. Carter was married to Laura Herndon, a daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Caroline (Branick) Herndon, natives of Shelby County, 
Ky., and early settlers of Da\iess County. They were the parents of ten 
children, as follows: Sarah L., deceased, was the wife of Ai'thur Cravens; 
Mary Frances, married Charles Brayton ; Nancy Elizabeth, the widow of 
John Holmes, Gallatin; Mrs. Salathiel Carter: John Henry, a carpenter, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 593 

married Grace Fenton, Wichita Falls, Texas; George Washington, a farmer 
married Emma Woods, Stratton, Colo.; Joseph Sherman, married Etta 
Belveal, Lucas, Kans. ; William Grant, deceased ; James Robert, married 
Elvira Carter, Blythdale, Mo., Annie Belle, married L. C. Hawkins, Carlo, 
Mo. 

Mr. Carter is a Republican and has been a member of the school board 
for several years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, Rebekah lodge, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and 
Mrs. Carter are members of the Baptist church. 

Dr. Malcom Monroe Campbell, a prominent pioneer physician of 
Gentry County who is now deceased, was a native of Canada. He was 
born in Lanark, Province of Ontario in 1838. He remained in Canada 
until he was about 21 years of age and received an excellent preliminary 
education. He followed teaching for eight years and then entered the 
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Mich., where he was graduated 
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then took a special course in 
Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Thus equipped with a thorough 
medical education he came to Gentry County in 1887 and located in Al- 
bany where he engaged in the practice of his profession. He was an 
able physician and had a large practice which he continued to within a 
few years before his death, he having retired and was living on his farm 
near Albany at the time of his death, Feb. 10, 1920, at the age of 82 
years. 

Dr. Campbell was not only prominent in the medical profession, but 
he was a conspicuous figure in the field of politics. He was a Republican 
and one of the leaders of his party in this section of the state. He at- 
tended three national conventions and served as postmaster of Albany 
for eight years and in that capacity directed the affairs of the office 
with the high standard of efficiency which was chai'acteristic of all his 
business and professional undertakings. He was chairman of the Gen- 
try County Republican Central Committee several terms. He was a 
member of the County, State and American Medical Association. 

Dr. Campbell was an extensive land owner in Gentry County, own- 
ing 1,400 acres of valuable farm land, besides city property in Albany. 
He won a wide reputation as a successful stockman and breeder. He 
introduced pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle in Gentry County. 

Dr. Malcolm Monroe Campbell married Mrs. Laura B. Graham, a 
native of Albany and a daughter of Israel Grouse, a Civil War veteran 
now living in Albany. One child was born to Mrs. Campbell's first mar- 
riage, F. L. Graham, a farmer and stockman, living near Darlington. To 



594 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dr. Campbell and wife were born three children, as follows: Malcolm 
Monroe, Jr., farther mention of whom is made below; Mary Catherine, 
a student in the Albany schools; and Duncan, who is also a student in 
the Albany public schools. 

Malcolm Monroe Campbell, Jr., was reared in Albany and educated 
in the public schools, attending high school and Palmer College. He is 
engaged in buying and shipping stock on an extensive scale and also 
owns and operates his farm of 120 acres one mile north of Albany where 
he raises Duroc Jersey hogs and is meeting with success, and he also 
owns 270 acres 2i miles southwest of Albany which he rents. 

On June 30, 1920, Malcolm M. Campbell was married to Dorothy 
Spangler, a daughter of Frank Spangler of Stanberry. Mr. Spangler 
died in Washington, D. C, about a year ago. 

Mr. Campbell is one of the progressive young business men of Al- 
bany and Gentry County and has a wide acquaintance. 

J. E. Newcomb, living on West Second street, in Stanberry, Gentry 
County, is an engineer connected with the Wabash Railway Company. He 
was born at Pana, 111., Dec. 3, 1867, the son of Charles H. and Sarah E. 
(Dewitt) Newcomb. 

Charles H. Newcomb came to Stanberry in 1884. He was an engineer 
for the Wabash Railway, and was a veteran of the Civil War. He served 
in Company H, 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry for three years, and was 
wounded during the Battle of Shiloh. The ball, which he carried the re- 
mainder of his life, probably caused his death, which occurred at Stan- 
berry, in September, 1895. His wife, Sarah E. (Dewitt) Newcomb, died at 
Stanberry in February, 1916. The remains of both are buried in High 
Ridge Cemetery. 

J. E. Newcomb attended the public schools of Illinois, and for a short 
time was a student in the Stanberrj- school. In 1886 he started working 
at the Wabash roundhouse as a caller. He later became a brakeman on 
the Omaha and St. Louis, now a part of the Wabash system, and in 1900 
went into engine service, first as a fireman, and, since 1906, as an engineer. 
His run is between Stanberry and Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

Mr. Newcomb was married on Oct. 23. 1901. to Elsie V. Smith of Whites- 
ville. Mrs. Newcomb was born on Nov. 26, 1880. and died. May 29, 1915. 
She was a member of the Baptist church, a woman of culture and refine- 
ment. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb had three children: Marion E., graduated 
from the Stanberry high school at the age of 16 year, is now connected 
with the San Joaquin Light and Power Company at Bakersfield, Calif.;- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 595 

Donald S., now a student in the grammar school ; and Eugene Charles, died 
Sept. 3, 1910, when an infant. Since the death of Mrs. Newcomb, her 
mother, Mrs. Emelia Smith, has kept house for Mr. Newcomb. Mrs. Smith 
is a native of Iowa, and came to Missouri, when she was a child of six 
years. She was married on Jan. 4, 1880 in Andrew County to Dr. G. W. 
Smith. Dr. Smith died at Whitesville, Dec. 8, 1886, and his remains are 
buried there. 

Mr. Newcomb is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En- 
gineers. He is highly esteemed in the community, both as a man who is 
able and industrious in his business relationships, and as a citizen of high 
ideals. 

Hon. William S. Harden, the representative of Gentry County, was 
born in Adams County, Illinois, in a log cabin in 1866. His parents were 
Peter and Amanda (Hecox) Harden. Peter Harden died in Illinois, and his 
widow afterwards married J. W. DeMoss. They came to Andrew County, 
Mo., in 1870, and Mrs. DeMoss died in Stanberry in 1916. William S. 
Harden was the only child born to her first marriage, but by her second 
marriage she had four children: Fred T., living in Gentry County; Charles 
W., of Andrew County ; Oliver H., of Clay County ; and Lessie May, now 
Mrs. Black of Andrew County. 

William S. Harden was reared by his grandfather until he was nine 
years old. Since that time he has lived in Missouri all of his life with the 
exception of 18 months spent in Oklahoma. He attended the rural schools 
of Illinois and Missouri in his childhood, and later was a student in the 
Stanberry Normal and Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111. He taught 
school and farmed for 12 years and then entered the mercantile busi- 
ness in Oklahoma. In 1904 he opened a mercantile enterprise at Stan- 
berry, but in 1907 he sold his business and began the manufacturing of 
copper cable lightening rods. He has conducted this business as both a 
wholesale and retail business ever since, and has achieved a marked suc- 
cess in the work. Mr. Harden has also continued the active management 
of his farm of 297 acres of land in Gentry County and 160 acres in Nod- 
away County. Up to the year 1919 he bred Aberdeen Angus cattle, but 
discontinued that line of work because of the appearance of tuberculosis 
in the herd. He maintains however an active interest in everything that 
pertains to his farm. His factory is located northwest of the Wabash 
Depot at Stanberry, and is thoroughly equipped for the handling of the 
volume of business which has resulted from the success of Mr. Harden's 
labor. He sells the product in practically all the states west of the Mis- 
sissippi river, and in many eastern states. 
W. S. Harden was married, Aug. 12, 1891 to Imogene Hall, a daughter 



596 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of John J. and Jeanette (Racey) Hall. Mrs. Hall was born in DeKalb 
County, and was educated in the Missouri rural schools. Mr. and Mrs. 
Harden had the following children: Faye now the wife of Alva B. Hughes 
of Stanberry; W. Guy, a sketch of whom appears later; Alta M., married 
to Homer J. Wiseley of Stanberry, a veteran of the World War, stationed 
with the Medical Department at Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. ; and Cleo E. 0., a page 
in the 51st General Assembly of the Missouri Legislature, designated in 
the "Blue Book" as the "Page Poet", now a student in the Stanberry High 
School. 

W. Guy Harden was born, July 1, 1895. He attended the public school 
at Stanberry, and later was a student in Baker University at Baldwin, 
Kan., and in the University of Chicago. He was inducted into the United 
States Army on April 26, 1918, and was sent to Camp Funston for two 
weeks, and then overseas in June, 1918. He was in the training sector 
with the 89th Division, 356th Infantry until August. His regiment was 
sent first to the Toule Sector, then to St. Mihiel, and over the Meuse river 
on the night of Nov. 10th with the First Battalion. The battalion was 
commanded by a first lieutenant and the forces went through the Ger- 
man line. Wlien the fog lifted the next morning at ten-thirty o'clock, the 
battalion was moving forward with the German artillery behind it and the 
German infantry in front. From Company A of this force came three 
medals of honor men, a record unsui^passed by any company overseas. 
After the armistice, Mr. Harden was with the Army of Occupation. He 
served as observer, scout battalion runner, and acted as interpreter in 
Germany. He returned to the United States in 1919. and was mustered 
out of service at Camp Funston, June 10th. On July 10th of the same year, 
he married Bertha Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of John Wilson, of Stan- 
berry. Mr. and Mrs. Harden have two sons, Kenneth Eugene, and W. 
Guy, Jr. 

William S. Harden is a member of the United Commercial Travelers, the 
Yeoman, and the Woodmen of the World lodges. He is a man whose suc- 
cess in life proves that young men who have ambition and perservance will 
achieve the aims which they establish for themselves. Mr. Harden says 
that one of his early ideals was to obtain an education, and this he did, 
even though it meant a hard struggle. He borrowed money to go to school, 
and, when he obtained his first certificate to teach at the age of 19 years, 
was in debt. His pluck and industry were rewarded however, and he soon 
began to accomplish the things that have made him a prominent man in 
the county. He has served as a member of the Stanberry Board of Educa- 
tion, as an alderman of the town, as the mayor for one term, and is now 
a member of the board of the Missouri Wesleyan Institute at Cameron. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 597 

For years he was an efficient member of the board of the Farmers and 
Mechanics Bank. He helped to organize the Gentry County Trust Com- 
pany, and is now a member of the managing board of that institution. 

In November, 1920 election Mr. Harden was elected representative 
of Gentry County, and his record in the General Assembly of that year 
proved the wisdom of his constituents. He devoted much time to the sub- 
ject of taxation, one of the vivtal issues of that legislature. He served on 
the committees of Agriculture, Bank and Banking, Redistricting, Town- 
ship Organization, and County Boundaries. Mr. Harden is a Republican. 
He is a man who has been an asset to his community. He has high civic 
ideals and is esteemed one of the progressive citizens of Stanberry, and 
the county. 

D. C. Wilmore, an efficient mechanics helper with the Wabash Rail- 
way Company at Stanberry, Gentry County, has held his present position 
since 1890, during which time he has established a reputation for integ- 
rity and loyalty. 

Mr. Wilmore was born in Jessamine County, Ky., Oct. 27, 1846, the 
son of Jacob W. and Mary J. (Walter) Wilmore. Mr. and Mrs. Wilmore 
came to Missouri, and settled in Grundy County in 1879. Mr. Wilmore 
died at Trenton in 1888, and Mrs. Wilmore died at the same place in 1890. 
Their children were: D. C, the subject of this sketch; Sarah C, now Mrs. 
Crutcher of Mill Grove ; Mollie, now Mrs. George of Trenton ; Nannie, now 
Mrs. Dunn ; and Hettie, now living in Ohio ; and John, deceased. 

D. C. Wilmore attended the public schools in Kentucky, and farmed in 
that state until 1869. At that time he came to Saline County, Mo., and 
spent seven years farming near Marshall. He then moved to Trenton, 
where he worked for a year and a half for the Rock Island Railway. Mr. 
Wilmore's brother, John, was killed near Gallatin, where he was braking 
on the railway. In 1886 Mr. Wilmore came to Stanberry, and for two 
years, ran a dray. For another two years, he worked with Mr. Norman in 
a Dry Goods and Grocery Store. He began work for the Wabash Railway 
as the caller at the depot at Stanberry. In 1890 he went to the round- 
house, and has held his present position since that time. 

Mr. Wilmore was married Feb. 3, 1883, to Josie Martin, the daughter 
of Thomas and Caroline (Rasher) Martin of Trenton. Mr. and Mrs. Martin 
were married in Indiana, and later settled on a farm eight miles north of 
Trenton. Mr. Martin was a prominent farmer, and, at the time of his 
death, owned 320 acres of land. He was a veteran of the Civil War. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Martin died near Trenton. Their children were: Josie, now 
Mrs. Wilmore; Mrs. L. E. Proctor of Gait; Mrs. Frankie Green of Gait; 
Mrs. T. C. Marshall, living in Wyoming: Iva Belle, now Mrs. Proctor of 



598 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Eugene, Ore.; A. B., died at Trenton; and W. T., was an engineer on the 
Rock Island Railway, and died at St. Joseph, September. 1921 ; Elmira, 
was Mrs. Banta, and died at Trenton; and Hannah A., died at the age of 
16 years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wilmore have one daughter, Beulah, married to Fred 
Milburn, a foreman for the Midland Terminal Railway at Colorado Springs,. 
Colo. Mrs. Milburn was educated at Stanberry and graduated from the 
high school there. She was married in 1900, and has one daughter, Ruth 
May. 

Mr. Wilmore served as the constable of Cooper Township, Gentrj' 
County, for two years. He is a member of the Fraternal Home Society. 
Since 1887 he has owned a pretty cottage at Stanberry. He is an excel- 
lent citizen, one of the reliable and trustworthy men in his line of work. 

Maximilian Heyde. a citizen of Stanberry, Gentry County, highly 
esteemed for his integrity and industry, is a native of Germany, where he 
was born, Feb. 6, 1845, son of Philip and Elizabeth Heyde. Philip Heyde 
and his wife both died at Castle, Germany, he at the age of 78 years, and 
she at the age of 97 years. 

Maximilian Heyde came to the United States first in 1868. He had 
served in the Holstein War in 1864, and in the Austrian War in 1866, and 
he returned to Germany in 1870 to serve for the remainder of that year 
and part of 1871 in the Franco-Prussian War. He came back to the United 
States in September, 1871, and settled first at Marion, Ohio, later going to 
Plymouth, Ind., and then to Stanberry, Mo., in February. 1893. Since 
locating at Stanberry he has sold patent medicines, household specialties, 
and has farmed. He has been a resident of Stanberry since 1893. Mr. 
Heyde has a sister and four brothers: George, a resident of Plymouth, 
Ind.; Conrad, lived at Plymouth, Ind., and died in 1921; Gustav, Marion, 
Ohio; Edward, died in California in September, 1921; and Anna, now Mrs. 
Young, living in Gemiany. 

Mr. Heyde was married on Feb. 6, 1873 to Sophia Fischer of Marion, 
Ohio. Their children were Philip, died in Ohio in October, 1874; Conrad 
Gustav Alfred, married Clara Sager, and is an engineer with the Wabash 
Railway at Stanberry; John Frederick William, killed in a wreck on the 
Wabash at Huntsville in 1912; Godfred Maximilian, at home; Paulina 
Christina Eliza, at home ; Annie Wilhelmina, married to Frank Thomas of 
Stanberry; Adolph Henry, married Catherine Moncrieff. and is a farmer 
near Byers, Colo. ; Christina Dora Johanna, the wife of Joseph Thomas, a 
carpenter of Neola, Iowa, and a sketch of whose life appears in this vol- 
ume; Frederick Wilhelm, married Mazie Hall, and lives at Stanberry; 
Frederick Levi Henry, married Nina Joey Smith, and is a resident of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 599 

Byers, Colo. ; and George Edward, a farmer living at Byers, Colo. All of 
the boys have worked for the Wabash Railway, and Godfrey Heyde 
learned the boiler makers trade in the Wabash shops here. Mr. and Mrs. 
Heyde have eight grandchildren: William Edward Levi, Godfred Austin, 
Henry Delmar, Harlin Adolph, and Edith Grandlin Heyde; Carl Frederick 
Thomas ; and Max Wilbur and Dorothy Catherine Heyde. 

Mr. Heyde and Mrs. Heyde are capable people, still active in their daily 
routine of work, and well merit the respect in which they are held in their 
community. 

Amos B. Croy, one of the dependable and loyal engineers connected 
with the Wabash Railway at Stanberry, was bom on Aug. 15, 1862, in 
Morgan County, Ohio. His parents were Dexter G. and Melissa M. 
(Tibbies) Croy. 

Dexter G. Croy was born in Morgan County, Ohio, and enlisted for 
service in the Civil War in Company K, 161st Ohio Infantry, serving un- 
til the close of the War. He was married in Ohio, and came to Missouri 
in 1865. He settled first in Andrew County, and came to Gentry County 
in March, 1892. He bought and shipped stock from Stanberry for a few 
years, and died at Stanberry in February, 1911. His remain are buried 
in High Ridge Cemetery. His widow, now 83 years old, was born in 
Athens County, Ohio, and now lives at Stanberry. To Dexter G. Croy 
and his wife were bom these children: Lewis W., deceased; A. B., the 
subject of this sketch ; Lola, deceased ; Ernest, deceased ; Otis, deceased; 
Ollie, now Mrs. Sweitzer of Areola; E. W., a Methodist minister at 
Cainsville ; and Ella, at home. 

A. B. Croy attended the schools of Nodaway County, and has been 
connected with the railway since 1891. In August of that year he began 
work on the section at Wilcox, and for the past 15 years, has operated a 
switch engine at Council Bluffs, Iowa, Moberly, and Stanberry. He 
moved to "his present residence on North Alanthus Avenue in Stanberry 
in March, 1893. 

Mr. Croy was married in March, 1892, to Mary E. Robison, a daugh- 
ter of John T. and Inues A. (Severn) Robison of Wilcox. Mrs. Robison 
died in 1888, and Mr. Robison now lives in Oklahoma City, Okla. Mrs. 
Croy has two sisters: Hattie, now Mrs. Layton of Oklahoma City, Okla.; 
and Anna, now Mrs. Jones of Burlington. Mrs. Layton and Mrs. Jones 
are twins. Mr. and Mrs. Croy have two children : Hazel B., at home ; and 

Dale. 

Dale Croy was working with the Wabash Railway when the United 
States entered the World War. He enlisted for service in the United 



600 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

States Navy at Omaha on April 12, 1917, and was sent to the Great 
Lakes Training Station, and then to the Navy Yard at Bremerton, Wash. 
He was discharged from service on Dec. 18, 1919, and was married that 
same month to Minnie Brown of Los Animas, Col. He now lives in Den- 
ver, Co!., where he is connected with the general office of the Denver 
and Rio Grande Railway Company. 

A. B. Croy is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Bro- 
therhood of Locomotive Engineers. He is a thoroughly competent engi- 
neer, and a citizen who has the esteem of his community. 

W. G. Cline, well known as the president of the Daviess County Mill- 
ing Company at Gallatin, is a native of Pennsplvania, born in Lycoming 
County, Oct. 12, 1855. He has been actively engaged in the milling busi- 
ness for all of his life having learned the business from his father, K. D. 
Cline. 

K. D. Cline was born in Pennsylvania in 1820. He was a miller by 
trade, and came to Missouri, where he located on a farm in Clinton County, 
in 1868. He later bought a partnership in the Lingle & Lingle Flour Mill at 
Cameron, and retained his connection with that enterprise until his death 
at Cameron in 1881. Mr. Cline was married twice, the first time, to Caro- 
line Seiple, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1830. To this union 11 child- 
ren were born: George W., deceased; Peter P., deceased; William G., the 
subject of this review; Joseph H., a resident of Paulson, Mont.; Clara, 
deceased ; Ellen, now Mrs. Heltzapple of Cameron ; Mary, now Mrs. Lingle 
of Bethany ; Agnes, deceased ; Ida, Mrs. Munsell of Kansas City ; Amelia, 
the wife of Frank Feurt, a farmer north of Jameson ; and Minnie, now Mrs. 
McKinzie of Quincy, 111. Mrs. Cline died at Williamsport, Pa., in 1866. 
After coming to Missouri, Mr. Cline married a Miss Sears. 

W. G. Cline, who was a boy of six years of age at the time of his 
mother's death, grew up in Cameron, and attended the .schools there. He 
learned the milling business under the efficient instruction of his father. 
In 1881 he left Cameron, and joined his brother, Peter P. Cline, at Gallatin. 
Peter P. Cline had spent his boyhood in Missouri, but returned to Pennsyl- 
vania later on. He and W. G. Cline were the founders of the present mill 
at Gallatin and the present success of the company may be traced to the 
excellent work done by the two brothers in the early days of the enterprise. 
The industry was operated under the finri name of Cline and Cline, until 
the death of Peter P. Cline in 1912. The Chne brothers started with a 
buhr mill, and for six years, used three run of buhrs. Then they put in 
rolls, and in 1913 the present mill was built, and equipped with three double 
rolls, two Buckleys, and one high corn mill. An oil engine is used. 

The business was incorporated in 1913 with Mr. Cline as president; 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 601 

Homer Feurt, vice president; and Dr. R. V. Thompson as secretary. Two 
men are employed, and the business is one of the successfully managed 
commercial ventures of the county. During the World War the company 
had a contract with the government, and the mill was conducted as a part 
of the government machinery. The trade marks of the mill products are 
"Sunbeam" and "Old Dutch," and these names are now to be found in all 
parts of Missouri. 

W. G. Cline was married in 1879 to Mary Munsell, born in Ohio in 
1858. Her parents were D. A. Munsell, born in Ohio in 1825, and died at 
Cameron, Mo., in 1888, and Hope (Skidmore) Munsell, born in Ohio in 
1830, and died at Gallatin in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Cline had three children: 
Gertrude deceased ; Fayetta, married to C. T. Mills, an assistant in the 
Daviess County Mill ; and Helen at home. 

Mr. Cline is a Republican, and is a member of the Methodist church 
South, of which he is a steward. He was a member of the city council, 
and served as mayor of Gallatin for two years. He is a keenly observant 
business man, an excellent citizen, and an asset to his community. 

Charles Embree, now deceased, was for many years prominently 
identified with the business interests of Albany, Mo. He was a native of 
Ohio, born in Guernsey County. Upon coming to Missouri when a young 
man he engaged in the grocery business at Albany, Mo., which he con- 
ducted for several years. Mr. Embree enlisted in the Union army while 
yet under age and served through the Civil War in the 15th Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry. He died in 1887 aged 40 years. He was a member of the 
Masonic Lodge. He was reared a Quaker and Mrs. Embree was reared 
a Presbyterian. 

Charles Embree was united in marriage with Mary E. Hundley, a 
daugther of William Langston Hundley, and to them were born the fol- 
lowing children: George Hundley Embree, born in Albany, Mo., and is 
now a member of an amusement company ; Charles is a farmer and 
stock raiser in Gentry County; Jennie, deceased; and J. W., is a mem- 
ber of the firm of Price and Company, dealers in ladies and gents ready- 
to-wear garments at Albany. 

Mrs. Embree, widow of Charles Embree resides at Albany where 
she has an extensive acquaintance and is held in the highest esteem. 

T. M. Humphrey, now deceased, was a prominent member of the 
Gentry County bar who for over a quarter of a century was engaged in 
the practice of law at Albany. He was not only widely known as a cap- 
able lawyer, but was recognized as a man of the highest standard of in- 
tegrity and an unimpeachable character. He was a native of Missouri, 
born in Platte County in 1850. He was reared in his native county and 



602 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

after receiving a good preliminary education he entered the University 
of Missouri. After graduating from that institution, and being admitted 
to the bar, he came to Gentry County in 1880 where he was engaged in 
this practice until his death, Feb. 2, 1906. 

On July 21, 1887, T. M. Humphrey was united in marriage with 
Miss Flora E. Hunter. Two children, both of whom died in infancy, were 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey. Mrs. Humphrey is a daughter of 
James B. and Jane B. (Gale) Hunter. 

James B. Hunter was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., June 2, 1838. 
He was a true pioneer of the West and was also a soldier in the Mexican 
War, participating in the battle of Palo Alto. During the gold excite- 
ment he went to California. However, he remained on the coast but a 
short time when he returned to Missouri. He was one of the very earliest 
settlers in the vicinity of Albany, having settled here when this section 
was little settled or developed. In the early pioneer days he often drove 
to Liberty, Mo., with an ox team to do his trading; Liberty, at that time 
being the nearest trading point. 

To James B. Hunter and Jane B. (Gale) Hunter were born three 
children as follows: Flora, who married T. M. Humphrey, the subject 
of this sketch; Dora Crockett and Phoebe G. Marrs. By a former mar- 
riage of James B. Hunter the following children were born : Andrew, de- 
ceased; George W. resides at Albany; T. J. and Mrs. Mary Jane Furge- 
son, Albany. 

Since the death of T. M. Humphrey, Mrs. Humphrey has resided at 
her present home in Albany where she is widely known as one of Gen- 
try County's estimable ladies. 

T. M. Humphrey was a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the 
Knights of Pythias. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and 
was a generous contributor to that church. He was a successful man of 
affairs and during the course of his career accumulated a competence. 

Gustave Spaht, a successful farmer and stockman of Athens Town- 
ship Gentry County, is a native of Nebraska. He was born in Richardson 
County, Aug. 25, 1873, a son of Charles and Catherine (Kline) Spaht. 

Charles Spaht was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 11, 1830. He 
was reared in his native land and when 18 years of age came to America. 
He had learned the cooper's trade when a young man and after coming 
to America worked at his trade for a time in Newark, N. J. He then 
went to South Bend, Ind. He was manager for the South Bend Cooper- 
age Works for a number of years. He was there married to Catherine 
Kline, April 6, 1858. In 1860 they went to Nebraska Territory where the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 603 

father bought a claim of 160 acres and engaged in farming and stock 
raising. 

To Charles and Catherine (Kline) Spaht were born the following 
children : C. F., a carpenter, Shenandoah, Iowa ; Anna, died at the age of 
five years; John, died at the age of three years; Otto, a carpenter, Stan- 
berry ; Edward, who now conducts a cattle ranch in Wilson County, 
Kansas; Charles, a carpenter Shenandoah, Iowa; Gustave, the subject 
of this sketch ; and A. W., an electrical engineer who was for three years 
employed by the General Electric Company at Schenectady, N. Y., and 
who is now in the employ of the Big Ben Corporation in Illinois; Henry, 
who is engaged in farming and stock raising in DeKalb County, and Ida, 
married Homer Boyd, now deceased and she lives at Albany. 

Gustave Spaht was reared in Nebraska and educated in the public 
school and Mount Taber Academy. He worked as a telegraph operator 
in early life and has also followed farming. 

Mr. Spaht was married Dec. 10, 1902, to Miss Flora E. Holden, a 
daughter of John and Mary (Williams) Holden, natives of Raleigh, S. 
C. The Holden family came to Gentry County, about 1892 and settled 
near King City where the father engaged in farming and stock raising. 
Mrs. Spaht is one of the following children born to her parents: Flora E. 
married Gustave Spaht; Luther, Kansas City; John A., lives near King 
City ; Robert E., a veteran of the world War who saw much service in 
France was disabled in service, is now collector of taxes of King City; 
Charles B., lives in Wyoming; Isaac B., a farmer near King City; Wil- 
liam Ray, enlisted for service for war from Colorado and is supposed 
to have been lost off the coast of Ireland when an army transport was 
torpedoed by a German submarine; Ethel died at the age of 21 years 
and Frank, a rancher in Texas. 

To Gustave Spaht and wife have been born six children as follows: 
Velma Mary, deceased ; Carlos G., a student in high school ; Leona, a 
student in the public schools; J. F. ; Alma; and Homer, all of whom are 
attending the pubic schools. 

Mr. Spaht is a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church and 
a member of the Masonic Lodge; he is a progressive farmer and stock- 
man and was the first man in Gentry County, to introduce Holstein cat- 
tle and he owned the first silo in Gentry County. 

He owned the land where the Burlington depot now is and sold it 
to the Burlington Railroad Company. He now owns 40 acres adjoining 
the depot property and 85i acres southwest of town. He raises pure 
bred Holstein cattle. 



604 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Eugene L. Bethel, who is extensively engaged in automobile paint- 
ing and trimming at Albany, is one of the widely known and dependable 
citizens of Gentry County. He is a native of Missouri, born in Caldwell 
County in 1884, a son of John and Charlotte (Dustin) Bethel natives of 
Kentucky who settled in Caldwell County at an early date where the 
father was engaged in farming and stock raising. 

To John and Charlotte (Dustin) Bethel were born the following 
children: Maude, died in infancy; Robert A., a farmer and stockman in 
Caldwell County, married Autie Brewer; Eugene L., the subject of this 
sketch; Etta, was educated in the Synodical College, Fulton, Mo., and is 
a teacher in North Dakota, married Leroy Baney ; Pearl, married Hard- 
ing Baker and lives in Caldwell County; John who is engaged in farm- 
ing and stock raising in Caldwell County, married May Orr; Lynd, who 
is engaged in farming and stock raising in Caldwell County, Mo., Le- 
nora, married Carl Bennett, Kingston, Mo. 

Eugene L. Bethel was enducated in the public schools, receiving a 
high school education and began life as a farmer and stock raiser. Later 
he learned the painter's trade, becoming very proficient in sign painting. 
Later he engaged in automobile painting in which he has specialized 
for years. He is a skilled worker and is widely known over a large scope 
of territory for the excellency of his workmanship. He has built up a 
large and profitable business in comparatively a short time. 

Mr. Bethel was married to Goldie Hardy of King City. She is a 
daughter of Thomas L. and Katurah (Mendenhall) Hardy. Mrs. Bethel 
is one of the following children born to her parents: Thomas Howard, 
born May 1, 1883, an electrician in the employ of the Western Electrical 
Company, married Mabel Jeffries; Sylvia, born Feb. 7, 1893, was edu- 
cated in high school and the State Teachers College at Maryville, taught 
in Harrison, Worth and Gentry Counties, married Ruby Voyles, a min- 
ing engineer at Superior, Wyo. ; Arta L., born Dec. 15, 1886, died in 
1900 and is buried at Winslow, Mo. 

Thomas L. Hardy was born in Indiana in 1864 and his wife is a na- 
tive of Ohio. He is a Mason, a member of the Yeoman Lodge. A Repub- 
lican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

To Eugene Bethel and wife have been born the following children: 
Wayne, born March 30, 1909 ; Maxine, born July 1, 1913 ; John Thomas, 
born Aug. 8, 1915; Jewell Leon, born Nov. 6, 1918; Orpha Charlotte, 
born May 25, 1920, and Ruth Keturah, born Jan. 16, 1911, died in in- 
fancy. 

Mr. Bethel is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 605 

Yoeman, and is a Republican. He is a member of the Christian Church. 

W. B. Sampson, a veteran of the World War, who is a member of 
the firm of Sampson & Frazee who are engaged in the garage and auto- 
mobile business at Albany, is one of the progressive and enterprising 
young men of Albany and Gentry County. He is a native son of Gentry 
County and was born June 18, 1897, the son of Thomas and Nancy 
(Thompson) Sampson. Thomas Sampson was born in Gentry County 
and belongs to an old pioneer family of this section of the state. 

To Thomas and Nancy (Thompson) Sampson were born the follow- 
ing children : Bash, was born in Gentry County and married A. G. Goff, 
a farmer and stockman of Browning; Harry, was born in Gentry County 
and now is engaged in farming and stock raising near Albany; Ola, born 
in Gentry County, married Kenneth Murrell, a farmer and stockman 
near Albany; and W. B., the subject of this sketch. 

W. B. Sampson was reared in Gentry County and received his edu- 
cation in the public schools and attended high school. When the United 
States declared war against Germany he came within the selected draft 
service and was assigned to the Mechanical Corps and was sent to St. 
Louis where he remained in the service and devoted to automobile me- 
chanics until after the armistice was signed. He received his honorable 
discharge from the service Dec. 19, 1918. 

After receiving his discharge from the army Mr. Sampson returned 
to Albany and engaged in the garage business. He is an expert me- 
chanic and thoroughly master of his business. He has built up a large 
trade and is one of the dependable young men of Gentry County. 

W. P. Graves, a Civil War veteran who for the past 20 years has 
served as Justice of the Peace and is also engaged in the real estate and 
insurance business at King City is one of the widely known and highly re- 
spected citizens of Gentry County. He is a native of Missouri, born in An- 
drew County, Oct. 2, 1848, a son of Abner and Catherine (Hender.son) 
Graves, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Ohio. They 
were the parents of the following children: Nelson, a blacksmith, in 
Andrew County; Francis, deceased; Sarah, deceased; Lillian Fay, de- 
ceased; Abner, deceased; Joshua, Civil War veteran, deceased; W. P., 
the subject of this sketch; Barbara, married Elias Wright, Savannah, 
Mo.; Lydia F., married Amos Hoffman, and is now a widow residing in 
St. Joseph, Mo. ; Parthena Jane, married John Curlick, Portland, Ore. ; 
William, a farmer, Washington State; Catherine, also lives In Washing- 
ton ; Newton, a Spanish-American War veteran, now engaged in farm- 



606 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ing in the state of Washington ; Rose A. G. Fraser, a widow who is en- 
gaged in chicken raising, Sacramento, Calif. 

Abner Graves, the father of W. P. Graves, was engaged in farming 
and stock arising in Andrew County practically all of his life. After the 
Civil War broke out, he and seven others were the first to raise the stars 
and stripes in Andrew County, and during the Civil War he served in 
the 5th Missouri Cavalry; he was a Republican and a member of the 
Christian Church. 

W. P. Graves was reared on a farm and educated in the public 
schools of the early times and during the Civil War, long before he 
reached his majority, he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a mem- 
ber of Company B, 43rd, Missouri Infantry. He was mustered out of 
service at St. Louis after the close of the war and received his honorable 
discharge; he then returned home and for eight years was employed on 
the cattle ranges of the West. As a momento of his cowboy days, he has 
on exhibition in his office his cowbell which he lost in Powder River, Col., 
and which was afterwards found and sent to him, being identified by 
his initials thereon. It also bears the date of 1876. While in Gentry 
County on a visit he was persuaded to settle here; he bought a small 
farm which he later sold to his brother, William, and also sold his corn 
at the same time for 11 cents per bushel. He then went to Ford City 
where he served as postmaster for three terms when he resigned and re- 
moved to King City where he has been Justice of the Peace for 20 years. 

Mr. Graves was married to Nelia Rainey, a daughter of Benjamin 
L. Rainey. Mrs. Graves is one of four children born to her parents, three 
of whom are now living: Ida, married W. J. Hobbs, Douglas, Okla.; and 
Elizabeth resides with Mr. and Mrs. Graves at King City, and Mrs. 
Graves. ^W% 

Mr. and Mrs. Graves have no children but reared a boy, Emmett 
Rainey, a nephew of Mrs. Graves. He is now married and in the em- 
ploy of the Louden Manufacturing Company at Minneapolis, Minn. 

Mr. Graves is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, King 
City Post, and is Past Commander, and has served as Adjutant several 
years. He has been active in the Grand Army of the Republic and has 
been Aid-de-Camp on the staff of the National Chief Commander of 
the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and is a Republican, and belongs to the Christian 
Church. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 607 

Delbert D. Snapp, a well known citizen of King City who is a vet- 
eran of the World War, is a native of Gentry County. He was born at 
King City July 6, 1887, and is a son of J. A. and Rebecca Jane Snapp. 
J. A. Snapp was born at Greenbush, 111. Rebecca Snapp bore the maiden 
name of Brown and was a daughter of Daniel C. and Jane (Bottom) 
Brown, both natives of Connecticutt and both died in Wisconsin. They 
were the parents of two children : Mrs. Snapp and Daniel who is an ex- 
tensive farmer and stockman and a large land owner, residing at Empire 
Prairie, Andrew County. 

To J. A. and Rebecca Jane (Brown) Snapp were born two children: 
Avery A. and Delbert D., the subject of this sketch. Avery A. Snapp was 
born at King City, Sept. 7, 1884, and now is engaged in general farming 
and stock raising near King City. He was married to Nettie B. Keys and 
they have two children : Harold and Garland. 

J. A. Snapp is a well known farmer and stockman and is the owner 
of 320 acres of land which is well improved. He is a member of the 
Masonic Lodge and is a Democrat. 

Delbert D. Snapp was reared on the home place and received a 
good preparatory education in the local schools and high schools. He 
then entered the University of Missouri where he took the Academic 
courses and also the law course. After attending the University, he took 
up the study of law. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed City Attor- 
ney of King City and has served in that capacity for several terms. 

When the United States entered the World War, Mr. Snapp en- 
listed in the Quartermaster Department. He was assigned to the Motor 
Transport Corps. At first he was sent to Jefferson Barracks, near St. 
Louis and afterwards to Camp Megs where he served as general office 
clerk. From there he was sent to France where he was connected with 
the despensing of motor truck supplies. He remained in France in con- 
nection with this department until after the armistice was signed when 
he was returned to the United States and after remaining for a time at 
Camp Taylor, Ky., he received his honorable discharge June 27, 1919. 

After receiving his discharge from the army, Mr. Snapp returned 
to King City. He is City Attorney at the present time. Shortly after re- 
turning to King City he took an active part in the organization of the 
American Legion and at the organization of the local Post he was elected 
Vice-Commander and has also served as Post Commander. The Ameri- 
can Legion Post at King City is a strong organization and now has 61 
members in good standing. During the state convention of the Ameri- 
can Legion held at St. Joseph in 1921, he was selected as a member of 



608 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the Executive Committee, representing the Third Congressional District 
and is now serving in that capacity. 

Mr. Snapp is a member of the Masonic Lodge at King City and is a 
Democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church and one of the pro- 
gressive and enterprising citizens of Gentry County. 

Anthony Peniston, a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
.ship, and owner of 167 acres of well improved land, was born April 13, 1858, 
on the farm where he now resides, and is a son of Theodore and Susan C. 
(Williams) Peniston. 

Theodore Peniston served under General Clark in the Black Hawlc 
War. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar. After practicing 
for several years at Gallatin, he engaged in farming in Jackson Township. 
He came to Daviess County in 1831 with his father. Robert P. Peniston, 
who was one of the first settlers in Daviess County, and one of the founders 
of Millport. This town was started east of Grand River, and was burned 
by the Mormons. Robert P. Peniston's mother was Nancy Nuttle. 

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Peniston were the parents of eight children, 
four of whom are now living: Anthony, the subject of this sketch ; Wm. P., 
postal department of Kansas City; Mary A., wife of Henry Hamilton, 
Jackson Township ; Robert L., Livingston County. Mr. Peniston was born 
in Jessamine County, Ky., May 6, 1812, and died Nov. 8, 1892. His wife 
was born Aug. 2, 1827, in Bedford County, Va., and died in January, 1911. 
They are both buried at the Centenary Cemetery, known as the old Penis- 
ton Cemetery. 

Anthony Peniston has been a farmer during his entire life. He mar- 
ried Minnie R. McClung on Dec. 22, 1887. She is the daughter of Ed. C. 
and Elizabeth Catherine (Rhea) McClung, natives of Daviess County, and 
Virginia. Mr. McClung died several years ago and his wife is now living 
in Missouri. Mrs. Peniston was born in Jamesport Tovmship, April 5, 
1870. 

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peniston, as follows : Robert 
H., living at home; Edna, wife of Robert T. Pogue, Grand River Township; 
Jennings Bryan, at home. He has served in the United State Navy and 
during the World War he crossed the ocean six times, and served 14 
months. On his last trip General Pershing was aboard. 

Robert H. Peniston has been a mute since his birth, and was educated 
in the Fulton, Mo., Institution for the Deaf and was a very unusually apt 
student. Dec. 16, 1915, he was married to Bertha Bafford Schlegel, a 
daughter of Alex, and Mary (Bafford) Schlegel. She was born in Omaha, 
Neb., April 2, 1893, and is also a mute. The Schlegel family live at Wel- 
lington, Mo., and Mr. Schlegel is editor of the Wellington News. To Mr. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 609 

and Mrs. Robert Peniston two children have been born: Evelyn V., and 
Alex. Anthony. They have always made their home with Mr. Peniston's 
father. 

Anthony Peniston is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist 
church. He is a charter member of the Farmers Co-Operative Associa- 
tion of the state of Missouri. Mr. Peniston has been very successful in 
general farming and stock raising, especially in breeding registered Chester 
White and Poland China hogs. He is also a small gi-ain farmer. 

Mr. Peniston relates the story of a Mr. Creason, who in 1838, went 
in search of honey from Splawn Ridge near Gallatin, in company with his 
nephew. Mr. Creason accidently shot himself through the hip, and his 
nephew started back in search of aid. In the meantime a snow storm 
came up, and the rescue party, including Mr. Theodore Peniston, could not 
locate Mr. Creason for several days. When found he was almost dead from 
exposure and starvation. Indians lived in this country at that time as Mr. 
Creasons' nephew stayed at an Indian camp until the following spring. 

William Parks, now deceased, was for many years identified with 
Gentry County where he worked at his trade which was that of a car- 
penter. He was born in Jacksonville, 111., and was reared to manhood in 
that state. He married Anna Sibbald, a native of New York state, and 
to them were born seven children all of whom are deceased. They are 
as follows: Lulu, Walter, Harry, Clarence, Arthur, Hallie, and James 
Raymond. 

James Raymond Parks was a soldier in the United States Army in 
the World War and made the supreme sacrifice, giving up his life on the 
battle fields of France. He was born in Gentry County May 29, 1893. 
He was educated in the public schools of Gentry County, attending high 
school. He was engaged in automobile work. When the United States 
entered the World War, he became a member of Company B, 365th 
Regiment, 89th Division. After a period of training of three weeks at 
Camp Funston, Kan., he was sent from there to France with his Divi- 
sion. He participated in the severe fighting in which his Division took 
part. On Nov. 4th, seven days before the Armstice was signed, after be- 
ing severly wounded himself, he was attempting to rescue the lieutenant 
of his company who was also wounded and they were both killed by the 
explosion of a high power shell. His remains were buried in France but 
later shipped to the United States, reaching Hoboken, N. J., Sept. 16, 
1921, and shipped from there to King City, reaching the later place 
Sept. 23, 1921. The body of another soldier Lawrence Hamel of King 
City was also shipped here at the same time, and a double funeral was 



610 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

held with military honors and the remains of James Parks is now resting 
in the Millen Cemetery north of King City. 

Mrs. Parks is an estimable lady and has many friends in King City 
where she has made her home these many years. 

W. L. Cole, a well known funeral director of King City, has been 
engaged in business here since 1898. He is a native of Missouri and is 
a member of one of the very early pioneer families who settled in An- 
drew County at an early day. W. L. Cole was born in Andrew County, 
May 29, 1866, and is a son of Jesse and Caroline (Osborn) Cole. Jesse 
Cole was born in Indiana and his wife was a native of Daviess County, 
Mo. They spent their lives engaged in farming and stock raising in An- 
drew County. Jesse Cole served in the State Militia during the Civil 
War. He was a life long Democrat and a consistant member of the 
Christian Church. 

W. L. Cole was one of six children born to his parents, the others 
being as follow : George, who was murdered when six years old ; Mary 
Ann, deceased ; John, who is engaged in farming and general stock 
raising near Canon City, Col. ; Oliver, an electrician of St. Joseph. 

W. L. Cole was reared on the home farm in Andrew County and re- 
ceived his education in the public schools. He began life for himself as 
a farmer and in 1894 worked in a furniture and hardware store in King 
City, and in 1898 he engaged in the undertaking business at King City 
and since that time has been successfully engaged in that business. His 
business extends over a large scope of territory and he maintains a 
branch establishment at Union Star and one at Whitesville. 

Mr. Cole was united in marriage with Miss Ida E. Edwards, a daugh- 
ter of Henderson and Elizabeth (Lemaster) Edwards, who were the par- 
ents of the following children: Ella, married Montgomery Slemmons, a 
ranchman who lives in Texas; Alice, a practicing physician herself, 
married Dr. Mayhew, an eye, ear and throat specialist and they are en- 
gaged in the practice of their profession in Atchison, Kan., and St. Jo- 
seph, Mo.; Cora May, married Joseph Bright, a farmer near Savannah, 
Mo. ; Dr. William B., an osteopathic physician, engaged in the practice 
of his profession at Concordia, Kan., and Ida E., who married W. L. Cole 
of this review. She was associated with her husband in the undertaking 
business and was a licensed embalmer. She died Dec. 28, 1921. She was 
one of the first lady licensed embalmers in this section of the country 
and was recognized as a woman of unusual business ability. 

During the course of their business career Mr. and Mrs. Cole have 
buried over 2,000 people. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 611 

Mr. Cole is an enterpi-ising man and one of the dependable citizens 
of Gentry County. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at King City. 

Rufus H. Limpp, mayor of King City and owner of the King City 
Oil Company, is one of the progressive and enterprising men of Gentry 
County. He was born in Holt County, Nov. 10, 1894, a son of John R. 
and Irma (Durrette) Limpp and is one of two children born to them, the 
other one being W. R. Limpp. W. R. Limpp was born in Holt County, 
married Strausie Follett and lives 2\ miles northwest of King City. John 
R. Limpp is a prosperous farmer and stockman and the owner of a val- 
uable farm of 280 acres five miles north of King City. 

Rufus H. Limpp was reared on a farm and attended the district 
schools and high school. He then engeged in the garage business which 
he continued for eight years in King City. In 1919 he engaged in the oil 
business as proprietor of the King City Oil Company to which he has de- 
voted his attention with well merited success to the present time. 

Mr. Limpp was married Nov. 15, 1913, to Miss Sylvia M. Rardin, a 
daughter of Miles and Lena (Miller) Rardin. Mrs. Limpp is the only liv- 
ing child by her father's first marriage. One child died in infancy. To 
Miles Rardin's second marriage were born two children : Leona and 
Louise, both attending the public schools. Miles M. Rardin resides in 
Longmont, Colo., and is the proprietor of a moving picture show at that 
place. To Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Limpp have been born two children : John 
Milo and Rufus Pershing. 

Rufus H. Limpp has other interests in addition to the oil business 
and is the owner of one-half interest of 240 acres of land near King City. 
He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 377, King 
City, and the Shrine, Moila Temple, St. Joseph, Mo. He is a Republican 
and one of the dependable citizens of Gentry County. He was elected 
mayor of King City in 1922 and now serving in that capacity. 

A. Rizzi, who for many years was successfully engaged in farming 
and stock raising, is now living a retired life at King City, after having 
accumulated a competence by industry and good management which 
are always the chief elements of a successful career. Mr. Rizzi was born 
in northern Italy and emigrated to America in 1875. He came to Gen- 
try County where he was engaged in farming and stock raising about 
seven years. Later he went to Kansas where he homesteaded 320 acres 
of land. After remaining in that state four years, he sold his land there 
and returned to Missouri and bought 85 acres in Gentry County. He 
sold that land later and bought 80 acres in DeKalb County where he 
lived for four years. He then returned to Gentry County where he 



612 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

bought 120 acres. Six years later he sold that and bought 200 acres 
which he later sold and bought 235 acres in DeKalb County which he 
still owns. This is a valuable and well improved place upon which stands 
a beautiful two-storj' residence and the other farm buildings and im- 
provements are of a high standard. After retiring from active farming 
operations Mr. Rizzi moved to King City where he has a nice residence 
on Main Street and other city property. 

Mr. Rizzi was married to Miss Pauline Kaiser, a daughter of Con- 
rad and Martha (Knoepfel) Kaiser. Mrs. Rizzi is one of the following 
children born to her parents: Mrs. Eva Sager, near Stanberry, Mr.; 
Henry, a retired farmer and stockman, Beatrice, Neb. ; Lizzie and Lou- 
ise, twins, Lizzie married Fred Herman of Kansas City and Louise mar- 
ried Charles Shultz and they are both deceased ; Caroline, married 
James Simmons, a farmer and stock raiser and lives in Oklahoma ; Anna, 
married Fred Shultz, King City; Lydia, married Arthur Boner, de- 
ceased ; Mary, married August Jacoby, a farmer and stock raiser, near 
Ford City ; Ella, married Paul Kabus, a miller and farmer now living in 
St. Joseph, and Mrs. Rizzi. The first two children were born in Germany 
and the other in Missouri. 

To A. Rizzi and wife has been born one child, Jeanette, now the 
wife of Landry C. Loest, who is engaged in farming and stock raising, 
raising Poland China hogs, Aberdeen Angus cattle and standard bred 
poultry, and lives in Miller Township. 

Mr. Rizzi is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. They are highly respected citizens of King City 
where they have a wide accquaintance and many friends. 

Frank Morton, a well known contractor of King City, is a native of 
Missouri and is the son of Gilkey and Sarah (Slater) Morton, the former 
a native of Maine and the latter of New York. 

Gilkey Morton was born in Bangor. Maine, and was a blacksmith by 
trade. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church and 
is now deceased. To Gilkey and Sarah (Slater) Morton were born the 
following children: One died in infancy; Louise, married Thomas How- 
ard, a farmer and stockman. Lomax, HI.; Helen, married John Walker, 
who was engaged in the furniture business and he and his wife are now 
deceased ; Carrie, deceased, and is buried at Monticello, 111. ; William, 
was a rancher and died in Montana; and Frank, the subject of this 
sketch. 

Frank Morton was educated in the public schools and in early life 
learned the plasterer's trade, beginning at the age of 17 years. For a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 613 

number of years he followed that line of work as a journeyman and for 
several years he has been engaged in contracting during which time he 
has done some extensive jobs of plastering. He is an expert workman 
and thoroughly understands his line of work. 

Mr. Morton was married to Miss Oka Shout, a daughter of James 
and Maria Jane (Alexander) Shout, both now deceased. James Shout 
was a native of Pennsylvania and was reared in that state. When the 
Civil War broke out he enlisted in a Pennsylvania Regiment; during the 
course of his military career he was taken prisoner and for several- 
months was confined in the Confederate prison at Bell Island, and Sal- 
isbury and Libby prisons. After the close of the war he came west. He 
was engaged in the meat and grocery business and was the owner of 120 
acres of land in Kansas and 80 acres in South Dakota. He served as 
superintendent of the Boys Reform School of Kansas for two years, hav- 
ing received his appointment from Governor Morrill. He was a Repub- 
lican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and for many years was a 
prominent Mason. His wife was a very capable woman and served for 
some time as matron of the Girls Reformatory of the state of Illinois. To 
James Shout and wife were born four children : Lenora, married Frank 
Gerlach, Elkton, S. Dak.; Monta Bell, deceased and her remains are 
buried at Shannon, 111.; Rosalie, married J. H. Conrad, Elgin, 111.; and 
Mrs. Frank Morton of this review. 

Mrs. Morton is one of the capable and widely known women, not 
only of Gentry County, but of the state. She with seven other King City 
women founded the City Library, which after only a few years now con- 
tains nearly 1,000 volumes and is a library of which any town may be 
justly proud. She was also one of the organizers of the King City Study 
Club in 1917. This Club was federated the same year and Mrs. Morton 
was elected district secretary and is now serving her second year as sec- 
retary of the local club. Mrs. Morton is a Republican and takes an active 
and prominent part in political affairs. She was a delegate to the State 
Republican convention held at Kansas City in 1920 and served as a 
member of the Committee on Permanent Organization. Mrs. Morton 
was educated in the public schools and graduated from Lena, 111., High 
School and afterward attended the Salina Normal. She is the second 
cousin of the late President William McKinley and is also related to 
Judge W. B. Rose of the Nebraska Supreme Court. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morton have been born two children: Mary, 
deceased and her remains are buried at King City; and Helen Margue- 
rite who is a graduate of the King City High School and Lyceum Arts 



614 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Conservatory of Music of Chicago and is now the leading musician at 
the Princess Theatre in Denver, Col. 

Mr. Morton is a Republican and he and Mrs. Morton stand high in 
the community. 

John J. Shrike, the well known and efficient jeweler and optician 
at King City, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Daj'ton, Nov. 27, 1851, 
a son of David and Caroline (Flora) Shirke, the former a native of Ger- 
many and the latter of France. They were the parents of nine children, 
three of whom are living: Caroline, married John Kochner, a farmer 
and stock raiser, LaCrosse, Wis. ; Tillie, who is married and lives in Wis- 
consin; and John J., the subject of this sketch. 

David Shrike came to America at the age of 13 years. He served in 
the Mexican War, entering the service with the rank of captain. He was 
promoted to adjutant and afterwards to Colonel. When the Civil War 
broke out he enlisted in the Union army and served until the close of the 
war with the Wisconsin troops. After the Civil War he engaged in the 
shoemaking business at Tipton, Mo. He then came west and settled in 
Missouri. He served as mayor at Tipton. He was a Democrat and be- 
longed to the G. A. R. and was Post Commander. He died at the age ol 
87 years. 

John J. Shrike was educated in the public schools and the Dayton 
Commercial College. After coming to Missouri he served as postmaster 
at Elston, for seven years. After taking courses in the Jacksonian Opti- 
cal College of Chicago and the Needles Optical College of Kansas City, 
Mo., he engaged in optical work 35 years ago. In 1916 he came from St. 
Louis to King City where he has since been engaged in his line of work 
as optical jeweler. He is an expert in his line of work and has had years 
of experience. By his efficiency he has built up a large patronage in 
King City and vicinity. 

Mr. Shrike was married to Miss Mary Stein, a native of Ohio and a 
daughter of George Stein. To Mr. and Mrs. Shrike have been born the 
following children: James, deceased; Carrie, married George M. Nel- 
son, a locomotive engineer, St. Louis; Ella, married James Wood, a ma- 
chinist, Jefferson City ; Garnett Woolsey, a blacksmith and wheelright, 
Sedalia; George David, who is engaged in the dyeing and cleaning busi- 
ness in Nebraska; John D., who is also engaged in the dyeing and clean- 
ing business in Nebraska; Mae, married Samuel Sarbitz, who is engaged 
in the railroad salvage business in St. Louis; and Charles M., who is en- 
gaged in the dyeing and cleaning business at King City. He entered the 
United States service and was in training for several months at Camp 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 615 

Dodge, Iowa. He was a member of the 128th Division and was just 
ready to sail for overseas when the armistice was signed. He remained 
in the service for some time after that and received his honorable dis- 
charge at Camp Dodge, Iowa. 

Mr. Shrike is a Republican. 

Ebenezer Edgar Blacklock, now deceased, was a successful man of 
affairs and during the course of his career was a dominant factor in the 
business development of King City and vicinity. He was one of the 
widely respected citizens of this community. Mr. Blacklock was a na- 
tive of Scotland ; he came to America in 1851 and remained in New York 
City for five months. He then went to Wisconsin where he was engaged 
in foundry work for a time when he went to Rock Island, 111. From 
there he went to Australia. Some years later he returned to America 
and located at St. Louis where he worked at his trade as foundryman. 
From there he went to Leavenworth, Kan., and took charge of a Great 
Western Foundry. He was thus employed for five years when he came 
to Gentry County and bought 320 acres of land. He was successfully en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising for 25 years when he retired from 
the farm and moved to King City. He was interested in the banking and 
mercantile business and for several years was a director of the First 
National Bank of King City, and also served as vice president of the 
King City Hardware Company. 

Mr. Blacklock was married to Cornelia Marian Smith, a native of 
Wisconsin, and a daughter of Quintin and Jeanette (Geddes) Smith. 
Mrs. Blacklock is one of the following children born to her parents: 
Hutchison, married Acy Rowley and they are both deceased; Grace, 
married James O'Neal and both are deceased; James Q., was a veteri- 
nary surgeon and died at Madison, Wis. ; Robert C, is a retired farmer 
living in Lemars, Iowa; Augusta was a teacher, married Henry Goodell 
and they are both deceased; Sarah Jane, died in infancy and is buried 
at Calidona, Wis. 

Quintin Smith, Mrs. Blacklock's father was a very highly educated 
man and a native of Scotland. He was a prominent educator and at 
times conducted religious services in the Presbyterian Church. He 
identified himself with the prohibition party and was active in politics. 
He served as county recorder, collector and clerk of the court in Wis- 
consin. For over 50 years he was a devout member of the Presbyterian 
Church and was a deacon for over 30 years. Mrs. Blacklock has been a 
member of the same church for 64 years. She is a member of the W. C. 
T. U. and has been active in temperance work all her life. She was dis- 



616 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

trict superintendent for 20 years, and for 12 years state superintendent 
of the department of Sabbath Observance. She won the state, national 
and district prizes in medal contest work and won more prizes than any 
other superintendent. She has been a Sunday School teacher for over 50 
years. 

Ebenezer Edgar Blacklock died Dec. 28, 1919 and his remains are 
buried in the Cemetery at King City. His widow who is one of the estim- 
able ladies of Gentry County resides at King City. 

William L. Blacklock, now deceased, was a prominent farmer and 
stockman of Gentry County and a member of one of the pioneer families 
of western Missouri. He was born in St. Louis, a son of Thomas M. 
Blacklock, a native of Scotland. William Blacklock was a successful 
farmer and the owner of 240 acres of land in Gentry County. He was 
extensively engaged in stock raising as well as general farming. He 
raised Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, and a great many horses 
and mules. He took an active part in the progress of the community and 
the development of his county. He served as president of the local 
school board for 20 years. He was a Republican and a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. He died March 15, 1919, and his remains are 
buried at King City. 

Thomas M. Blacklock, father of William Blacklock, married Jeanie 
Crawford and the following children were born to them: James C, a 
farmer and stockman, near Stanberry; Thomas, deceased, and his re- 
mains are buried in the Millen Cemetery; Eben E., a farmer and stock- 
man, living north of King City ; Lawrence Bruce, a farmer and stock- 
man, living on the old Blacklock homestead in Jackson Township Gen- 
try County; Dr. David E., a physician and surgeon engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession at King City. He served in the Medical Corps of 
the United States army during the World War and was on duty at Ho- 
boken, N. J., when the armistice was signed. 

William Blacklock was married March 1, 1885, to Miss Ida M. 
Eads, a daughter of John A. and Lavina T. (Watt) Eads. Mrs. Black- 
lock was one of the following children bom to her parents: Martha, 
Carry Ann, Colonel Harding, all of whom are deceased; and Perry J., 
a farmer and stockman near Lawson, Mo.; Fanny L., married W. M. 
Washburn, a farmer and stockman who is now deceased, and she lives 
at Wilsonville, Neb. ; Melia W., married Stephen A., Pittensbarger, a 
farmer and stockman, near Fairport; and Ida M., who married William 
Blacklock, the subject of this review. John A. Eads was a Democrat 
and a member of the Christian Church. He and his wife are both de- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 617 

ceased and their remains are buried at King City. They were both na- 
tives of Kentucky and came to Missouri in 1870 and settled near King 
City and spent the remainder of their lives here. 

To William and Ida (Eads) Blacklock was born one child: Myrtle 
E., born in Gentry County, educated in the public schools and Palmer 
College at Albany and married J. W. Preston, and she is now deceased. 

The Blacklock family is one of the prominent families of Gentry 
County and Mrs. Blacklock is well known and highly respected in the 
community. 

Rufus Fayette Brown, now deceased, was prominently identified 
with the agricultural interest of Gentry County for many years; he was 
born in Connecticut in 1829, a son of Rufus Brown and his mother's 
maiden name was Fuller. 

Rufus F. Brown came to Missouri at an early day and engaged in 
farming and stock raising in the vicinity of King City. He was an ex- 
tensive cattle raiser and well known as a successful breeder. He raised 
Durham cattle, Percheron horses and at the time of his death was the 
owner of 280 acres of well improved land. He took an interest in local 
affairs and served as clerk of the district school for 28 years. He was a 
life long Republican and a member of the time honored Masonic Lodge. 
During the Civil War he served in the Home Guards. He died May 30, 
1893. 

Mr. Brown was married to Dorothy Bennett, a daughter of Andrew 
and Anna (Abbott) Bennett. Andrew Bennett was born in Ireland of 
Scotch descent, and came to America when a boy. He died in Canada 
in 1865 and the family came to Missouri in 1867. 

Mrs. Brown was one of 13 children born to her parents; the others 
living, being as follows: John, an Episcopal minister in Kansas City; 
Lucretia, married William Powrie and lives in Wisconsin; Andrew, 
former editor of The Owl, Stanberry; Ann, married John Weaver and 
they live in Wisconsin ; Edward, a retired farmer, King City; Mary, mar- 
ried George Kemp, King City; and Ida, married Julus Klaas and they 
live near St. Joseph. By his first marriage to Nancy Hopkins he had 
two children: Carlos, Rockyford, Col., and George, Lawrence, Kan. 

Mrs. Brown has a nice residence in King City and Is one of the 
highly respected women of Gentry County and is well known. 

J. T. Wagers, a well known real estate and loan man of King City 
and a member of the firm of Millan and Wagers, general merchants, 
who is also extensively interested in farming and stock raising is a na- 
tive of Kentucky. He was born in Estill County in 1856, a son of Simp- 



618 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

son and Martha (Gentry) Wagers both natives of Kentucky. Gentry 
County receives its name from the same Gentry family of which Martha 
Gentry Wagers was a member. Simpson and Martha Gentry Wagers 
were the parents of the following children: James L., deceased; Cole- 
man, a fruit raiser, lives in California; O. G., also a fruit ariser, lives in 
California ; Mary Lizzie, married John Haley, a farmer and stockman, 
living in DeKalb County ; Mildred, married Frank E. Crider and she lives 
in California; and J. T., the subject of this sketch. 

Simpson Wagers, father of J. T. Wagers, settled near Amity, De- 
Kalb County in 1870 and engaged in farming and stock raising. He was 
a Democrat and took a prominent part in local affairs and served on 
the local school board for 20 years. He was a member of the Christian 
Church. He is now deceased and his remains are buried at Amity, and 
his wife is also buried there. 

J. T. Wagers was reared on a farm and educated in the public 
schools. He began his independent career as a farmer in operating his 
father's farm. In early life he taught school for two terms teaching at 
the Morton .school house. He is the owner of a well improved farm of 
240 acres in DeKalb County and is interested in breeding pure bred 
stock in addition to his real estate and loan and mercantile business 
which he conducts at King City. He has been interested in the mercan- 
tile business in King City since 1883 and this is the oldest business house 
in King City. 

Mr. Wagers was married to Miss Lydia Cunningham in 1877, a 
daughter of John and Mary Jane Cunningham, natives of Indiana. Mrs. 
Wagers is one of three children born to her parents as follows : Mary, 
married Walter Gregory and they are both deceased; R. H., a contrac- 
tor, living in Los Angles, Calif.; and Lydia, the wife of J. T. Wagers of 
this review. 

To J. T. Wagers and wife have been born the following children: 
Ada, who was educated in the public schools, high school and the State 
Teachers College at Warrensburg, was a successful teacher in Gentry 
and DeKalb Counties before her marriage, is now the wife of Albert 
Ennis, an attorney at Festus, Mo. ; Dessie, married Ellis B. Stephenson, 
a trainmaster for the Missouri Pacific railroad, Jefferson City; Sibyl, 
was educated in the public schools and the Kansas City Academy of 
Music, is now the wife of Hershel Yates, a merchant of King City ; Frank 
E., a traveling salesman of Cameron; Jack, was in the service during 
the World War and is now a student in the Dental Department of Wash- 
ington University, St. Louis. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 619 

Mr. Wagei's is a Democrat and has served on the school board for 
ten years. He was the Democratic candidate for the legislature in 1920 
but was defeated in the political landslide of that year. He is a member 
of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodman of America and the Chris- 
tian Church. He is a substantial citizen and one of the dependable men 
of Gentry County. He has been president of the King City Chatauqua 
for 16 years and this is one of the successful chatauquas of western 
Missouri. He is one of the original trails and good roads boosters of 
northwestern Missouri and has given his support and co-operation to 
good roads projects for years. He was one of the original members of 
the Inter-State Trails Association which later became the Jefferson 
Highway. He was also a member of the National Highways Association. 

Samuel L. Gall, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County, is a native of Missouri. He was born near 
Lathrop, Clinton County, March 11, 1866, a son of John Henry and An- 
geline (Tipton) Gall. John Henry Gall was a native of Germany, and 
came to America in 1854. He first settled at Westport, Mo., and later 
removed to Clinton County where he owned 636 acres of land. He was 
successful and became very well-to-do. 

John Henry and Angeline (Tipton) Gall were the parents of 13 
children of whom the following are living: John Fi-ank, lives on the old 
homestead in Clinton County; Albert George, a farmer and stock raiser; 
Fred, who had a twin sister, Lillie, is a farmer and stock raiser near 
Lathrop ; Jesse L., a farmer and stock raiser near Lathrop ; Alfred, a 
farmer on the old homestead in Clinton County ; and Samuel, whose 
name introduces this review. 

Samuel Gall was reared on a farm in Clinton County and early in 
life became familiar with the details of farming and stock raising to 
which he has since successfully devoted himself. He began his farming 
career in Gentry County in 1887 and is now the owner of one-quarter 
section of land which is one of the valuable farms of Jackson Township. 
His place is well improved with a two-story residence and other farm 
buildings. 

Mr. Gall was married to Miss Gertrude Troxel who is now deceased 
and her remains are buried in King City Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Gall were born the following children: Anna E., married Roy C. John- 
son, a fruit farmer living in California ; Henry T., a veteran of the World 
War who served overseas in a machine gun company with the 88th Di- 
vision and is now engaged in farming near King City; Edgar, was also 
a soldier a member of Company A, 10th Ammunition Train; resides at 



620 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

home with his father; R. Carl, Samuel L. Jr., and Ralph who reside at 
home with their father. 

Mr. Gall is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge, 
Knights of Pji;hias and Modern Woodmen of America. He is public 
spirited, progressive and one of the leading citizens of Gentry County. 

Hiram Ramsey Jameson, a Gentry County pioneer and former 
judge of County Court, now living retired on his farm in Jackson Town- 
ship, is a native of Tennessee. He was born in McMinn County, east 
Tennessee, June 18, 1835. He is a son of David Finley and Eliza (Pat- 
ten) Jameson. David Finley Jameson was also a pioneer settler of Mis- 
souri; he was born in Blout County, Tennessee, Dec. 2, 1797. He came 
to Missouri in 18-53 and his first home here was a log cabin. He followed 
farming and spent the remainder of his life in Gentry County after com- 
ing here. He died at Gentryville, Dec. 25, 1889, at the ripe old age of 92 
years. He was a Whig during the existence of that party, but later iden- 
tified himself with the Democratic party. He was a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 

David Finley and Eliza Ann (Patten) Jameson were the parents of 
eight children as follows: Mary Jane, Francis, Jacob Patten, David Fin- 
ley, Jr., and Elizabeth Ann, all of whom are deceased; and William 
Alexander, born Feb. 9, 1838, lives at McFall; Samuel Huston, born 
Dec. 3, 1841, lives at McFall ; and Hiram Ramsey whose name introduces 
this review. 

Hiram Ramsey Jameson was about 19 years old when he came to 
Missouri with his parents and settled in this section of the state. This 
was an early day in the settlement of western Missouri. Mr. Jameson 
remembers when the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad was built which 
was several years after the family settled here. When he came here 
there were no railroads and he has lived to see and take part in the 
great transformation from the pioneer days to the present age of im- 
provement and conveniences. Mr. Jameson began life as a farmer and 
made that occupation his life's work. He settled on his present place 
after a few years. He is the owner of 200 acres which he has improved 
and which is under a high state of cultivation. 

Mr. Jameson was married to Elizabeth Fore, a daughter of Jacob 
J. and Anna Fore. She was one of nine children born to her parents, 
three of whom are living : Frances, married C. O. Patten, who is now 
deceased, and she lives at Albany; Clara, married Charles Owen, a re- 
tired farmer and stock raiser, Franklin, Neb. To Hiram R. Jamson and 
wife were born the following children: Francis, deceased; Samuel War- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 621 

ren, born in Gentry County, Oct. 12, 1865, a farmer and stock raiser near 
Kansas City; Olive L., born in Gentry County, Aug. 16, 1869, lives on 
the home place; Hiram Mitchel, born in Gentry County, is operating the 
home place; Anna C, born Aug. 29, 1880, married Oliver Bean and 
lives in Gentry County; David K., born in Gentry County, Oct. 1, 1866, 
a farmer and stock raiser. 

Mr. Jameson is a Democrat and has always taken a commendable 
interest in political matters and public affairs. He served as County 
Judge of Gentry County for four years and gave the people a good ad- 
ministration. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and one of the 
dependable old pioneer citizens of Gentry County. 

Eben E. Blacklock, a well known and successful farmer and stock- 
man of Jackson Township, Gentry County, is a native of this county and 
a member of one of the early pioneer families of this section of the state. 
He was born Feb. 28, 1870, a son of Thomas and Jane (Craw^rd) 
Blacklock, both natives of Scotland. Thomas Blacklock was born in 
1836 and came to America in 1851. He was a pattern maker and worked 
at his trade in St. Louis for some time. In 1868 he came to Gentry 
County where he engaged in farming and stock raising and prospered, 
becoming the owner of 600 acres of land at one time. To Thomas Black- 
lock and wife were born seven children, the following of whom are liv- 
ing: James C, a farmer and stockman near Stanberry; L. Bruce, a 
farmer and stockman near King City; Eben E., the subject of this re- 
view; and Dr. David E., a well known physician and surgeon who is en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession at King City. Dr. Blacklock 
served in the Medical Corps of the United States army during the World 
War. For several months he was stationed at Fort Sill, Okla., and later 
in New York City and was on his way to France when the armistice was 
signed. He is a graduate of the Louisville Medical College, Louisville, 
Ky., and is recognized as an able physician. He has practiced since 
1909. Thomas Blacklock and his wife are both deceased and their re- 
mains are buried in Millen Cemetery. 

Eben E. Blacklock was educated in the public schools and in early 
life began his career as a farmer and stockman and has successfully de- 
voted himself to that vocation to the present time. He is the owner of 
240 acres of well improved land, 2\ miles north of King City, in Jack- 
son Township. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has 
a valuable orchard on his place. 

Mr. Blacklock married Miss Carrie Ethel, a daughter of W. J. and 
Sarah (Eads) Ethel. Mrs. Blacklock was a successful teacher and was 



622 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

engaged in that profession for seven years prior to her marriage. To W. 
J. and Sarah (Eads) Ethel were born the following children: Eva, Wil- 
liam, and Fannie, all of whom are deceased; A. K., who is engaged in 
the mercantile busines at Gypsum, Col.; Kittie, married John Hyer, a 
farmer and stockman of Gypsum, Col.; Geo. P. Bisbee, Ariz.; and Car- 
rie, the wife of Eberf E. Blacklock of this review. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Blacklock have been born the following children: Janie, was educated 
in the public schools, high school and the State Teachers College at 
Maryville, is now engaged in teaching; Fannie, was educated in the 
public schools, high school and the State Teachers College at Maryville; 
and Thomas is a student in the King City High School. 

Mr. Blacklock is a member of the Presbyterian Church and one of 
Gentry County's substantial citizens. The Blacklock family stand high 
in the community. 

,L. Bruce Blacklock, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County, is a native son of Gentry County. He was 
born Aug. 28, 1874, and is a son of Thomas and Jane (Crawford) 
Blacklock, early settlers of Gentry County, both of whom are now de- 
ceased. Thomas Blacklock was a native of Scotland and came to Amer- 
ica in 1851, when he was 15 years old. He lived in Wisconsin for a short 
time and then went to St. Louis where he remained until he came to 
Gentry County and spent the remainder of his life. He was a successful 
man of affairs and more extended mention is made of him and the 
Blacklock family appears elsewhere in this volume. 

L. Bruce Blacklock was reared to manhood on his father's farm in 
Gentrj' County and obtained his education in the public schools. He 
began life as a farmer and stockman and has met with uniform success 
in his undertakings. He has a well improved farm of 240 acres in Jack- 
son Township and is carrying on general farming and stock raising. He 
raises cattle, hogs, sheep, horses and mules. 

Mr. Blacklock married Maggie Workman, a daughter of Hender- 
son and Elizabeth (Cousins) Workman of Gentryville. Henderson 
Workman, was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and 
saw much service. He was a Republican and a member of the Christian 
Church. Henderson Workman and his wife were the parents of the fol- 
lowing children, besides Mrs. Blacklock: Mary, married Thomas Brinton 
and they live in Kansas; Emma, married Joseph Bonner of Gentryville; 
Anna, married Marion Swift of Gentry County; Alice, married Wesley 
Wright, Blackwell, Okla. ; Jennie, married John Allen and they live in 
Kansas; Albert, lives in Los Angeles, Calif. ; and Hattie, lives in Kansas. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 623 

To L. Bruce Blacklock and wife has been born one child, Bertha, 
was educated in the pubic schools, including a high school course, and 
the State Teachers College at Maryville. She is now teaching in Gentry 
County. 

Mr. Blacklock is a Republican and he and Mrs. Blacklock and their 
daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

Cornelius Brown, a Civil War veteran and one of the honored pio- 
neers of Gentry County, living in the western part of Jackson Township 
is a native of Connecticut. He was born in South Coventry, Tolland 
County in April, 1844, the son of Rufus and Sarah (Clark) Brown, the 
former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Rhode Island. Rufus 
Brown was born in 1802 and his wife was born the same year. He came 
to Gentry County in 1855 where he bought 240 acres of land and later 
entered over 1,000 acres of government land. At that time this section 
of Missouri was wild and sparsely settled. Transportation was carried 
on by boats plying the river, and oxen were used in overland transporta- 
tion as there were no railroads in this part of the country at that time. 
Rufus Brown served in the State Militia for six months during the Civil 
War. He was a Democrat up to the time of the war but after the con- 
flict he supported the policies and principals of the Republican party. 
He died in 1879 and his remains are buried in Empire Prairie Cemetery 
and his wife is buried in the same place. 

Cornelius Brown lived the life of the average youth in a pioneer 
community until after the Civil War broke out. He then enlisted in the 
Union army, becoming a member of Company C, 12th Missouri Cavalry. 
He took part in a number of important battles and skirmishes and on 
Nov. 24, 1864, he was captured by Gen. Hood's army south of Nashville, 
Tenn., and sent to the Confederate Military prison at Andersonville, 
Ga. Here he was held a prisoner of war until after the surrender of 
General Lee. 

After the war, Mr. Brown returned to Gentry County and engaged in 
farming and improving his place. The first house which he built on his 
farm is still standing. He was actively engaged in farming and stock 
raising for a number of years and in recent years he has been interested 
in the farm rental and loan business. He is one of the dependable citi- 
zens of Gentry County and has seen this section develop from its primi- 
tive pioneer state to its pi'esent improved condition. He is a Republican. 
Mr. Brown has never applied for a pension, for the reason, as he says, 
that, "I never stood in need of it." He is one of the well-to-do and sub- 
stantial citizens of Gentry County. 



624 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

W. H. Carter, an industrious fanner and stockman of Jackson Town» 
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 277 1-4 acres of land, was born Oct. 
8, 1863, in Gallatin, the son of J. W. and Melinda (Critten) Carter. Mr. 
and Mrs. Carter were the parents of four children, three of whom are now 
living: W. H., the subject of this sketch; James A., Gallatin; Smith H., 
Union Township, Daviess County. 

J. W. Carter was born in Indiana and came to Missouri before the 
Civil War. He enlisted for the army from Daviess County. After the 
war, Mr. Carter carried on farming during the remainder of his life in 
Union Township, Daviess County. His wife, Melinda Milissa (Critten) 
Carter was born in Licking County, Ohio, and died in Daviess County. 

W. H. Carter grew up on his father's farm and was educated in the 
district schools. At the age of 30 years, he purchased his present farm 
in Jackson Township. He is a prominent breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs, 
Jacks and Jennies. Mr. Carter is a stockholder in the Co-operative store 
at Gallatin. 

On Oct. 6, 1890 Mr. Cai'ter was man-ied to Sallie F. Hamilton, a 
daughter of H. D. and Elizabeth (Hill) Hamilton. Mrs. Carter was bom 
Sept. 19, 1865, in Daviess County. She died Feb. 13, 1919. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Carter four children were born, as follows: Essie, the wife of Frank 
Whitman, Shorthorn breeder of Jefferson Township; Vemie E., the wife 
of Walter Pearcy, school teacher, now living in Livingston County ; Fern, 
at home, and Roy at home. Mrs. Whitman has one child, Thomas W. 

Mr. Carter is the owner of many relics of the pioneer days in Daviess 
County, among them being a spinning wheel and a loom with a complete 
shuttle and a piece of cloth, woven by his grandmother over 70 years ago. 
He remembers when the railroads were built through this part of the 
country and many other interesting pioneer facts. 

W. H. Carter for the past 20 years, has been interested in the develop- 
ment of a drainage ditch, which had a course of 17 9-10 miles on Muddy 
Creek. He has devoted a great deal of his time and money to the further- 
ance of the project and in 1922 his ideas were realized as the ditching 
machine started on its course of 6 7-10 miles, which will be the distance of 
the drainage ditch when completed. Mr. Carter is called the "Father" 
of the project of work in which he takes a just pride. 

In politics Mr. Carter is a Republican. He is a member of the Metho- 
dist church. Mr. Carter is a progressive and enterprising farmer and 
stockman, and merits the success with which he has met. 




W. H. CAKTKR ANi> CKANDSON. TIID.MAS W. WHITMAN 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 625 

Enoch Fetters, a Civil War veteran, now deceased who for many 
years was a well known and highly respected citizen of Gentry County, 
was a native of Ohio. He was a son of Thomas Fetters, and one of the 
following children born to his parents: Samuel; John Alexander; Wil- 
liam, all of whom are deceased ; Haymon, a retired farmer, now living 
in Kosciusko County, Indiana, and Enoch, the subject of this sketch. 

Enoch Fetters was reared in Ohio and attended the public schools. 
When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union army in Indiana 
and served from 1861 until the close of the war in 1865. He took part 
in a number of the important battles in the Civil War as well as numer- 
ous skirmishes. He was accidentally wounded by a comrade and also over- 
come by sun-stroke while in the service, and never fully recovered his 
health after the war. After the Civil War he went to Indiana, where he was 
married and later came to Missouri and settled in Gentry County where 
he died Jan. 26, 1901. His remains are buried at King City. He was a 
Democrat, a member of the Christian Church and the Grand Army of 
the Republic. 

Enoch Fetters was married Nov. 7, 1867, to Almena R. Miller at 
Goshen, Ind., a native of Indiana and a daughter of Solomon and Eliza- 
beth (Long) Miller, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of 
Pennsylvania. She was one of the following children born to her par- 
ents: Harriett Ann; Ira Jackson; Mary Marilda; Samuel LaFayette and 
Craten Wellman and Mrs. Fetters, twins; Craten Wellman is now en- 
gaged in the restaurant business at Centralia, Mo. Mrs. Fetters has two 
half brothers, Charles, who is engaged in the coal and coke business at 
Elkhart, Ind. ; and Orlin, a farmer and stockman near Elkhart, Ind. 

To Enoch and Almena (Miller) Fetters were born the following 
children: Frances, born in Noble County, Indiana, married G. C. Boak- 
man. King City; Eunice, born in Kosciusko County, Indiana, married 
Frank Washburn, who is engaged in the poultry business in Crosby; 
and Grace Pearl, married Charles King, a carpenter who lives at Al- 
bany. 

Mrs. Fetters resides near King City where she has a comfortable 
home and she is the owner of 40 acres of land. The Fetters family are 
well known in this county and are highly respected; Mrs. Fetters is a 
member of the Christian Church. 

William W. Bonham, a successful farmer and breeder of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County, was born in Andrew County, Feb. 20, 1880. 
He is the son of David and Mary (Austin) Bonham, both natives of Eng- 
land. They came to America in 1867. And for a time David Bonham 



626 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

worked by the month ; later he engaged in farming. He was a Repub- 
lican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died Dec. 16, 1921, 
and is buried in Empire Cemetery and his widow lives in Jackson Town- 
ship. 

To David and Mary (Austin) Bonham were born the following 
children: James, Arthur and Lottie, all of whom are deceased; Mary, 
married William Fulton, a farmer and stockman, living near King City ; 
Albert, a farmer and stockman near Empire Prairie ; Minnie, married 
Nelson Angle, a farmer and stockman, living eight miles southeast of 
King City ; she died April 2, 1922 ; Eugene, a farmer and stockman, Em- 
pire Prairie ; and William W., the subject of this review. 

William W. Bonham was reared in Andrew County and attended 
the public schools. He began his career as a farmer and stock raiser on 
rented land; later he bought 66 2 3 acres of land in Gentry County 
which he later sold, and his present farm which consists of 80 acres of 
well improved land, was inherited by Mrs. Bonham. Mr. Bonham car- 
ries on general farming and stock raising and is also well known as a 
successful breeder of Poland China hogs and Jersey and Holstein cat- 
tle. He has taken 13 blue ribbons in the exhibition of his stock. Mr. 
Bonham's farm is underlaid with a good vein of coal and a mine was 
operated here some years ago. At the place where it was operated the 
vein of coal was 20 inches in thickness. 

Mr. Bonham married Miss Alma Lee Caldwell, a native of Gentry 
County. She is a daughter of Mat. and Mary (Hardin) Caldwell, the 
former a native of Virginia, born Aug. 12, 1883, and the latter of Illi- 
nois. Mrs. Bonham is one of the following children born to her parents: 
George, Edward and James, all of whom are deceased ; Anna, married 
Jacob Whitt, a farmer and stockman ; Ora, married Orville Brown, a 
farmer and stockman, living east of Ford City; Orville, a traveling man 
and farmer living in Colorado; Minnie, married Stephen McAUaster, a 
rural mail carrier. King City; Jennie, married Otto Loast, farmer and 
stockman of Gentry County; and Mrs. Bonham of this review. Mat. 
Caldwell was a veteran of the Civil War, having served about a year. 
He was a successful farmer and stockman and the owner of 400 acres of 
land. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and was a Democrat. He and his wife are both deceased 
and their remains are buried in Millen Cemetery. 

To William W. Bonham and wife have been born the following 
children: Cecil, born in Gentry County, educated in the public schools, 
married Norman Oshell, a farmer and stockman, living in Jackson 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 627 

Township; and Josephine, who was educated in the public schools and 
resides at home with her parents. 

Mr. Bonham is a Republican and Mrs. Bonham is a Democrat. They 
are members of the Christian Church. 

Charles T. Wheatley, a progressive and well known farmer and 
stockman of Gentry County, is a native son of this county, born July 20, 
1878. He is a son of George E., and Ida (Luce) Wheatley, both natives 
of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, the former born March 30, 1848; they 
came to Missouri and settled in Gentry County in 1863. The father was 
engaged in farming and stock raising for a number of years and now 
lives with his son. His wife is deceased and her remains are buried at 
King City. They were the parents of six children of the following who 
are living: Lottie, married Ernest Crouch, a farmer and stock raiser of 
Andrew County; and Charles T., the subject of this sketch. 

Charles T. Wheatley was reared on his father's farm and after at- 
tending the district schools he took the commercial course at the Stan- 
berry Normal School. He began life for himself as a farmer and stock- 
man when he was 21 years old. He first bought 49 acres of land. He 
has continued to add to his holdings until he is now the owner of 247 
acres of valuable land. He carries on general farming and stock raising 
and for a number of years was a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle. 
He now raises Duroc Jersey hogs and Oxford sheep quite extensively. 

Mr. Wheatley married Miss Anna Morris, a native of Buchanan 
County. She is a daughter of B. B. and Eliza (Gilmore) Morris, the 
former a native of Shelbyville, Ky., and the latter of Buchanan County, 
Mo. B. B. Morris was engaged in contracting for many years and he and 
his wife now reside in St. Joseph. He served as deputy sheriff of Bu- 
chanan County and held other positions of trust and responsibility in St. 
Joseph. Mrs. Wheatley is one of the following children born to her par- 
ents: B. B., Jr., who is an employ of the Union Terminal Railroad in St. 
Joseph; Catherine, married E. A. Laundry of St. Joseph; Jefferson, St. 
Joseph and Stella, married Gilbert Milner, a merchant of Clayton, Kan.; 
and Anna, the wife of Charles T. Wheatley of this review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Wheatley have been born the follow- 
ing children: Donald, born April 24, 1907; John Lester, born Dec. 16, 
1910; Alene, born July 2, 1912; Charles T., Jr., born Oct. 16, 1914; 
Ralph, born Aug. 9, 1916; and George Howard, born Oct. 7, 1918. 

Mr. Wheatley takes a keen interest in all public matters, and has 
served on the local school board for 15 years, having served as secre- 
tary for ten years. He has also served as secretary of the Farmers Union 



628 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Produce Company. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of 
directors of the Farmei's Trust Company of King City. He is a Repub- 
lican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

James Vaughn, a Civil War veteran now living retired at King City, 
after a successful active career as a farmer and stockman is a native of 
Missouri. He was born May 22, 1844, about six miles from where he 
lives, just over the line in Andrew County, a son of Charles E. and Mar- 
tha (Philleps) Vaugha. Charles E. Vaughn was born at Petersburg, Va., 
and came to Missouri in 1842, being one of the early pioneer settlers in 
western Missouri. He dug and walled up the first well in St. Joseph. 
Shortly after coming to this state he bought 120 acres of land in Andrew 
County. Later he bought land in DeKalb County and was the owner of 
740 acres. He was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. 
He and his wife are now deceased and their remains are buried at Flag 
Springs, Andrew County. They were the parents of the following chil- 
dren : Charles E., deceased ; George, deceased ; Lucy, married Frank Mc- 
Brayer, who is engaged in business at Union Star; Caroline, married 
William J. Fuson, Eldorado Springs; Sarah, married Jerry Bowman, 
and they live in Kansas; Susan, married Carr Bailey, a farmer and stock 
raiser of the state of Washington; Harry L., a farmer and stockraiser, 
Crosby, Mo. ; and James, the subject of this sketch. 

James Vaughn was about 17 years old when the Civil War broke 
out. He enlisted in the service, becoming a member of Company E, 4th 
Cavalry, Missouri State Militia and served for three years. After receiv- 
ing his honorable discharge from the army he returned to his home and 
bought 60 acres of land with money which he had saved while in the 
service. He bought more land from time to time and is now the owner 
of 287 acres in DeKalb County and is one of the successful men of Gen- 
try County. He owns a nice home in King City and also other city prop- 
erty. , "" 9 

Mr. Vaughn married Emily Purviance, a native of Ohio and a 
daughter of G. W. and Dorcus (Hopkins) Purviance, also natives of 
Ohio. G. W. Purviance was an early settler in DeKalb County and a 
pioneer school teacher there, having taught school there in 1866 and 
1867. He was a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. He 
was twice married. By his first marriage to Dorcus Hopkins, the follow- 
ing children were born : James H., Georgia, William and James Perry 
all of whom are deceased ; C. S.. who lives in Kansas and Lizzie, now the 
widow of John Sheppard and lives in St. Joseph. To the second mar- 
riage of G. W. Purviance were born the following children: Martha, de- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 629 

ceased; George W., deceased; Oliver M., a carpenter-contractor at 
Burke, S. D.; Laura, married Jack Underwood, a farmer and stockman. 
Carter, S. D.; Isaac, a iaundryman, Portland, Ore.; Eva, married J. H. 
Wilson of St. Joseph; Bert, who resides at Burke, S. D. ; and Mrs. 
Vaughn. 

To James Vaughn and wife have been born the following children: 
Lulu Alice, Julia Edna, Clara Lena, Lilly Florence, Lottie Dorcus, and 
Nina Edith, all of whom are deceased; Alva James, born Jan. 4, 1871, 
is now a large ranch owner at Gordon, Neb., where he owns 53,280 
acres of land and is extensively engaged in the cattle business as a pro- 
ducer and dealer; Martha, born Aug. 17, 1876, married William H. 
Bradley, a farmer and rural mail carrier, living in DeKalb County; 
Georgia May, who took a special music course at Camden Point College, 
married Porter Copeland, a farmer and stock raiser in DeKalb County; 
Audre, born Oct. 3, 1893, married Russell Gregory, a clothing man of 
St. Joseph; George Orville, born May 11, 1896, served in the World War 
for 18 months as bugler at the Great Lakes Naval Station ; and Reginald, 
born April 18, 1914, a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn is being reared 
by them. 

Mr. Vaughn is a Democrat and holds membership in the Masonic 
Lodge and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and 
Mrs. Vaughn have been married 52 years. They are members of the 
Christian Church and rank among the leading citizens of Gentry County. 

D. H. Follett, a successful farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
ship is a native of Gentry County and a member of one of the pioneer 
families of this section of the state. He was born Sept. 7, 1878, a son of 
H. J. and Sarah (Peters) Follett, the former a native of New York and 
the latter of Illinois. H. J. Follett was reared in the state of New York 
and when the Civil War broke out he volunteered for service, becoming 
a member of the New York Infantry. He took part in a number of im- 
portant battles and skirmishes and was severely wounded, being left a 
cripple. He came to Missouri shortly after the close of the war and after 
operating rented land for several years, he bought a farm of 80 acres 
and later bought 120 acres and then 80 acres more, making 200 in all. 
He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Grand Army of the Re- 
public and was a Republican. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church. 

D. H. Follett was reared and educated in Gentry County and began 
life as a farmer and stockman to which he has devoted himself to the 
present time. He is the owner of 80 acres of valuable land and carries 
on general farming and stock raising. He raises Shorthorn cattle and 



630 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Poland China hogs. Since buying his place he has made most of the im- 
provements. This is one of the historic places of Gentry County. The 
California trail having crossed it. 

Mr. Follett married Minine Nash, a native of Nodaway County, and 
a daughter of Thomas and Amanda (Witt) Nash, the former being a na- 
tive of Buchanan County; they were the parents of the following chil- 
dren : Ora, married Wilbur Erwin, a farmer and stockman living in 
Johnson County; Ota, married Warren Thompson, a merchant of War- 
rensburg; Anna, married Emmett Bayles, a farmer and stockman near 
Sedalia ; and Mrs. Follett of this review. Mrs. Follett's father is now liv- 
ing and her mother is deceased and her remains are buried at Warrens- 
burg. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Follett have been born the following children: Hi- 
ram Thomas, died in infancy; Pauline, born Aug. 27, 1902, married Fred 
Akins, a farmer and stockman living in Andrew County; Beryl, born 
Sept. 15, 1904, married Lawrence Brooks, a farmer and stockman of 
GentiT County; Kennit, born March 8, 1909, now a student in high 
school; Floe and Zoe, twins, born July 27, 1912, attending the public 
schools. 

Mr. Follett is a Republican and Mrs. Follett is a Democrat. They 
have an extensive acquaintance and are highly respected in the com- 
munity. 

Charles E. Hammer, a successful farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County, was born in Andrew County, June 12, 1862, 
and is a member of one of the honored pioneer families of this section 
of the state. He is the son of Peter T. and Mary (Coney) Hammer, both 
natives of Germany. Peter T. Hammer left his native land and came to 
America when he was 21 years old and his wife came here with her par- 
ents when she was a young girl. 

Peter T. Hammer was a pioneer settler of Gentry County. He first 
bought 600 acres of land and engaged in farming and stock raising and 
prospered. During the course of his career he accumulated 1,300 acres 
of land. He was a successful stockman and gave special attention to 
raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He began life in the 
then new and unsettled country with very little means. His first home 
here was a log cabin. By hard work and good management he won suc- 
cess and became one of the substantial and well-to-do citizens of the 
community. The Hammer place was located on the old St. Joseph and 
Albany trail, one of the historic land marks which has long since become 
a matter of history. Peter T. Hammer was one of the first horticultur- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY t:OUNTIES 631 

ists in this section and raised the first apples in this section. There is 
now standing on the Hammer place the oldest pear tree in Gentry- 
County. It is still in good condition and bears large quantities of fruit. 

Peter T. and Mary (Coney) Hammer were born the following chil- 
dren : Samuel, Rosetta, Barbara, Allen Henry, all of whom are deceased; 
Louis, a farmer and stockman, Gentry County; Frank, a farmer and 
stockman, Gentry County; Mary, who resides with her brother Louis in 
Gentry County; Elizabeth, who resides with her brother Charles E., the 
subject of this sketch; Peter, married Iva Miller and lives in Gentry 
County; and Charles E., whose name introduces this sketch. 

Charles E. Hammer was reared on the home farm and educated in 
the district school. In boyhood and early manhood he assisted on the 
home place and has therefore been familiar with farming and stock 
raising all his life. He now owns a well improved and valuable farm 
of 360 acres where he is successfully engaged in farming and stock 
raising. He raises Aberdeen Angus cattle and his herd is recognized to 
be the finest in Gentry County. His sister, Elizabeth is interested with 
him in the cattle business. 

Mr. Hammer is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of 
Gentry County and the Hammer family is prominent in the community. 

Joseph Owen Day, who for many years was actively engaged in 
farming and stock raising in Gentry County has met with well merited 
success and is now living retired at King City. He was born in Clay 
County, Indiana, April 21, 1854, a son of John and Elizabeth (Conway) 
Day, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Indiana. 

John Day went to Iowa and then came to Missouri with his family 
in 1865. Later he moved to Kansas where he died. He was the owner 
of 160 acres of land in that state. During his life time he took an active 
part in local affairs and held various local offices. He was an active 
member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and was a deacon for a 
number of years. He died in Kansas and his remains are buried in that 
state and his wife is buried in Clark County, Iowa. They were the par- 
ents of the following children: Thomas and Bryan, twins, Francis and 
Elizabeth, all of whom are deceased ; Mary, married Thomas W. Phil- 
lips, a real estate and insurance man of Moundsville, Mo., where he held 
the office of postmatser for 25 years; and Joseph Owen who.se name in- 
troduces this review. 

Joseph Owen Day attended such schools as the times and locality 
afforded and grew to manhood on a farm. When a young man he be- 
gan working out by the month and eight years later bought his first land 



632 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

which was a claim of 80 acres. Later he sold that place and rented for 
two years. He then began buying land in Gentry County, and is now an 
extensive land owner. He carried on general farming although he hab 
more especially directed his attention to stock raising and has handled 
large quantities of stock and fed cattle for the market on an extensive 
scale. He has been one of the substantial stockmen of Gentry County. 

Mr. Day married Ada Jane Long, August 25, 1886, a native of Gen- 
try County and a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Green) Long, the 
former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Iowa. John W. Long was 
engaged in farming in Kansas for a number of years. He is a Repub- 
lican and has always been an active worker in the Wesleyan Methodist 
Church. His wife is now deceased and her remains are buried at Dar- 
lington, and he resides at Albany. They were the parents of the follow- 
ing children: Mary, Henrietta, Ella, all of whom are deceased; Martha, 
married W. L. Vanhooser, a traveling salesman of Chillicothe ; James, a 
ranchman, living in Wyoming; John Leonard, a farmer and stock raiser, 
Darlington; Thomas, a contractor in South Dakota; Edward, a farmer 
and stockman, Albany ; Jessie, a railroad conductor in South Dakota ; 
and Mrs. Day of this review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Owen Day have been born the following 
children: John E., deceased; Albert Ralph, born Jan. 10, 1888, now liv- 
ing in Kansas City; Elmer, born April 8, 1889, who is engaged in farm- 
ing on the home place ; Ora, born Sept. 12, 1890, who is in the employ of 
the Gentry County Bridge Company; lea, married George S. Gromer, a 
farmer and stock raiser near Pattonsburg; and Ada Josephine, bom 
July 16, 1908. Albert Ralph Day is a veteran of the World War and was 
in the officers' training service, receiving his honorable discharge after 
the Armstice was signed. 

Mr. Day and his wife are Republicans and members of the Baptist 
Church. He has held the office of school director for nine years. They 
have a modem home in King City and rank among the leading repre- 
sentative citizens of Gentry County. 

Clarence E. Tunnell, a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Tonwship, Gentry County, is a native of Illinois. He was born near Jack- 
sonville, Jan. 21, 1867, a son of Stephen S. and Eveline (Ferguson) Tun- 
nell, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. Ste- 
phen S. Tunnell came to Missouri in 1885 and settled in Gentry County 
and bought 600 acres of land. Here he engaged in farming and stock 
raising and met with success. He was a Republican and a member of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 633 

the Presbj-terian Church. Both he and his wife are now deceased and 
their remains are buried at King City. 

Clarence E. Tunneil was one of 11 children born to his parents, 
three of whom are living. He was reared on the home farm and attended 
the public schools. When a young man he remained on the home farm 
and assisted his father and thus he has had a life of long experience as 
a farmer and stockman. He is the owner of a well improved ar.d valua- 
ble farm of 320 acres in Jackson Township. Here he carries on general 
farming and stock raising. He raises Shorthorn cattle, Red Duroc hogs 
and is also quite extensively engaged in breeding standard bred poul- 
try. Mr. Tunnell's place is one of the historic old farms of Jacksoii 
Township. The old residence which was a two room structure, is still 
.standing and is a part of the residence which was remodeled about 1910 
and is a fine modern home. The old St. Joseph trail passed through his 
place. 

Clarence E. Tunneil married Miss Maggie E. Colville, a native of 
Andrew County and a daughter of William and Margaret (Gibson) Col- 
ville, both natives of Scotland. Mrs. Tunneil is one of the following chil- 
dren born to her parents: James was a farmer and stock raiser in An- 
drew County, is now deceased ; Hugh, a farmer and stockman in Kan- 
sas; William, a farmer and stockman in Andrew County; Jane, married 
John Bashor and lives in Andrew County; Charles, a farmer and stock- 
man of Gentry County; John, a farmer living in western Kansas; and 
Mrs. Tunneil, of this review. 

To Clarence E. and Maggie E. (Coville) Tunneil have been born 
the following children: Claude D., Florence, Lena, Flossie Mae, Alice 
Lea. Claude Dudley Tunneil was born June 1, 1892; reared and edu- 
cated in Gentry County and was engaged in farming and stock raising. 
When the United States entered the World War he entered the United 
States army through the selective draft, Oct. 1, 1917. He was sent to 
Camp Funston, Kansas, becoming a member of Company D, 365th In- 
fantry, 89th Division. He was transferred from there to Camp Merritt. 
New Jersey. The following April he was sent to France and on July 1, 
went to the front with his Division. He took part in the heavy fighting in 
which the American troops were engaged and on Oct. 24, 1918, he was 
killed in action in the Argonne Fore.st. He had been on the firing line 
for 24 days at the time of his death. His remains are buried in France, 
in the Argonne American Cemetery, 1232 Romague Sons Montfausan, 
Grave No. 69. Section 34, Plat 2. He was a member of Company D, 30th 
Infantry. Florence Tunneil was born Feb. 19, 1895, and is now the wife 



634 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of Fred Swan and they live in Gentry County. Lena Tunnell was born 
Jan. 1, 1898; was educated in the King City High School and the State 
Teachers College at Maryville ; is a teacher in Albany. Flossie Mae Tun- 
nell was born July 5, 1900, and is now a student at the Teachers State 
College, Maryville. Alice Lee Tunnell was born Nov. 22, 1918. 

Mr. Tunnell is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen and one of the sub- 
stantial men of the community. 

William S. Cook, a progressive farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County, is a native of New York. He was bom in Pen- 
field. Dec. 7, 1839, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Smith) Cook, both 
natives of England. The father learned the shoemaker's trade in early 
life and after coming to America settled in Wisconsin. Samuel and Mary 
(Smith) Cook were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, 
married Charles Prees, a railroad man of Waukasha, Wis. ; James, a re- 
tired farmer and stockman, living in Wisconsin; William S., the subject 
of this sketch ; and the following children are deceased : Nelson, Charles, 
George, Sarah and Ann. 

William S. Cook received his education in the public schools and be- 
gan life for himself as a farm hand. Two years later he bought 80 acres 
of land in Gentry County and is now the owner of 113i acres in Jackson 
Township where he has carried on general farming and stock raising for 
a number of years and has met with success. 

Mr. Cook married Sarah Camp a native of England who came to 
America with her parents when she was a child. She was a daughter of 
Thomas and Mary (Haylett) Camp who were the parents of seven chil- 
dren only one of whom is living, Walter Camp. Thomas Camp was a 
farmer and he and his wife spent their lives in Wisconsin, and are both 
buried in that state. William S. Cook and wife were the parents of the 
following children: Allen who was born in Wisconsin, April 19, 1868, 
and is now a drug clerk at King City ; Walter, born in Gentry County, 
Jan. 17, 1870, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in Jackson 
Township, operating his father's farm ; and Mary, married Fred Shottel, 
a farmer and stockman in Gentry County. Mrs. Cook died Sept. 5, 1916, 
and her remains are buried in the Star Chapel Cemetery in Andrew 
County. 

Mr. Cook is now practically retired from active business affairs, 
although he makes his home on his farm in Jackson Township. He is p. 
Republican, and is one of the substantial and highly respected pioneer 
citizens of Gentry County. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 635 

George F. Sealey, a well known citizen and prosperous farmer and 
stockman of Gentry County is a native of Iowa. He is a son of John and 
Elvira (Stores) Sealey, the former a native of England and the latter of 
New York. John Sealey came to America with his parents when a child 
and the family settled in Hoboken, N. J. When he was 19 years old he 
came west and settled in Jackson County, Iowa. When the Civil War 
broke out he enlisted in Company I, 24th Regiment, Iowa Infantry and 
during the course of his military career he took part in some of the im- 
portant battles of the Civil War, besides numerous skirmishes and lesser 
engagements. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and had many narrow 
escapes. On one occasion his haversack was shot off and while he was 
never wounded, he never fully recovered his health after the war. His 
wife taught school in Iowa while he served in the Civil War. After re- 
turning from the army he engaged in farming and stock raising. He was 
a Republican and a member of the Methodist church. He is now de- 
ceased and his widow lives in King City. 

George F. Sealey was educated in the public schools and began life 
farming rented land. After two years he bought 80 acres which he later 
sold and bought 160 acres. He afterwards sold that and bought 200 
acres in Jackson Township which he still owns. This is a well improved 
farm and Mr. Sealey carries on general farming and stock raising and 
has met with success. 

Mr. Sealey inarried Addie Brown, a daughter of Thomas Jefferson 
and Rebecca (Tucker) Brown, the former of Tazewell County, Virginia, 
and the latter of Illinois. Thomas Jefferson Brown was a veteran of the 
Civil War, having served in the Missouri State Militia. He was a farmer 
and stockman all of his life. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, 
the Grand Army of the Republic and was a Republican and belonged to 
the Baptist Church. He and his wife are deceased and are buried in 
Gentry County at Berlin. Mrs. Sealey is one of the following children 
born to her parents: Margaret, married J. W. Barclay and is now de- 
ceased; Louise, married Clark Hussey and is deceased; Lillie, deceased; 
Volney, now living retired at Albany; Thomas, farmer a;id stockman, 
King City; Rebecca, married Orlin Butler, Ford City; Alley, married Da- 
vid Fore, Gentryville; Dora, married Jesse Clark, Ford City; Orville, a 
former county judge of Gentry County, now resides near Berlin in this 
county; and Mrs. Sealey of this review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Sealey have been born the following children: 
Esther and Lillie, deceased; Maurice E., born June 19, 1893, educated 
in the public schools and Card's Business College, St. Joseph, entered 



636 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the United States army in September, 1917, after a period of training at 
Camp Funston went to France with the 89th Division and took part in 
much of the severe fighting on the western front, was severely wounded 
at the battle of Argonne Forrest, being struck in the leg, hip and back 
by shrapnel, was discharged at Camp Funston in April, 1919, and is 
now engaged in farming and stock raising in South Dakota ; Glenn, was 
born March 10, 1894, was educated in the public schools and Commer- 
cial College at St. Joseph, enlisted service in the World War, was dis- 
charged after the Armistice was signed and now lives in South Dakota ; 
Mabel, was born Dec. 22, 1895, was educated in the public schools and 
Card's Business College at St. Joseph, married Ray Pulley and lives at 
Denver, Colo.; Paul, born Oct. 14, 1899, in Gentry County, educated in 
the public schools and Commercial College, is now engaged in farming 
and stock raising with his father; Thedore is now engaged in farming 
and stock raising in South Dakota ; and James Wayne, who is attending 
the local schools. 

Mr. Sealey is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Republican and a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church. 

L. C. Loest, a progressive and prosperous farmer and stockman of 
Miller Township was born in Gentry County, Dec. 6, 1877, and is a son 
of William and Barbara (Ruber) Loest. 

William Loest was born in Berlin, Germany, and came to America 
in 1866. He first located in St. Louis and went from there to St. Joseph 
and then came to Gentry County, where he became a well-to-do farmer 
and stockman and the owner of 408 acres of land. Barbara (Ruber) 
Loest was also a native of Germany and came to America in 1865. 

To William Loest and wife were born the following children : Wil- 
liam and Albert, both deceased; Amelia, married Fred Reintz and they 
live in King City ; Lena, married Claude Gregory who is engaged in the 
poultry business in King City; Otto, a farmer and stockman in Gentry 
County; and L. C, the subject of this sketch. 

L. C. Loest was reared to manhood on the home farm in Gentry 
County and received his education in the public schools. He began fann- 
ing for himself on rented land and thus continued for eight years. He 
then bought his present place of 200 acres in Miller Township. He has 
made extensive improvements and has a good residence, barns and 
other suitable farm buildings. He raises Aberdeen Angus cattle and Po- 
land China hogs and is recognized as one of the successful stockmen of 
the County. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 637 

Mr. Loest married Miss Jeanette Rizzi, a daughter of A. Rizzi, a 
prominent citizen of King City, a biographical sketch of whom appears 
elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Loest have been born three 
children as follows: Carl, born March 23, 1903, a graduate of high 
school and now taking an agricultural course in the University of Mis- 
souri at Columbia ; Charlotte, born Jan. 17, 1905, now a high school stu- 
dent, resides at home with her parents; Lucille, also a student in high 
school, resides at home with her parents. 

Mrs. Loest is a very successful poultry raiser and has met with un- 
usual success in raising Plymouth Rock chickens and Narragansett tur- 
keys and has won first prize at a number of poultry shows. The Loest 
place is underlaid with a rich deposit of coal, an 18-inch vein having 
been proved in several different places on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Loest 
both support the policies and principles of the Democratic party and he 
is a member of the Masonic Lodge. 

John M. Cummings, a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser of Miller 
Township is a native of Canada, born in 1867. He is a son of Patrick 
and Mary Ann (Gushing) Cummings, the former a native of Ireland and 
the latter of Canada. Patrick Cummings was reared to manhood in his 
native land and when 21 years old went to Canada where he was mar- 
ried. In 1869 he came to the United States and settled in Andrew 
County, Missouri, and engaged in farming and stock raising and also 
carried on dairying. He was a Democi-at and a member of the Catholic 
Church. He and his wife are both deceased and are buried at Concep- 
tion, Mo. They were the parents of the following children: Martin, 
Catherine, and Mary, all of whom are deceased; Susan, married Dennie 
Buckley; John M., the subject of this sketch; Thomas, Norman, Okla. ; 
Mary, St. Joseph; and Patrick J., Lone Wolf, Okla. 

John M. Cummings was about two years old when the family came 
to Missouri. He attended the district schools and was brought up on the 
home farm and has thus made farming and stock raising his life occupa- 
tion. He is the owner of 440 acres of land in Miller Township and car- 
ries on general farming and stock raising. He gives special attention to 
raising Aberdeen Angus cattle. Spotted Poland China hogs and Norman 
horses. 

Mr. Cummings married Addie L'lrich who was born in California, a 
daughter of Christopher Ulrich. a native of Indiana and a veteran of the 
Civil War. Christopher Ulrich enlisted June 1, 1861, in Captain Edgar's 
2nd Company; served to March 31, 1862. Then in Company F, 6th M. 
S. M. Cavalry from March 31, 1862, to May 30, 1864, and in Company A, 



638 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

13th Missouri Vet. Cavalry from May 31, 1864, to April 18, 1866, when 
he received his honorable discharge. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich now reside in Cameron. Mrs. Cummings is one 
of the following children born to her parents: Vaddie, man-ied Benja- 
min Boley, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Lizzie, married 
Christopher Case a farmer and stockman, Ford City; Rosa, married Ste- 
phen Clevenger, a farmer and stockman. Turner; Lena, married William 
Meyer, a real estate and insurance man of Colorado; Flossie, married 
Frank Myers a farmer, near Cameron; John a farmer and stockman, 
Cameron; Fred, a dairyman, Cameron; Christopher, Jr., painter and 
decorator, Kansas City ; and Mrs. Cummings. 

To John M. Cummings and wife have been born the following chil- 
dren: Loretta, married Ferris Keys, manager for the Miner & Frees 
Lumber Company, King City, and they have two children, W. C. and 
Frances Jackson ; the former aged two years and the latter an infant. 
Thelma, a student in high school ; Blanche attending school ; Lorine, a 
student in the public schools. Mr. Keys is a veteran of the World War, 
serving 18 months in France and rose to the rank of sergeant. His hear- 
ing was slightly affected from concussion of heavy exploisves. He was 
a member of the 89th Division. 

Alva Mann, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Gentry 
County and a member of a prominent pioneer family of this section of 
the state is a native son of Gentry County. He was born on the farm 
where he now resides Nov. 17, 1877, and is a son of James and Matilda 
(Berge) Mann. 

James Mann was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and when a 
boy of 15 years he came to America. He made the trip across the At- 
lantic on a ship named the City of Glasgow which sank on the next trip 
it made. After coming to this country he first located in St. Louis and 
worked in a harness factory for a time. From there he went to Iowa 
where he was employed in a mine for a time when he went to Minnesota 
and shortly afterwards returned to Iowa and from there came to Gentry 
County. Here he bought land and engaged in farming and stock raising 
and prospered. He owned a half section of land in Gentry County, two 
sections in Nebraska, one section in Minnesota and 80 acres in Iowa. 
When he came to Gentry County there were no railroads here, all the 
principal supplies being hauled with teams from St. Joseph. There was 
only one store in King City. He was an extensive cattleman and a prom- 
inent factor in the early development of Gentry County. 

James Mann was twice married. His first wife being Zenorah Rad- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 639 

ford, a native of Iowa and one child was born to that union. Bion Mann, 
now a fruit farmer living in California. After the death of his first wife 
James Mann married Mitaldia Berge and three children were born to 
that union: Lillie, married Charles Potter of Gentry County; Frances, 
married Hiram Rainey, Stoddard County, Missouri; and Alva, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. James Mann was a Republican and a member of the 
Methodist Church. He and his wife are both deceased and are buried 
in the Moulton, or Owl Creek Cemetery. 

Alva Mann was educated in the public schools and high school and 
afterwards took a course in the Chillicothe Commercial College where 
he was graduated. After reaching manhood he was a.ssociated with his, 
father in farming and stock raising for eight years. He then bought 40 
acres of land and began farming and stock i-aising on his own account. 
He is now the owner of 240 acres of valuable and well improved land. 
He has a good two story residence and the barns and other buildings 
about the place are of a high standard. Mr. Mann carries on general 
farming and raises Hereford cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and Shropshire 
sheep. He is also widely known as a successful breeder of seed corn and 
has exhibited his seed corn, at the World Fairs at Chicago and San 
Francisco and numerous other fairs throughout the country. He has 
won a number of first premiums and in all has taken 150 blue ribbons in 
the exhibition of his seed corn. He is one of the leading seed corn men 
of the country. He specializes in Yellow Dent corn and is recognized as 
one of the three leading corn breeders of Missouri. 

Alva Mann married Mary Boley, a native of Gentry County, and a 
daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth (Rainey) Boley. Enoch Boley was a 
native of Tennessee and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the 
Union army and served three years and experienced much severe fight- 
ing although he was never wounded. He was at the battle of Wilson 
Creek, Blue Ridge, Independence and a number of other engagements. 
After the war he engaged in farming and stock raising and both he and 
his wife are deceased and are buried in the Moulton Cemetery. He was 
a Republican. Mrs. Mann is one of the following children born to her 
parents: John, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Joseph W., 
also a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Sarah, married Marcus 
Potter, a farmer and stockman in Wyoming; and Mrs. Mann of this re- 
view. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Alva Mann have been born the following children: 
Pearl, born April 21, 1902; Wayne, Oct. 19, 1905; Clifford, born June 



640 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

1, 1912, and Dale, born Oct. 26,. 1916, all of whom reside at home with 
their parents. 

Mr. Mann is a public spirited and progressive citizen and is widely 
known in Gentry County and western Missouri. 

Idella Knight, a well known and highly respected citizen of Gallatin, 
was born in Daviess County, the daughter of Ellis and Sarah (Baker) 
Knight. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Knight were natives of Virginia and early settlers 
of Daviess County. They settled three miles east of the present home of 
Miss Knight. Mr. Knight carried on general farming and stock raising 
until the time of his death, June 13, 1871. His wife then opreated the 
farm with the assistance of her two sons, Thomas Benton and Isaac 
Newton. She died July 25, 1880, at the age of 76 years. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Knight are buried in Centenary Cemetery. 

To Ellis and Sarah (Baker) Knight 12 children were born, as follows: 
Louis Chauncey, deceased ; John Wesley, deceased ; James F., married 
Sarah Peniston, both deceased ; Martha Ann, deceased ; William Ellis, 
married Mellissa Smith, living east of Gallatin; Sarah Elizabeth, deceased; 
was the wife of George Burge, Oklahoma ; Thomas Benton, married Lina 
B. McCollough, both deceased, and are buried in McCollough Cemeteiy, 
Tripplett, Mo. ; Isaac Newton, married Margaret Leeper, deceased, buried 
in Brown Cemetery, Gallatin ; Nancy Ellen, married Rev. Willian L. Mer- 
ritt, both deceased ; Mary S., the widow of James B. McCollough, now living 
with her sister; Idella, the subject of this sketch; Naomi Lee, died Sept. 
14, 1921. 

Miss Idella Knight moved to her present home in December, 1885. 
It is a beautiful two story frame dwelling, located just on the southeast 
edge of Gallatin. 

In politics Miss Knight is a Democrat, although she takes no active in- 
terest in politics. 

There is probably not a better known family of Democrats in Daviess 
County than the Knight family. They are of the sturdy pioneer stock 
whose sons and daughters have helped to develop this section to its present 
status, and they always have been a "tribe" of good, dependable, popular 
folks, doing favors and service for others, but seldom, if ever, asking 
favors for themselves. 

Miss Knight is a member of the Methodist church. She and her sis- 
ter, Mrs. McCollough are interesting ladies, and highly respected and 
honored citizens. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 641 

Claude M. Evans, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stock- 
man of Miller Township, Gentry County is a native of this county. He 
was born in 1881 and is a son of Jefferson and Sarah Frances (McGuire) 
Evans. Thomas Jefferson Evans was an extensive farmer and stockman 
and was successful in his undertakings. He was a Democrat and a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. He was affiliated with the Masonic 
Lodge and the Knights of Pythias. He is now deceased and his remains 
are buried at King City and his widow now lives at Ford City. 

Claude M. Evans was one of three children born to his parents, the 
other two being as follows: Earl, a farmer and stockman, living in Gen- 
try County; and Samuel, a bookkeeper in the Citizens National Bank at 
King City. Claude M. Evans was reared on a farm and educated in the 
district schools and since early manhood has been engaged in farming. 
He was associated with his father for a time and for awhile operated 
rented land. He now owns 120 acres which is well improved with a good 
residence and barn and he carries on general farming and stock raising 
and is meeting with success. This is one of the historic old places of 
Gentry County, having been crossed by the old St. Joseph trial in the 
early days and an old log cabin stood on the present site of Mr. Evans' 
residence. 

Mr. Evans was married to Margaret Rainey, daughter of William 
and Emeline (Boley) Rainey. William Rainey was a prominent farmer 
and stockman. He was a member of the Christian Church and was a Re- 
publican and a Mason. He died in May, 1920, and is buried at Ford City. 
His widow resides on the home place. 

Mrs. Evans is one of the following children born to her parents: 
John H., a merchant in St. Joseph; Benjamin P., a Spanish-American 
War veteran who also served in the Philippine Islands, is now a vet- 
erinary surgeon in St. Joseph; David M. and Albert B., twins; David 
M., resides in St. Joseph and Albert B. is a farmer and stockman in Gen- 
try County; Hiram B., is a Spanish-American war veteran and lives in 
southern Missouri ; Ira, Dix, 111. ; Roy O., in the ice business in St. Joseph ; 
Osha, married Clarence Starks, a railroad man of Kansas City; Elmer 
L., a merchant at Ford City ; Tipton, a World War veteran, now engaged 
in farming and stock raising in Gentry County; and Mrs. Evans of this 
review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Claude M. Evans have been born three children: 
Zelma, born Dec. 22, 1906; Maxine, born Dec. 20, 1914; and Marvin 
Miller, born Nov. 30, 1918. 

Mr. Evans is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church 
and the Evans family is highly respected in Gentry County. 



642 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

John R. Hardwick, an enterprising and well known general mer- 
chant at Berlin, Gentry County, is a native of Kentucky, born Oct. 10, 
1851. He is a son of Nimrod and Jane (Pugh) Hardwick, the former a 
native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. They came to Missouri 
in 1856 and settled in Gentry County. This was well on the border of 
the frontier at that time and the country was wild and unbroken. The 
family first lived in a log cabin and endured the many privations inci- 
dent to pioneer life. The father engaged in farming and stock raising 
and was the owner of 360 acres of land. He was a Mason, a Democrat 
and a member of the Christian Church. He and his wife are both de- 
ceased and are buried in the Wheeler Cemetery. 

Nimrod Hardwick and wife were the parents of the following chil- 
dren: George N., Eliza, Samuel, and Emiline, all of whom are deceased; 
Lovey, married A. W. Mance, a farmer and stockman, living in Missouri ; 
William, a farmer and stockman, in Oklahoma; Emma, who is now a 
widow and resides in California ; and John R., the subject of this sketch. 

John R. Hardwick received his education in the district school in 
the early days and when a young man was engaged in farming on the 
home place with his father. In 1905 he opened a dr>' goods and drug 
store and a few years later he engaged in the general mercantile busi- 
ness to which he has since devoted himself. He carries a very complete 
line of general merchandise and has an extensive trade over a large 
scope of territory. 

Mr. Hardwick married Emma Oriez, a native of Switzerland who 
came to this country with her brother when she was a young girl. Henry 
Oriez, the brother is a railroad agent and now lives in Kansas. To Mr. 
and Mrs. John R. Hardwick have been born the following children: 
Samuel, born Dec. 1, 1883, is assisting his father in the drug store at 
Berlin; Nora, born June 1, 1885, married Jesse Campbell, a farmer and 
stockman, living in Nebraska; John M., born Nov. 10, 1887, a farmer 
and stockman, Elkhart, Kan.; Ziti, born Sept. 3, 1889, married Allen 
Robertson, a farmer and stockman of Gentry County ; Ruth, born March 
4, 1891, married L. L. Carson, a farmer and stockman of Gentry County; 
Russell, born July 6, 1893, clerking in a dry goods store at Elkhart, 
Kan.; Ernest, born Feb. 24, 1895, a veteran of the World War, was in 
training at Camp Funston, went overseas with the 89th Division, partici- 
pated in the heavy fighting of that Division, was severely wounded in 
the battle of Argonne Forest and after the armistice was signed was 
honorably discharged and is still under the care of the government at 
Harding, Mont.; Eliza R., born Sept. 3, 1897, graduated from high 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 643 

school and the State Teachers College at Maryville, now a bookkeeper 
and stenographer in the First National Bank, King City; Lucile, born 
March 6, 1898, graduated from high school and the Teachers State Col- 
lege at Maryville, is now a bookkeeper in the First National Bank at 
King City; Camelle, born May 3, 1901, a graduate of high school and 
the Teachers State College at Maryville, is now teaching in Gentryville; 
Pauline, born Oct. 29, 1903, a graduate from high school and the 
Teachers State College at Maryville, is now a teacher at Mt. Pleasant; 
and Mildred, born Jan. 7, 1907, a student in high school and resides at 
home. The children were all born in Gentry County. 

Mr. Hardwick is a Democrat and a member of the Christian 
Church. He is public spirited and progressive and the Hardwick family 
stand high in the community. 

William E. Dator, a Civil War veteran and prominent pioneer of 
Miller Township, was born in Green County, New York, Sept. 11, 1839. 
He is a son of John and Sallie (Barker) Dator, both natives of Green 
County, New York, where the father was prominently identified in poli- 
tics and served as sheriff for a number of years. 

William E. Dator was one of six children born to his parents. The 
Civil War broke out about the time he reached his majority and he en- 
listed in the Union Army, becoming a member of the 11th Illinois Cav- 
alry of which Col. Robert G. Tngersoll was Colonel. Mr. Dator took part 
in all the engagements in which his regiment participated and experi- 
enced much severe fighting. Before the war, Mr. Dator worked by the 
month for a time at $8.00 per month. He came to Missouri in 1866. He 
bought 200 acres here before coming to this state and is now the owner 
of 237 acres. His palce is well improved with a good residence, barns 
and other improvements which have been made by Mr. Dator, the place 
being practically unimproved when he bought it. He experienced all 
the hard times, low prices and high rates of interest which made the lot 
of the builders of the West a hard one. There were no railroads when 
he came here which made transportation difficult and markets inaccessa- 
ble. Everything had to be hauled to St. Joseph. 

Mr. Dator married Mary Jane Lowery, a daughter of Charles and 
Mary (Earlick) Lowery. Charles Lowery served as county judge of 
Gentry County and was an extensive land owner, owning 600 acres. He 
was a prominent farmer and a Republican. He and his wife are both 
deceased and their remains are buried in Fairview Cemetery. 

To William E. Dator and wife have been born the following chil- 
dren : Carrie, who was a teacher for ten years, married George Hall, 
also a teacher; William, who now manages his father's farm; Ella, 



644 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

married William Adkisson, of Gentry County ; Addie, married Edward 
Manring, a farmer and stockman living at McFall. 

Mr. Dator is one of the substantial citizens of Gentry County and 
has always taken an interest in public affairs and the welfare of the 
community. He served as clerk of the school board for 40 years and at 
the time of his resignation was the oldest clerk in the county. Mrs. Da- 
tor died in 1909 and her remains are buried in Fairview Cemetery. 

William Alexander Jameson, a Gentry County pioneer now living 
retired at McFall, is a native of Tennessee. He is a son of David Finley 
and Eliza Anne (Batton) Jameson, both natives of Tennessee. The Jam- 
eson family were very early settlers in Gentry County, coming here from 
Monroe County in 1853. The father was a farmer and spent the re- 
mainder of his life in Gentry County after coming here. He died Dec. 2, 
1887. His wife is also deceased. 

David Finley Jameson and wife were the parents of the following 
children: Francis Y., David, Mary Jane, and Joseph, all of whom are 
deceased ; Hiram, a farmer and stock raiser near Ford City ; Samuel, liv- 
ing retired at McFall; and William Alexander, the subject of this 
sketch. David Finley Jameson was prominently identified with the early 
history of Gentry County. He was the owner of 160 acres of land and 
served as justice of the peace for seven years. He was a Democrat and 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

William Alexander Jameson, was married June 16, 1872, to Mary 
Belle Buster a native of Caldwell County. She is a daughter of John 
Buster a prominent pioneer farm'er and an early settler of Caldwell 
County. He was a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian church and 
he and his wife are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Jameson were born 
the following children: Eliza Emeline, deceased; Mary Frances, mar- 
ried Newton McMillen and they live at Bloomington, 111.; Sarah, mar- 
ried Homer Bentley, a farmer and stockman near Gentryville; Carrie, 
married Thomas Setzer, who is engaged in the garage business at Al- 
bany; Lola Maude, married Clark Costolo, who is a traveling salesman 
and lives at McFall; Davidean, married Walter Ross, Pattonsburg; Bil- 
lie Louise, married Clark Murfey, Bloomington, 111. 

William A. Jameson, settled in Gentry County at an early day com- 
ing here with his parents who settled in Gentryville and experienced all 
the hardships of the pioneer life. He was engaged in farming and .stock 
raising for a number of years and is now living retired at McFall. He is 
a Democrat and a well known and highly respected citizen. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 645 

Enoch W. Brewer, the well known and capable postmaster at Mc- 
Fall was for many years engaged in teaching and is one of the well 
known educators of this section. He was born in Daviess County, Dec. 
27, 1860, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah Frances (Neil) Brewer, both 
natives of North Flag Park, Kentucky. Thomas Brewer was an early 
settler in this section of Missouri and was a farmer and is now living re- 
tired. He is a Civil War veteran, having been in the service about 18 
months. He is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. 

To Thomas Brewer and wife were born the following children: 
Spencer, deceased ; Victoria, married N. P. Christie, a carpenter living 
at Mound City; Lorena, married Arthur Graves, a real estate dealer, 
Monte Vista, Col. ; Minerva, married Clyde Lucaus, a farmer, Monte 
Vista, Col.; R. T., a farmer and stockman, Gentry County; Virginia, 
married Theodore Coffman, a railroad conductor who is now deceased 
and she resides in Salt Lake City, Utah; J. C, a barber, Akron, Col.; 
Ethel, married William Fallace, a ranchman, Colorado; and Enoch W., 
the subject of this sketch. 

Enoch W. Brewer was educated in the public schools and the Stan- 
berry Normal school. He began life as a teacher and for 40 years was 
successfully engaged in teaching in Gentry and Harrison Counties and 
was engaged in that profession until he was appointed postmaster of 
McFall, Oct. 1, 1921. 

Mr. Brewer was first married March 4, 1896, to Miss Josie Evans, 
a native of Harrison County, now deceased. The following children 
were born to that union : Lola and Clinton, deceased ; Evans, a telegraph 
operator, enlisted for service in the World War at Fort Logan, Col., May 
14, 1917, was in training at Fort Leavenworth and Camp Merritt, New 
Jersey, was sent to France in the Signal Corps, took part in the heavy 
fighting on the Western Front, was gassed and after the armistice was 
signed was discharged at Fort Logan, Col., Dec. 24, 1918, is now a tele- 
graph operator on the Denver and Rio Grande railroad ; Glee Brewer 
was born Feb. 4, 1900, is a graduate of high school and attended the 
State Teachers College at Maryville, now lives in Los Angeles, Calif. 
On Oct. 9, 1905, Mr. Brewer was married to Cleora Crawford, a native 
of Fayette, Howard County, Missouri. She was educated in high school 
and the Stanberry Normal school and was successfully engaged in teach- 
ing for 13 years before her marriage, having taught in Kansas and Gen- 
tryville and McFall. Mrs. Brewer is a daughter of William and Julia A. 
(Williams) Crawford both natives of Kentucky. William Crawford 
came to Missouri in 1880 and settled in Howard County where he was 
engaged in farming and stock raising and was an extensive land owner. 



646 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

He was a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. He died 
March 21, 1881, and his wife died June 1, 1891. They were the parents 
of the following children: Margaret, James, Chester, Dr. Charles L., 
and Pauline Abigail, all of whom are deceased; G. T., a farmer and 
stock raiser, Fayette, Mo.; Dr. William E., a physician and surgeon. 
Council Grove, Kan.; John, a farmer and stockman, Vandalia, Mo.; and 
Jefferson D., a salesman. To Mr. and Mrs. Brewer has been born one 
child, Benjamin, born Nov. 12, 1907, a student in the public schools. 

Mr. Brewer is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church 
and Mrs. Brewer is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. 

Henry C. Jolly, a progressive and enterprising merchant of McFall 
who has been engaged in the drug business for 40 years, is a native of 
Gentry County. He is a son of Samuel J. and Matilda J. (Robertson) 
Jolly, natives of Breckenridge County, Kentucky. Samuel J. Jolly came 
to Missouri and settled in Gentry County in 1852. He was one of the 
very early pioneer settlers. He entered government land upon coming 
here, the government land office being then at Plattsburg. When the 
Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Unoin army and saw much serv- 
ice, remaining in the army from 1861 to 1865. After the war he was 
then engaged in farming and was the owner of 600 acres of land. He 
and his wife are both deceased and are buried in Fairview Cemetery. 
They were the parents of the following children: Albert Newton, Ben- 
jamin, Mary Rainey, and Charles, all of whom are deceased; James P., 
a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Sarah, married Lloyd N. Neil, 
who is deceased and she lives in Nebraska ; Mattie, married William S. 
Manring, a farmer and stockman of Gentry County. 

Henry C. Jolly was educated in the public schools and Keokuk Col- 
lege, Keokuk, Iowa. He began life in the drug business at McFall and 
has been continuously in that business for 40 years. His drug store is 
one of the old established commercial institutions of Gentry County and 
he has an extensive trade. 

Mr. Jolly first married Medora A. Rosebrook, a native of Gentry 
County and to them have been born the following children: Henry C, 
lives in Gentry County; Arlie L., St. Louis; Samuel J., further mention 
of whom is made below; and Lula M. Guinnvau'zhn. Denver. Col. Mr. 
Jolly was married the second time to Mary C. Williams of Gentry 
County, and two children were born to them: Prentice G., further men- 
tion of whom is made below, and Juanita, attending the public schools. 

Prentice Jolly enlisted in the United States navy for service in the 
World War and was in the service laying mines in the North Sea, and 
after the armistice was signed, remained in the service for some time, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 647 

being discharged at the Great Lakes Naval Station, Oct. 19, 1919. He is 
now employed as a night watchman in the Union Stock Yards at Kan- 
sas City. 

Samuel J. Jolly, is a veteran of the World War, having enlisted in 
the Marine Corps at St. Louis shortly after war was declared. He was 
sent to France in the early part of the war and took part in a number of 
important engagements. He was wounded and spent three months in a 
hospital in France. He was discharged after the armistice was signed 
and is now a ranchman, near Phoenix, Ariz. 

Mr. Jolly is a Republican and one of the leading citizens of Gentry 
County. He served as postmaster of McFall from 1881 to 1884. He is a 
member of the L 0. O. F., M. W. A., and the K. of P. 

John Henry Allen, a well known and successful merchant at Mc- 
Fall engaged in the general mercantile business, is a native of Missouri 
and a descendant of one of the very early pioneers of this section of the 
state. He was born in 1856 and is a son of Ezra G., and Mahala (Pet- 
trey) Allen. Ezra G. Allen was a native of Virginia and his wife of 
Ohio. He came to Missouri in 1843. He was a farmer and during the 
Civil War served in the Union Army, being a member of the Missouri 
State Militia. He was justice of the peace for a number of years and 
also served as school director. He was a Republican and a member of 
the Baptist Church. He and his wife are both deceased, and their re- 
mains are buried in Walker Cemetery, Worth County. 

Ezra G. Allen and wife were the parents of the following children: 
Celia, Barbara, Lucinda, and George, all of whom are deceased; W. Z., 
an optician, Joplin, Mo.; Mary Ellen, married Jacob Williams, who is 
now deceased and she resides in Worth County; Thomas, a dealer in 
walnut timber. Council Bluffs, Iowa; Ira, a farmer and stockman in 
Worth County; Oscar, a machinist, Omaha, Neb.; and John H., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

John H. Allen was reared on a farm and began life as a farmer on 
rented land. He then engaged in the butchering business at Albany in 
partnership with A. B. Price. Shortly afterwards he sold out and was 
in the broom business in Albany for 10 years. He was then engaged in 
farming in Iowa for a time when he entered the mercantile business at 
Evona. In 1906 he went to Deslacs, N. D., where he was engaged in the 
hotel business for a year. He then farmed for a year when he engaged 
in business at Deslacs, N. D., again. In 1910 he returned to Missouri and 
engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with his son E. G. 
From there they went to Island City where they were in business for 
seven years. In 1917 Mr. Allen engaged in the general mercantile busi- 



648 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ness at McFall where he has built up a large trade and has one of the 
leading stores of the county. 

Mr. Allen was married to Johannah Dwyer, a native of Harrison 
County, a daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Shane) Dwyer, both na- 
tives of Ireland. Thomas Dwyer came to America when he was 13 years 
old. He learned the blacksmith trade in New York state and afterwards 
went to Iowa where he was engaged in cattle business for a time and 
came to Missouri in 1856. For a number of years he was engaged in 
blacksmithing at Lone Star. He was a Democrat and a member of the 
Baptist Church. He and his wife are both deceased and he is buried at 
Lone Star and she in Harrison County. They were the parents of six 
children: Mary, Nora, Katherine, Thomas, Daniel, all of whom are de- 
ceased ; and Mrs. Allen of this review. 

To John Henry Allen and wife were born the following children : 
Nora Ellen, deceased; Bessie May, deceased; Ezra Grover, a merchant 
in Gentry County; William Chester, a veteran of the World War further 
mention of whom is made below; Elvis E., a merchant at Coffey; 
Charles, a graduate of the Maryville State Teachers College and the 
University of Missouri and a member of the bar of Missouri, is now su- 
perintendent at Flagler, Col. ; Frank, engaged in the furniture business 
at Joplin; Mary Lucinda, married Elmer Egbert, a railroad agent at 
Foristell, Mo. ; Grace, married Charles Garvey, an engineer on the Great 
Northern railroad, lives in North Dakota; Jesse Ray, a veteran of the 
World War of whom further mention is made below; Ruth Mabel, mar- 
ried Dale C. Ripley, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Mc- 
Fall ; and Ralph G., chief clerk for Swift and Company at Pattons- 
burg. 

William Chester Allen enlisted at Calgery, Alberta, early in the 
spring of 1916, in the Canadian army for service in the World War. 
After a period of training he was promoted in the following order: Cor- 
poral, sergeant, sergeant major, the latter promotion carrying with it 
the rank of warrent officer. He left Halifax in December and arrived in 
England, Dec. 26, 1916, and was soon sent to France, reaching the 
front March 1, 1917. He took part in some of the hardest fighting in 
the Western Front and was in France about two years. On one occasion 
his company of 157 men went over the top when they were greatly out- 
numbered by the German forces, the captains and lieutenants were 
killed and Sergeant Allen took command and succeeded in getting 54 
members of his company back to the trenches where the fighting was 
continued for two days and the slaughter continued until his company 
was reduced to 16 men. Their supplies were exhausted and they sig- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 649 

nailed to a flying airplane and relief was soon after sent. During his 
service he was gassed and also received a gunshot wound near the spine. 
After spending six months in a hospital in France he was returned to 
Canada and sent to a hospital at Calgery where he remained until June, 
1918, when he was able to come home and made several speeches in 
Gentry County during one of the Red Cross drives after which he re- 
turned to the hospital. He recovered sufficiently to attend business Col- 
lege but later his condition became worse and in the summer of 1921 he 
returned to the hospital where he is still suffering from the effects from 
the gunshot wound he received while in the service and also from the 
poisonous gas. The wound is so near the spine that it is difficult to treat 
by an operation without great danger. 

Jesse Ray Allen was educated in the public schools and attended 
high school and normal school and he was engaged in teaching when 
the United States entered the World War. He enlisted for service and 
was sent to Camp Dodge, Iowa, for training, becoming a member of 
Company E, 163rd Infantry. He was sent to France in May, 1918, and 
served for 14 months. He was gassed while in service and after the arm- 
istice was signed, remained in the service until July 1, 1919, when he re- 
ceived his honorable discharge at Camp Dodge, Iowa. He is now mana- 
ger of the Teachers Bureau at Fargo, N. D. He served as superintende.it 
of the consolidated school at McFall, and was also superintendent of 
schools at Washington, Iowa. 

John H. Allen is a Republican and a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodman of America. He is a 
dependable citizen and the Allen family stand high in the community. 

J. H. Cunningham, a Civil War veteran who for many years was en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising, is now living retired at McFall. He 
was born Aug. 6, 1857, in Sangamon County, Illinois, a son of William 
and Martha (Hinkle) Cunningham, both natives of Pendleton County, 
West Virginia. They were the parents of four children all of whom are 
deceased except J. H. Cunningham of this review. The parents both 
died in Illinois and their remains are buried at Springfield, 111. 

J. H. Cunningham began life for himself at the age of 14 years in 
Sangamon County, Illinois, and since that time has made his own way 
in the world. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union 
army, becoming a member of Company F, 20th Regiment, Indiana Vol- 
unteer Infantry. Later he was transferred to Company H, 154th Indi- 
ana Infantry. He was with the army at the Potomac and participated 
in a number of the important battles around Richmond. He witnessed 



650 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the engagement between the Merrimac and Monitor which was the first 
engagement in the world between ironclad warships. Students of his- 
tory will recall this engagement and the result. During the course of his 
military service, Mr. Cunningham was injured by having his shoulder 
dislocated on one occasion. His health became so impaired that after 
20 months' service he was discharged on account of disability and never 
fully recovered. 

In the fall of 1866 Mr. Cunningham came to Missouri and for a 
number of years was engaged in farming and stock raising in Daviess 
County and at one time was the owner of 200 acres of land. He is now 
living retired at McFall, having moved here in 1918. He has lived in 
Gentry County since 1909. 

Mr. Cunningham married Miss Mary McCullough, a native of Jas- 
per County, Indiana, and a daughter of George P. and Christina (Morse) 
McCullough. They are both deceased, the father being buried in Da- 
viess County and the mother in Jasper County, Indiana. Mrs. Cunning- 
ham died April 9, 1899, and her remains are buried at McFall. Mrs. 
Cunningham was one of the following children born to her parents: 
Martha, Nancy, Porter, and Duncan are deceased; Katherine, married 
John Hinkle who is now deceased and she lives in Wichita, Kansas; 
Charles, a farmer and stock raiser, Montrose, Col.; and Mrs. Cunning- 
ham of this review 

To J. H. Cunningham and wife were born the following children: 
Jessie, Georgia, Bruce, Martha, Myrtie and Flora are deceased; Fanuel, 
a carpenter, resides at Trenton ; Florence, lives at home with her father; 
Charles, a retired farmer and stockman ; Mary, married Bert Lumrey, a 
farmer and stock raiser in Genty County. 

Mr. Cunningham is a Republican and cast his first vote for Lincoln 
for United States senator and voted for him for president twice. He held 
the office of constable in Daviess County and was school trustee and road 
overseer for a number of years. He is a member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic and the Christian Church. 

John H. Hoyt of the firm of Hoyt Brothers which is composed of 
John H., Noah and Charles Hoyt who conduct the leading garage of Mc- 
Fall and also do an extensive blacksmithing and automobile business, 
is a native of Missouri. He is a son of Albert F. and Rebecca (Warner) 
Hoyt and was born Nov. 22, 1885. Albert F. Hoyt was born in Illinois 
and came to Missouri in 1881. He engaged in farming and stock raising 
and now owns 130 acres of land in Harrison County where he and his 
wife reside. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 651 

Albert F. and Rebecca (Warner) Hoyt are the parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Bertha, born in Harrison County in 1896, died Aug. 6, 
1914, and is buried in the Matkins Cemetery; David, is a farmer and 
stockman in Harrison County; Fred, a farmer and stockman in Harri- 
son County; Noah, a member of the firm of Hoyt Brothers; Charles, a 
member of the firm of Hoyt Brothers; and Ernest, who lives in Harrison 
County. He is a veteran of the World War. He was trained at Camp 
Funston, becoming a member of the 341st artillery 89th Division and 
went overseas with this famous Division. He was on the firing line on 
the West Front for 52 days and nights. After the armistice was signed 
he went to Germany with the Army of Occupation, remaining there 
about six months. He then was returned to the United States and in 
June, 1920, was discharged at Camp Taylor, Kentucky. During his serv- 
ice he was gassed and also had his arches broken down. 

John H. Hoyt was educated in the public schools and learned the 
blacksmith trade. He worked at his trade in Harrison County and in 
1908 engaged in the garage and blacksmith buisness at McFall in part- 
nership with his brothers Noah and Charles. They do an extensive busi- 
ness and are first class workmen. 

John H. Hoyt married Bertha Stewart, a native of Harrison County, 
and a daughter of W. C. and Julia (Rice) Stewart, natives of Missouri. 
Frank Stewart, grandfather of Mrs. Hoyt, was a veteran of the Civil 
War, having served in the Union army. During his active career he was 
engaged in farming and stock raising in Harrison County. He was a Re- 
publican and a member of the Christian Church and is now deceased. 
His widow is deceased, buried in New Hope Cemetery, Harrison County. 
Mrs. Hoyt is one of the following children born to her parents: Estel, a 
veteran of the World War, who served in France with the famous 89th 
Division and later transferred to the 3rd Division. He was in France 22 
months and was with the Army of Occupation in Germany about eight 
months. During his service he was wounded by a shell on the left arm 
and also gassed and has not yet recovered his health. He was discharged 
in September, 1920, and is now engaged in farming and stock raising in 
Nebraska. The other brothers and sisters of Mrs. Hoyt are Eimel, who 
lives in Nebraska; Nellie, married Walter Giles and lives in Nebraska; 
Lizzie, married Arthur Faucett and they live in Nebraska; and Blair, 
Ross, Harold living in Norris County. 

To Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hoyt have been born two children: Paul, 
born in Harrison County, Sept. 3, 1911, and Lois, born in Gentry County, 
Oct. 3, 1914. 



652 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

John H. Hoyt is well known and highly respected in McFall and 
the Hoyt family stand high in the community. 

Fred Hamm, president of the McFall telephone company who also 
operates a grist and saw mill at McFall is one of Gentry County's most 
progressive and enterprising citizens. He was born at Andover, Alle- 
ghany County, New York, July 13, 1862, and is a son of Simian and Ra- 
chel (Adams) Hamm. 

Simian Hamm was born in Stamford, Conn., about 1809. He was a 
pioneer settler in western New York and was engaged in the lumber 
business and operated a farm and also bought cattle extensively for the 
New York market. He was a successful man of affairs and was a strong 
supporter of churches and schools. He was captain of Cavalry in the 
state militia and a prominent man in the community. He was a Repub- 
lican and a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the Ma- 
sonic Lodge. He died Nov. 14, 1876, and his wife died in March, 1886, 
and their remains are buried at Andover, N. Y. They were the parents 
of the following children: Jacob M., Harriet, Levi, and Emily, all of 
whom are deceased; Simian, a farmer, Andover, N. Y. ; Charles, a rep- 
resentative of the Standard Oil Company, Hornell, N. Y. ; Saphrona, 
married Charles Downs, a farmer. Fort Alleghany, Pa. ; Alice, married 
Charles B. Lever, who is deceased and she lives at Andover, N. Y. ; Adel- 
bert, Andover, N. Y., and Fred, the subject of this sketch. 

Fred Hamm was educated in the public schools and began life as a 
farmer and also followed teaming in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. He 
also operated a threshing machine in New York state. In 1887 he came 
to Missouri and settled in Gentry County and bought 40 acres of land. 
He cleared and improved this place and started a saw mill and a grist 
mill in 1903 and has successfully operated it to the present time. He is 
president of the McFall Telephone Company, having assumed charge of 
that concern when it was in a bad financial condition and the property 
more or less run down. Through his capable management the company 
was in a prosperous condition within six months, with all obligations 
paid. 

Mr. Hamm was married March 4, 1884, to Miss Anna May Austin 
of Andover, N. Y. She is a daughter of Stephen and Elmira (Pingery) 
Austin, the former a native of Stamford, Conn., and the latter of Alfred, 
N. Y. Stephen M. Austin was a teacher in early life and came to Mis- 
souri when he was about 44 years old. He continued to teach school for 
40 years. He bought a great deal of land and was the owner of 600 acres 
here and 320 acres in New York state. He was extensively interested in 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 653 

farming and stock raising. He was a member of the Methodist Church 
and was a Prohibitionist. He died March 12, 1906, aged about 90 years. 
His wife died Oct. 17, 1902, and their remains are buried at McFall. 
Mrs. Hamm is one of the following children born to her parents: Flor- 
ence, Mary, and Shadrack, all of whom are deceased; Burritt, a jeweler, 
Oklahoma City, Okla.; Fred, a farmer and stockman, McFall; Alice, 
lives in McFall, Gentry County. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hamm have been born four children : Gertrude, 
Fred R., Clair S., and Burritt. Gertrude Hamm was born in Pennsyl- 
vania March ,30, 1886. She graduated from high school and entered 
Howard Payne College, specializing in music and afterwards took a 
course in the Academy of Music at Chicago, 111. She is thoroughly ac- 
complished in both vocal and instrumental music and during the course 
of her studies won two medals for the excellency of her scholarship. 
She was instructor in voice culture and music in the State Agricultural 
College and the Methodist College at Oklahoma City, Okla. She mar- 
ried J. L. Buchanan, a jeweler of Lawton, Okla. Fred R. Hamm was 
born at McFall, Dec. 8, 1890, is a graduate of high school and after- 
wards took a mechanical course in the College at Stillwater, Okla., now 
conducts an electrical school in St. Joseph. Clair S. Hamm was born in 
Gentry County, June 30, 1902, and was educated in the public schools 
and Park College, is now teaching in Central High School in Kansas 
City. Burritt Hamm was born in Gentry County, Sept. 24, 1905, and is a 
member of the junior class in the McFall High School. 

Mrs. Hamm is an accomplished musician and taught music for a 
number of years. The Hamm family are members of the Methodist 
Church. Mr. Hamm was the first man in McFall to vote the straight 
Prohibition ticket and he and Mrs. Hamm are strong supporters of pro- 
hibition. They are well known and prominent in Gentry County. 

Mr. Hamm is now serving his second year as president of the town 
board of McFall. 

Joseph Henry Patton, a prominent farmer and stockman who is a 
member of one of the very early pioneer families of Gentry County, was 
born in this County, June 11, 1855. He is a son of Harvey and Martha 
(Wollard) Patton, the father a native of Tennessee born Feb. 19, 1820, 
and the mother was born near Richmond. Mo., in 1837. They were mar- 
ried Sept. 7, 1852, and were the parents of the following children : Abra- 
ham, and John, both of whom are deceased ; and Nancy, married Colum- 
bus Robertson, a fruit grower and they live in California; Mollie, mar- 
ried Jerry Lysle and they live at McFall ; Maggie, married Robert Moss, 



654 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a farmer and stockman, Gallatin; James R., a lumberman of Albany; 
and Joseph H., the subject of this sketch. 

Harvey Patton came to Missouri in 1841 and was one of the pioneer 
settlers of Gentry County. He began life here in a log cabin in which 
Joseph H. Patton was born. He began farming in true pioneer style, 
clearing away the timber and breaking the prairie with oxen. He met 
with succes.s and became the owner of 400 acres of land. He died Aug. 
3, 1905, and his wife died Feb. 22, 1899, and their remains are buried in 
Mt. Zion Cemetery. He served in the state militia during the Civil War 
for about six weeks. 

Joseph H. Patton was reared on a farm and educated in the public 
schools. Since early manhood he has been engaged in farming. He 
bought his first land when he was 24 years old for $15.00 per acre. He 
has added to his original holdings until he is now the owner of 670 acres 
of valuable and well improved land and is recognized as one of the lead- 
ing farmers and stockmen of Gentry County. He raises pure bred Short- 
horn cattle, Poland China hogs and is also a breeder of standard bred 
Buff Coachin chickens. His place is recognized as one of the best farms 
in this part of the state. The Old Mill trail passed through this farm. 

Mr. Patton was married to Maude Young, who was born in Mill- 
ville, Ray County, a daughter of Sebron and Catherine (Rainwater) 
Young, both natives of Ray County. Sebron Young was a successful 
farmer and stock raiser and also was a school teacher practically all 
his life. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and belonged to the 
Methodist Church and was a Democrat. He died April 24, 1903, and 
his wife departed this life May 31, 1907, and their remains are buried 
in New Hope Cemetery. They were the parents of 13 children, five of 
whom are living, as follows: Eudora, married Samuel Wollard, who is 
now deceased and she lives at Russelville; John T., of Wichita, Kan.; 
Ambrose M., Kansas City; Harry P., and Mrs. Joseph H. Patton of this 
review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Patton were born the following chil- 
dren: Temple, married E. J. Manring, a farmer and stock raiser in Gen- 
try County; Harvey, born July 8, 1895, a farmer and stock raiser in Gen- 
try County: Sebron, born March 30, 1898, a farmer and stock raiser in 
Gentry County; and Virginia, born Dec. 29, 1910, is a student in the 
public schools. 

Mr. Patton is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. 
He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is a represen- 
tative and dependable citizen. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 655 

Henry Osborn, a Gentry County pioneer, now living retired at Mc- 
Fall, is a native of Indiana. He was born Jan. 23, 1845, and is a son of 
Noah and Mary (O'Neal) Osborn, both natives of Indiana, the former 
born in 1820 and the latter in 1819. Noah Osborn was a farmer and de- 
voted his life to that vocation. He was a good substantial citizen and 
.commanded the respect of his pioneer neighbors. He and his wife were 
members of the Baptist Church and are both now deceased and their 
remains are buried at McFall. They were the parents of eight children, 
the following of whom are living: Scott, lives in Kansas; Ruel, lives in 
Kansas; Mrs. Jane Nelson, lives in Kansas; Manirva, married Theodore 
Gilbert, lives in Nebraska ; Ellen, married Henry Singer, who is deceased 
and she lives in Nebraska; and Henry the subject of this sketch. 

Henry Osborn spent his early life on a farm in Indiana and Ken- 
tucky and at an early day went to Kansas where he bought 160 acres of 
Government land. He located well on the frontier and Indian scares 
were frequent in that section at that early day. After spending some 
time there, he sold out and came to Gentry County where he bought a 
farm and for a number of years was engaged in farming and stock rais- 
ing until he retired and moved to McFall where he has since lived and 
where he owns a comfortable residence. 

Mr. Osborn was married to Eliza Jane Whitaker, a native of Ken- 
tucky and a daughter of P. F. Whitaker. P. F. Whitaker was a Ken- 
tuckian and settled in Gentry County in 1873. He was a carpenter by 
trade and also operated a small farm after coming here. He was a Dem- 
ocrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He and his wife were mem- 
bers of the Christian Church and are both now deceased. 

To Henrj' Osborn and wife were born the following children: Mary, 
married Henry Gilbert and they live in Oklahoma; Fannie, married 
Thomas Wilson and they live in Oklahoma ; Tabitha, who is married 
and lives in Nebraska ; and Olive, married Harry Young, Albany. 

Mrs. Osborn died in 1920 and her remains are buried at McFall. 

Mr. Osborn is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. 

Oliver Giles, a progressive and enterprising business man of McFall 
who conducts a first class restaurant and meat market at McFall, is a 
native son of Gentry County and is a member of a pioneer family of this 
section of Missouri. He was born June 11, 1875, and is a son of John and 
Amanda (Whitten) Giles. 

John Giles was a native of Tennessee and his wife was born in Mis- 
souri. He settled in Missouri, coming to Gentry County at a very early 
date and his parents also settled in this county and endured all the hard- 



656 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ships incident to pioneer life in a new country. John Giles was a farmer 
and stockman and was the owner of 160 acres of land. He was a Demo- 
crat. He and his wife are both now deceased. 

Oliver Giles is one of eight children born to his parents, six of whom 
are living as follows: Sadie, married Henry Akes, Gallatin; Oscar, who 
is a veteran of the World War, having served overseas with the famous 
Rainbow Division and was in the service two and a half years, lives in 
Gentry County; Charles, lives at Kearney; Herbert, lives in Gentry 
County; Ivol, lives in Gentry County; and Oliver, the subject of this 
sketch. 

Oliver Giles received his education in the public schools and was 
reared on a farm. He began his independent career when he was 23 
years old and he and his brother, Ivol, bought 240 acres of land in Mil- 
ler Township. Since that time they have carried on general farming and 
stock raising and met with success. They raise Shorthorn cattle, Ches- 
ter White hogs and fancy poultry. Their farm is a well-improved place 
and their two sets of buildings on the place. In June, 1921, Oiver Giles 
engaged in the restaurant and meat business at McFall and at the same 
time retained his interests in the operation of his farm with his brother. 
Since coming to McFall and engaging in business he has built up a large 
trade. He is a Democrat and a substantial citizen of Gentry County. 

Clifford Mehin Harrison, who for many years was identified with 
Daviess County, as editor of the Gallatin North Missourian, and also 
served as postmaster of Gallatin, is one of the widly known newspaper 
men of the state. He was born at Faii-view, Cambria County, Pa., May 
22, 1863. He is a son of Christian Harrison and Caroline (Waters) Har- 
rison, the former a native of Cambria County, Pa., of English descent and 
the latter of Wayne County, Ohio, and of Scotch ancestry. Christian Har- 
rison was a school teacher, farmer and merchant. 

When Clifford M. Harrison was four years of age he removed to Iowa 
with his parents and the next eight years of his life were spent on a farm 
near Waterloo, Iowa. The family then moved to Grant City, Mo., and here 
at the age of 16 years young Harrison began his apprenticeship in the 
office of the Grant City Star, where he learned the printer's trade. He 
then worked as a journeyman printer on a few countrj- papers and later 
went to St. Joseph where he worked on the Evening News for a few months. 
He then got "cases" on the Kansas City Journal. He was employed on that 
paper for eight years, four of which he served in the capacity of proof 
reader of the paper. In Oct. 1891, he purchased the Grant City Star and 
was editor of that paper for seven years. He sold the Grant City Star 
in 1898 and after that time he successfully owned and edited the Albany 




n.IFFOKl) M. HARRISON 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 657 

Capital, Maysville Pilot, Gallatin North Missourian, Sedalia Capital and 
Boonville Republican. 

While a resident of Grant City, Mr. Harrison served six years as a 
member of the school board and represented Worth County in the 38th 
General Assembly. In 1896 he was nominated for State Senator from the 
First Snatorial District by the Republicans but was defeated by a fusion 
of the Democrats and Populists. In August, 1921, Mr. Harrison was 
appointed Superintendent of the Missouri State Reformatory at Boonville 
by Gov. A. M. Hyde, and is capably filling that responsible position at the 
present time. 

On June 27, 1888 Clifford M. Harrison was married to Miss Hannah 
Ella Marrah of Kingsville, Mo. Six children have been born to them, five 
sons and one daughter, three of whom survive: Frederick M., further men- 
tion of whom is made below ; Mrs. Greeta V. Callison of Rocky Ford, Colo. ; 
and William M., of Boonville. 

Mr. Harrison is a member of the Presbyterian church and also holds 
membership in the Masonic, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen and 
Macabees fraternities. 

Frederick M. Harrison, the present postmaster of Gallatin, is a veteran 
of the World War and a successful newspaper man of the younger genera- 
tion. After graduating from the Gallatin High School, he entered the 
University of Missouri, where he took the course in Journalism and was 
graduated in 1912. He then engaged in newspaper work and was the 
editor of the Gallatin North Missourian when the United States entered 
the World War. He enlisted in the army and was sent to Camp Funston 
for training. On Aug. 15, 1918, he sailed for overseas. For a time he was 
attached to Evacuation Hospital No. 16, and was later transferred to the 
305th Field Artillery, 77th Division. After spending four months in Ger- 
many with the Army of Occupation he was returned to America and receiv- 
ed his honorable discharge at Camp Taylor, May 21, 1919. He served with 
the rank of sergeant. 

After returning from the army Mr. Harrison resumed his work as 
editor and publisher of the Gallatin North Missourian. He was appointed 
postmaster of Gallatin, taking charge of the office Dec. 1, 1921, and is 
ably serving in that capacity at the present time. 

George W. McDaniel, a well known citizen of McFall, is a native of 
Missouri and a member of one of the very early pioneer families of this 
section of the state. He was born in Harrison County, Sept. 8, 1853, and 
is a son of Archibald M. and Jane (Daniel) McDaniel, the former a na- 
tive of North Carolina and the latter of Illinois. Archibald McDaniel 
was born Sept. 18, 1822. He was a son of Eli McDaniel who served as a 



658 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Colonel in the war of 1812 and was foreman of the first grand jury of 
Harrison County which was held under an elm tree south of Bethany. 
Archibald McDaniel came to Harrison County with his father in 1837 
and they experienced all the hard times of pioneer life in a new country. 
When the Civil War broke out, Archibald McDaniel served in the state 
militia. He followed farming and stock raising until the time of his 
death. He fell prostrate while cradling wheat and never recovered. 
His wife lived to the advanced age of 92 years and died in 1910, and 
they are buried at Bell Springs. They were the parents of the following 
children: Frank M., lives in South Dakota; W. P., Harrison County; N. 
M., a merchant at McFall; John L., a contractor, McFall; James R., a 
merchant, Denver, Col.; and George W., the subject of this sketch. 

George W. McDaniel began life as a farmer and stock raiser and 
in early life learned the shoemaker's trade which he has followed to 
the present time and now conducts a first class shop at McFall and has 
an extensive trade. He served as justice of the peace for three terms in 
Harrison County and is now serving his third term in McFall. He is also 
weighmaster at McFall, a position which he has held for ten years. 

Mr. McDaniel was first married to Mary Cooepler, a native of West 
Virginia, and four children were born to that union, none of whom are 
now living. After the death of his first wife, Mr. McDaniel married, 
Mollie Graves, a native of Indiana and five children were born to that 
union, two of whom are living as follows: Sallie, married Ralph Hicks, 
a farmer and stockman ; and Charles Roy, a veteran of the World War 
who is a painter and decorator and also assists his father. During the 
World War, he entered the United States army and was sent to Camp 
Dodge, Iowa, for training and from there to Camp Sherman, Ohio. And 
after the armistice was signed he received his honorable discharge. 
Some years after the death of George W. McDaniel's second wife he was 
married, Sept. 16, 1910, to Alice Houtz, a native of Minnesota. They 
have no children. 

Mr. McDaniel is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. 
He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Jesse W. Monk, an honored pioneer of Miller Township who for 
many years has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising 
and is now living retired on his farm, is a native of Ontario. He was born 
Jan. 19, 1837, a son of Nicholas and Catherine (Moyer) Monk, both na- 
tives of New York State. 

Jesse W. Monk was one of 14 children born to his parents and he 
and his brother Simon who now lives in Cedar County, Iowa, are the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 65P 

only surviving children of the family. Jesse Monk began life working 
in the lumber woods for which he received 50 cents per day. He fol- 
lowed this line of work for five years and later bought land and later 
began buying land and continued to add to his holdings until he was the 
owner of 562 acres. He raised horses, cattle and sheep extensively and 
has met with success. He began life with nothing and has experienced 
all the hardships and uncertainties incident to pioneer life, and finally 
reached the goal of success. One of his most memorable experiences 
was being caught in a blizzard while living in Iowa in 1888. He was two 
hours going two miles and was compelled to crawl on his hands and 
knees in order to reach safety. He has met with losses of crops by 
grasshoppers and encountered other misfortunes and failures, although 
he never became discouraged. 

Mr. Monk was married Oct. 11, 1866, to Anna Argo, a native of 
Ohio, and a daughter of John Argo who was also a native of Ohio. John 
Argo was a harnessmaker and was also engaged in farming and stock 
raising and was the owner of 240 acres of land. He was a Republican 
and a member of the Methodist Church. He and his wife are both de- 
ceased. 

To Jesse Monk and wife have been born three children as follows: 
Maude, was a school teacher for a number of years prior to her mar- 
riage, married Allen Horsfall who is now deceased, and she resides at 
Flandreau, S. D. ; Lillian, who resides at home with her father and 
Jessie, married Joseph Childers, a farmer and stock raiser of Gentry 
County. 

Mr. Monk is a Democrat and took a prominent part in politics in 
Iowa in the early days before he came to Missouri. He is recognized as 
a progressive and public spirited citizen and always stands ready to co- 
operate with any movement which has for its object the betterment of 
the community or the upbuilding or the improvement of public institu- 
tions. 

Albert Newton Jolly, now deceased, was a well known and suc- 
cessful farmer and stockman and a descendent of one of the pioneer set- 
tlers of Gentry County. He was born in Gentry County, a son of Samuel 
and Malinda (Robertson) Jolly, natives of Breckenridge County, Ken- 
tucky, who settled in Gentry County as early as 1852. Samuel J. Jolly 
was a prominent pioneer farmer and stockman of Gentry County and a 
more complete history of the Jolly family appears elsewhere in this vol- 
ume in connection of the biography of James Perry Jolly. 

Albert Newton Jolly was reared on his father's farm and educated 



660 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in the district schools of Gentry County. He began life as a farmer and 
stockman and met with success. At the time of his death, April 30, 
1905, he was the owner of 282 acres of well improved and valuable land 
which is now the home of his widow. Mr. Jolly was a Republican and 
a member of the Knights of Pythias and an upright and dependable cit- 
izen who was highly respected by his many acquaintances. 

On Jan. 12, 1881, Mr. Jolly was married to Miss Ella Williams, a 
native of Gallia County, Ohio, and a daughter of Richard F. and Mary 
Ann (Manring) Williams, the former a native of Virginia and the lat- 
ter of Gallia County, Ohio. Richard F. Williams was a Civil War vet- 
eran, having served in the army for three years, in the 73rd Ohio Infan- 
try and participated in a great many battles. He was in the hotel busi- 
ness at McFall for several years. He was a Republican, a member of the 
Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. He died in 
January, 1884, and his widow survived him for a number of years. She 
died June 8, 1913, and their remains are buried at McFall. They were 
the parents of the following children: Asbury, Mary Jane, George, 
Frank, Delia, James H., and Carrie, all of whom are deceased ; and Mar- 
garet, married James Medley, a former United States Marshall, who is 
now deceased and she lives in St. Joseph; S. B., McFall; Minnie, mar- 
ried Thomas J. Baker, Perry, Okla. ; J. R., a fruit grower in California; 
and Mrs. Jolly of this review. 

To Albert Newton and Ella (Williams) Jolly were born the follow- 
ing children: James G., born Nov. 15, 1881, is a musician and resides at 
home; Everett, born Feb. 16, 1883, a farmer and stockman in Gentry 
County; Roy M., bom Feb. 3, 1887, a rural mail carrier, McFall ; Benja- 
min Harrison, born Aug. 30, 1889, is county superintendent of schools, 
St. Charles, Mo. ; and Glenn, resides at home. The two boys, Roy and 
Glenn are veterans of the World War. Roy was at Camp McArthur, a 
member of a replacement company when the armistice was signed and 
Glenn was at Camp Funston, a member of Company A, 30th Field Ar- 
tillery, 10th Division when he received his discharge. 

The Jolly family is one of the prominent pioneer families of Gen- 
try County. 

William H. Collier, a substantial citizen of Miller Township, Gentry 
County who is a successful farmer and stockman was born in Gentry 
County, Dec. 12, 1864, and is a son of William and Sarah (Campbell) 
Collier. William Collier was a soldier in the Union army and was killed 
in battle. 

William H. Collier, the subject of this sketch, has been engaged in 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 661 

farming and stock raising since early life. He first bought 40 acres of 
land and afterwards bought more land as opportunities afforded and 
conditions favored until he is now the owner of 570 acres of productive 
and well improved land which is considered one of the best farms in 
Gentry County. Here he has been successfully engaged in farming and 
stock raising for many years. 

Mr. Collier married Anna McColloch, a daughter of Porter and 
Sarah Ann (Reese) McColloch, natives of Indiana. Porter McColloch 
served in the Civil War for three years, a member of the 87th Indiana 
Infantry and received his honorable discharge Aug. 10, 1865. He set- 
tled in Gentry County after the Civil War and endured all the hardships 
of the early day life. He was a successful farmer and stockman and ac- 
quired a farm of 500 acres. He was converted in December, 1884, be- 
coming a member of the Freewill Baptist Church. Politically, he was a 
Republican. He died May 16, 1914, and his wife died several years be- 
fore. Their remains are buried in Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Collier is 
one of the following children born to Porter and Sarah Ann (Reese) 
McColloch: Eliza Christina, married Okley Manring and they live in 
Harrison County; Logan, lives at McFall; Edward, lives in Daviess 
County ; Cora, married James Pitsenbarger and they live in Lamar, Mo. ; 
William, a farmer and stock raiser in Gentry County ; and Mrs. Collier 
of this review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. William Collier have been born the following chil- 
dren : Elza Porter, who served in the World War and after a period of 
training at Camp Funston was sent to France, a member of the Fourth 
Supply Train arriving there March 4, 1918. took part in much severe 
fighting on the Western Front, including the battle of the Meuse Ar- 
gonne and was with the Army of Occupation for seven months in Ger- 
many, received his honorable discharge at Camp Taylor, Aug. 9, 1919, 
and is now engaged in farming and stock raising in Gentry County; Elva, 
married George Waltemath and lives in Worth County ; Ross, a farmer 
and stockman in Gentry County ; Ora, also served in the World War, a 
member of Company D, Third Supply Train, was in France 17 months 
and with the Army of Occupation in Germany received his honorable 
discharge Sept. 10, 1919, and is now a farmer and stock raiser in Gen- 
try County; Ermal, resides at home with his parents; Adah, married 
Benjamin Davidson and lives in Gentry County; Ida, graduated from 
Kidder Institute in the class of 1922; Marshall, resides at home; and 
Wilma also resides at home and attends Kidder Institute. 



662 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Collier is a Republican and is one of the enterprising citizens 
of Gentry County. 

J. R. Sweat, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman 
of Miller Township, Gentry County, is a native of this county and be- 
longs to one of its pioneer families. He was born Dec. 5, 1868, a son of 
Adam and Pauline (Perry) Sweat, the former a native of Indiana and 
the latter of Illinois. Adam Sweat came to Missouri with his family and 
settled in Gentry County in 1856, driving here with oxen and a covered 
wagon. He served in the Civil War for two years. After the Civil War 
he engaged in farming although he never fully recovered his health 
after the exposure incident to his military career. He died March 15, 
1875, and his wife died in January, 1906, and their remains are buried 
in Fairview Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: 
Francis, Caroline, both of whom are deceased; Malissa, married J. W. 
Bunnell, King City; Maria Elizabeth, married A. M. Gromer and they 
live in DeKalb County; Angeline, married Ora Claycomb, and they live 
in Harrison County; and John R., the subject of this sketch. 

John R. Sweat received his education in the early day schools of 
Gentry County and began life working out by the month and was thus 
engaged about two years. He then bought land and engaged in farm- 
ing and stock raising for himself. He added to his accumulations and 
is now the owner of a splendid farm of 324 acres which is well improved 
and under a high state of cultivation. In addition to his general farming 
he raises Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and Registered Shropshire 
sheep and also Standard Bred Plymouth Rock chickens. 

Mr. Sweat married Elza Claycomb, a native of Gentry County and 
a daughter of Hiram Claycomb. Hiram Claycomb was a native of Ken- 
tucky and an early settler in Gentry County. He served in the state mi- 
litia during the Civil War and afterwards engaged in farming and stock 
raising and was the owner of 320 acres of land. He was a Republican 
and a member of the Methodist Church. He and his wife are both de- 
ceased and are buried in Fairview Cemetery. 

To Mr. and Mrs. John R. Sweat have been born two children : Jas- 
per, born Dec. 5, 1883, was educated in the public schools and the Stan- 
berry Normal School, is now engaged in farming and stock raising in 
Gentry County; and Solomon, born Oct. 2, 1886, educated in the public 
schools and the Chillicothe College, is a farmer and stock raiser in Gen- 
try County. 

Mr. Sweat is a public spirited and substantial citizen, and is recog- 
nized as one of the successful men of affairs of Gentry County. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 663 

W. C. Adkisson, a well known and successful farmer and stockman 
of Gentry County, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Brecken- 
bridge County, and is a son of Samuel and Lucy (Parks) Adkisson, both 
natives of Breckenridge County, Kentucky. Samuel Adkisson came to 
Missouri in 1879 with his family and settled in Gentry County. He was 
a farmer and spent his life in that vocation. He was a Democrat, a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. He 
died in Thomas County, Kansas, in June, 1915, and his wife died in 
August, 1918. They were the parents of the following children: Milton, 
Burlington, Col.; Roland, lives in Iowa; Lizzie, married Charles Hardin 
and they live in Kansas; Charles, a farmer in Thomas County, Kansas; 
Ernest, lives in Gentry County; and W. C, the subject of this sketch. 

W. C. Adkisson attended the public schools and the Stanberry Nor- 
mal School and has always been engaged in farming and stock raising. 
At first he operated rented land for six years and is now the owner of a 
good farm of 80 acres in Miller Township where he is successfully en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Adkisson is a successful poul- 
try raiser and specializes in raising Narragansett turkeys. Their farm is 
well improved with a good two-story frame residence and suitable barns 
and other buildings. 

Mr. Adkisson was married to Ella Dator, a native of Gentry County 
and a daughter of Edward and Mary (Lowrey) Dator, the former a 
native of New York and the latter of Ohio. Edward Dator was a Civil 
War veteran, serving in the Union army with the Illinois troops. After 
the war he engaged in farming and stock raising and was the owner of 
250 acres of land. He is a Republican. His wife is deceased and he lives 
in Miller Township. They were the parents of the following children: 
Carrie, who was a successful teacher in Gentry County, is now the wife 
of George Hall who is also a teacher and they live in Gentry County; 
William, a farmer and stock raiser in Gentry County; Ada, married Ed- 
ward Manring and they live at McFall; and Mrs. Adkisson of this re- 
view. 

To W. C. Adkisson and wife have been born the following children: 
Mabel, married Ora Collier, a farmer and stockman; Glenn, a graduate 
of high school and the State Teachers College at Maryville, has been 
engaged in teaching for three years, resides at home with his parents; 
Edna, resides at home ; and Merle, also at home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Adkisson are members of the Baptist Church and 
both support the policies and principles of the Republican party. He is 
a member of the Masonic Lodge and a highly respected and dependable 
citizen. 



664 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Theodore F. Morris, a successful farmer and stock raiser in Cooper 
Township is a native of Gentry County and a member of one of the pio- 
neer families of this section.' He was born May 30, 1875, a son of Dr. 
Isaac Newton and Amanda (Witty) Morris. Dr. I. N. Morris was a na- 
tive of Hamilton County, Ohio, and his wife was born in Brazil, Indiana. 
Dr. Morris drove through from Indiana to Missouri and settled in Gen- 
try County in the fall of 1854. He first lived in a log cabin. He was a 
graduate of the Miami College of medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio. He prac- 
ticed medicine after coming to Gentry County and was also engaged in 
farming and stock raising and was the owner of 1,100 acres of land. He 
was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Methodist Church and was a 
Republican. He was prominently identified with the development of 
Gentry County and its institutions and was a strong advocate of good 
schools and higher education. He died in 1903 and his wife departed 
this life in 1914. Their remains are buried at Stanberry. They were the 
parents of the following children : Mary, married George W. Shoe- 
maker, an attorney who is now deceased and she resides at Stanberry; 
Elizabeth, married James U. Harris, a fruit grower at Grand Junction, 
Col. ; Luella, married Charles Durand who is engaged in the furniture 
and undertaking business in Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Ida, married Ed- 
ward Grantham, a prominent attorney who is a well known corporation 
lawyer of Aberdeen, S. D. ; Nancy, married William McHattie, who is 
now deceased; and Theodore F., the subject of this sketch. 

Theodore F. Morris was reared in Gentry County and educated in 
the public schools and the Northwestern College at Stanberry. He be- 
gan life as a farmer and stockman and is now the owner of 310 acres 
which is a valuable and well improved farm. The improvements con- 
sists of a good two-story residence, barns, silo and other farm buildings. 
Mr. Morris carries on general farming and is also one of the successful 
stockmen of this section, raising Black Angus cattle, Poland China hogs 
and sheep, horses and mules. 

Mr. Morris was married Jan. 21, 1894, to Miss Elizabeth L. Curry, 
a native of Highland County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Joseph and 
Mary (Spargur) Curry, the former a native of Petersburg, Pa., and the 
latter of Highland County, Ohio. Joseph Curry was a Civil War veteran 
and served with the Union Army, participating in a number of impor- 
tant engagements with the army of the Potomac. He was severely 
wounded by being shot in the knee and was also taken prisoner in the 
Shenandoah Valley, but soon afterwards was exchanged. He came to 
Missouri in 1879, about seven years after his marriage, and for many 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 665 

years was a locomotive engineer on the Wabash railroad. He was a 
member of the Odd Fellows, a Democrat and belonged to the Presby- 
terian Church. He died Feb. 5, 1921, his wife having departed this life 
in 1892. They are buried at Stanberry. They were the parents of the 
following children: Alice, born Sept. 7, 1876, married D. B. Proctor of 
Stanberry and died in 1902 ; Nannie R., married Frank Moonan of St. 
Joseph ; Joseph, Jr., a railroad man of Hutchinson, Kan. ; and Mrs. Mor- 
ris of this review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Theodore F. Morris have been born the following 
children: lone, a graduate of the Stanberry High School and the Ernest 
Conservatory of Music of Stanberry, married Cleo Plymale, purchasing 
agent for the Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., at Akron, Ohio ; Thelma, who is 
a graduate of the Stanberry High School and the State Teachers Col- 
lege at Maryville, is now a teacher at Lexington, Mo. ; Mary Magdalyn, a 
graduate of the State Teachers College at Maryville in the class of 1922 ; 
and T. F., Jr., a student in Stanberry High School, lives at home. 

Mr. Morris and his wife are identified with the Republican party 
and the family belongs to the Methodist Church. He is a member of the 
Masonic Lodge. 

James M. Miller, an honored pioneer citizen of Gentry County and 
veteran of the Civil War, is a native of Virginia. He was born Feb. 19, 
1843, a son of John and Sophia (Cowdin) Miller, the former a native of 
Pennsylvania and the latter of West Virginia. John Miller served as a 
Colonel in the war of 1812 and was at the battle of New Orleans. He 
contracted rheumatism during his military service and was practically 
crippled throughout the remainder of his life. In 1852 he came to Mis- 
souri and first settled near St. Joseph ; the next year he came to Gentry 
County. After coming to Missouri he bought a claim which he later lost 
through a defect in the title. He received another grant of land from 
the government. He followed farming and stock raising throughout his 
life. He died Jan. 9, 1857, and his wife died Feb. 9, 1865. Their remains 
are buried in Lafayette Cemetery. They were the parents of eight chil- 
dren only two of whom are living; James M., the subject of this sketch; 
and Mary who married William Taylor and they live at Edmond, Okla. 

James M. Miller came to Missouri in 1852, when he was about nine 
years old, with his parents. He grew to manhood here and after the 
Civil War broke out he volunteered for service, becoming a member of 
the 5th Missouri Regiment and served in the Union army for 18 months. 
He took part in a number of engagements and skirmishes, including the 
engagement at Glasgow. While in the service he was injured, receiving 



666 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a broken leg and a severely crushed foot. As soon as he was able he 
rejoined his command and remained in the service until the close of the 
war. After the war he engaged in farming and stock raising and has met 
with success. He is the owner of a fine farm of 224 acres of land in Jack- 
son Township. 

Mr. Miller was married June 10, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Emerson, 
a native of Illinois and a daughter of William and Mary (Funderburk) 
Emerson, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ten- 
nessee. Mrs. Miller was one of a family of 12 children born to her par- 
ents, all of whom are desceased but three, who are as follows: Mary, 
who is the widow of Peter Roney and lives in Nodaway County; and 
Ruth, the widow of Alex Walters and lives in Oklahoma; and Mrs. Mil- 
ler, of this review. William Emerson, Mrs. Miller's father, was a Metho- 
dist minister in the days of the "circuit riders." He was also a teacher 
and at one time was county judge for a number of years in Nodaway 
County and served as justice of the peace at Quitman, Mo. He died in 
1879 and his wife died in 1886. 

To James M. Miller and wife have been born the following chil- 
dren: James, Minnie, Harry, and Thomas, all of whom are deceased, 
and buried in Lafayette Cemetery; Jesse Martin, a farmer and stock 
raiser in Gentry County; Charles, a ranchman in Montana; Henry Wil- 
son, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County ; Mary Alice, married 
Ernest Workman, Gentry County; Dolly Malinda, married George Evans 
of Gentry County; Eva Clarkie, married Hilbert Holman of Gentry 
County; Loren A., resides at home; John Harrison, lives in Gentry 
County; Lucy Belle, married Dale Palmer of Gentry County. 

Mr. Miller is a Republican and cast his first vote for President Lin- 
coln. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Baptist Church. 

John W. Stewart, a successful farmer and stockman of Cooper 
Township, Gentry County is a native of Iowa. He was born in Lucas 
County, Sept. 22, 1856, a son of Alexander and Rosana (Belmar) Stew- 
art, the former a native of Indiana and the later of Ohio. Alexander 
Stewart was born Oct. 14, 1830, and in early life went to Illinois and 
was in Chicago when that city was a mere village, consisting of about a 
dozen buildings. Later he removed to Iowa and in 1860 settled in Gen- 
try County near Island City. Shortly after he came to Missouri, the Civil 
War broke out and he enlisted in the Union army, serving until the close 
of the war. While in the service he was severely ruptured from which 
he never fully recovered. After the war he engaged in farming and 
stock raising in Gentry County which he followed until the time of his 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 667 

death, Oct. 14, 1905. He was a Republican and a member of the Metho- 
dist Church. His remains are buried in Lafayette Cemetery. His widow 
is living at the age of 83 years. They wei'e the parents of the following 
children: Viola, died July 2, 1918, and is buried at King City; Nancy, 
married William O'Neil, Stanberry; Mary Frances, married John Fran- 
cis who is now deceased and she lives at Stanberry ; George, lives in St. 
Joseph; Ida. married Louis Russell and they live in Idaho; Dora, mar- 
ried Jacob Rardon, Fort Morgan, Col. ; and John W., whose name intro- 
duces this i-eview. 

John W. Stewart was educated in the public schools and began his 
career farming rented land in Andrew County with one mule worth 
about $30.00. He bought land later and is now the owner of a valuable 
farm of 120 acres. He raises cattle, hogs and horeses and has been ex- 
tensively engaged in raising mules. He has had all the experiences of 
pioneer life, having lived in a log cabin and in the early days drove oxen. 
Mrs. Stewart is a successful breeder of standard bred Plymouth Barred 
Rock chickens. 

Mr. Stewart was married Nov. 4, 1877, to Miss Mary Brooke, a 
native of Andrew County, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Margaret N. 
(Fisher) Brooke, the former a native of Ohio and the latter born in 
Terre Haute, Ind. Benjamin F. Brooke served in the 4th Missouri In- 
fantry during the Civil War and was wounded. After the war he en- 
gaged in farming in Andrew County and was thus engaged until his 
death, Sept. 28, 1905. He was a Republican and attended the Metho- 
dist Church. Mrs. Stewart was the only child born to her parents. 

To Mr. and Mrs. John W. Stewart were born the following chil- 
dren: James C, born Sept. 15, 1878, a fireman on the Wabash railroad, 
lives at Stanberry; Ezra, and Estie, twins, born Feb. 14, 1881; Estie is 
now the wife of Andrew Armstrong, a farmer in Nodaway County and 
Ezra lives in Nodaway County; Caroline, born Sept. 7, 1888, married J. 
E. Britton, a farmer and stockman in Nodaway County; and Pierson D., 
born in Gentry County, Dec. 18, 1897. He is a veteran of the World War 
and also served on the Mexican Border ag a member of Company G., 139 
Infantry. When the United States entered the World War he was sent 
to Nevada, Mo., and from there to Fort Sill, Okla., and to France in June, 
1918. He took part in all the heavy fighting in which the 35th Division 
was engaged and was wounded during the Argonne Drive, the bullet 
entering his neck and lodging in his shoulder where it still remains. He 
was in France nine months and after the armistice was signed he was 
discharged at Fort Riley, Kansas. He is now scale master and superin- 
tendent of the water works at Stanberry. 



668 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

John W. Stewart is a Republican, member of the Christian Church 
and one of the substantial citizens of Gentry County. 

Charles S. Allen, a prominent farmer and stockman of Cooper 
Township, Gentry County, is a member of one of the early pioneer 
families of this section. He was born in Dubuque County, Iowa, Sept. 
21, 1865, a son of Daniel and Emily (Smith) Allen. Daniel Allen was 
born in New York State and early in life went to northern Iowa. In 1866 
he came to Missouri and first settled in Harrison County and in 1871 
came to Gentry County. Here he at first engaged in farming in a small 
way, living in a log cabin. Later he prospered and became the owner of 
300 acres of land. He improved his farm and built a good frame resi- 
dence, hauling the lumber from St. Joseph. He was a Democrat and a 
member of the Baptist Church. He died Aug. 3, 1888, and is buried at 
Stanberry. His widow now lives in Stanberry and is 81 years old. 

To Daniel Allen and wife were born the following children: F. T., 
a farmer and stockman near Stanberry; C. D., an insurance and real 
estate man, Maryville; Florence M., Stanberry; and Charles S., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

Charles S. Allen was reared on the home farm and educated in the 
public schools, the Stanberry Normal School, taking a commercial 
course. He began his independent career as a farmer and stockman and 
far 12 years he operated rented land. He then bought 135 acres to 
which he has since added and is now the owner of 300 acres of valuable 
land. He carries on general farming and stock raising, raising Short- 
horn cattle, Poland China hogs, and horses. Mrs. Allen is a very suc- 
cessful poultry raiser, breeding Barred Plymouth Rocks and Rhode Is- 
land Reds. 

Mr. Allen was married to Miss Sallie Christie, a daughter of Israel 
and Elizabeth (Basket) Christie. Mrs. Allen was born in Harrison 
County. Her father was born in Kentucky in 1828 and was a pioneer of 
this state. He came here in 1845, driving from Kentucky in a covered 
wagon, the trip requiring four weeks. He lived in Buchanan County for 
a time and then came to Gentry County and afterward went to Harrison 
County. He owned 240 acres of land and was extensively engaged in 
farming and stock raising and was also a Baptist minister in the early 
days. He preached in Harrison, Daviess, Gentry and DeKalb Counties 
and did a great deal of pioneer missionary work. He died Feb. 5, 1895, 
and and his wife died Feb. 28, 1921, and they are buried at McFall. Mrs. 
Allen is one of nine children born to her parents, the others being as 
follows: Emily, Olive, G. M., Virginia, W. W., W. L., and Anna, all of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 669 

whom are deceased ; and N. P., a carpenter who lives at Mound City. To 
Charles S. Allen and wife have been born the following children: Rucia, 
born May 26. 1891, and was educated in the public schools and the 
Northwestern State Teachers College and was a teacher for six years be- 
fore her marriage. She is now the wife of Frank Gillett, a farmer and 
stock raiser in Gentry County; and Floreine C, born in Gentry County, 
May 4, 1898, and was educated in the public schools and the Northwest- 
ern State Teachers College and is now a high school teacher in Nodaway 
County. 

Mr. Allen is a Democrat and the family are members of the -Baptist 
Church. 

F. T. Allen, a well known farmer and stockman of Gentry County, 
was born in Harrison County in 1869. He is a son of Daniel and Emily 
(Smith) Allen, the former a native of New York state and the latter of In- 
diana. Daniel Allen came to Missouri and first settled in Harrison County 
where he remained a few years and in 1871 removed to Gentry County. He 
was a carpenter and followed contracting as well as farming and stock rais- 
ing. He was the owner of 160 acres of land and raised cattle and hogs. He 
was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He died Aug. 4, 
1888, and his remains are buried at Stanberry. His widow now lives at 
Stanberry at the advanced age of 81. They were the parents of the follow- 
ing children : Charles, a farmer and stock raiser in Gentry County ; Clark 
D., who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Maryville ; 
Florence, lives in Stanberry ; and F. T., the subject of this sketch. 

F. T. Allen received his education in the public schools of Gentry 
County and the Stanberry Normal School where he took the Commercial 
Course. He began his career as a farmer and stockman on rented land 
and operated in that way for six years. He is now the owner of 139 
acres of valuable land where he successfully carries on general farming 
and stock raising. He raises Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and 
horses. Mrs. Allen is interested in poultry raising and keeps Plymouth 
Rock chickens. The Allen place is well improved with a good residence, 
suitable barns and a 75 tons capacity silo. 

Mr. Allen was married Aug. 29, 1894, to Miss Mary Summers, a 
native of Indiana and a daughter of Thomas R. and Martha C. (Hackle- 
man) Summers, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Marion 
County, Indiana. Thomas R. Summers removed from his native state of 
Indiana in early life and later came to Missouri and engaged in farming 
and stock raising in Nodaway County where he owned 160 acres of 
land. He was identified with the Democratic party and was a member 



670 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of the Christian Church. He died Aug. 26, 1889, and is buried southwest 
of Maryville and his wife died Jan. 22, 1913, and is buried near Stan- 
berry. They were the parents of the following children: Walter H., a 
lumberman, lives in the state of Washington; Clifton, lives In Phoenix, 
Ariz.; Marshall E., lives in Phoenix, Ariz.; Oscar Bradford, deceased; 
Cortez, Gentry County; Edgar Allen, lives in Gentry County; a girl died 
in infancy; Mrs. F. T. Allen of this review, and Omer, lives in Gentry 
County. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born two children, Leota and 
Leoca, twins, born July 9, 1895, and are both deceased and their remains 
are buried in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry. 

Mr. and Mrs. Allen are both Democrats and she is a member of the 
Christian Church and Mr. Allen is a Baptist. 

William Speers, a Civil War veteran and a large land owner who 
has had a successful career as a farmer and stockman, is now living re- 
tired at Stanberry. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Fayette 
County, a son of John and Nancy (White) Speers, both natives of Fay- 
ette Couty, Pa. John Speers was a captain in the Mexican War and after 
the war, he followed farming. He was killed by a kick from a horse and 
he and his wife are both buried in Pennsylvania. 

William Speers was educated in the common schools and had very 
little opportunity for schooling in early life. He went to Iowa when he 
was 14 years old and was living in that state when the Civil War broke 
out. He enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of Company F, 
14th Iowa Infantry. He took part in a number of engagements, includ- 
ing Vicksburg, Fort Donaldson and Pleasant Hill. He was taken pris- 
oner and confined in various Confederate prisons and suffered all the 
privations and hardships known to the Confederate prisons which re- 
sulted in his health being so impaired that he never fully recovered from 
the effect of his prison experiences. During the course of his military 
experience he had many narrow escapes, holes being shot through his 
clothing although he was never wounded. After the war he home- 
steaded land in Kansas but later sold that and came to Nodaway County, 
where he bought 425 acres of land and was successfully engaged in 
farming and stock raising until his retirement and removal to Stanberry 
where he has a nice modern residence. 

Mr. Speers was married Feb. 14, 1871, to Missouri Hays, a native 
of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Robert and Mary Jane (Fliger) 
Hays, natives of Westmoreland County, Pa. Robert Hays was a veteran 
of the Civil War, being a member of Company F, 14th Iowa Infantry. 
He served in the army two years and nine months and was in a number 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 671 

of battles. He was killed in Mississippi. His wife died June 24, 1860, 
and was buried in Van Buren County, Iowa. 

To William Speers and wife were born the following children: 
Frank, born Jan. 9, 1874, a farmer now living near King City; Charles, 
a veterinary surgeon, St. Joseph ; and Blanche, a graduate of high school 
and the Teachers State College at Maryville, now a teacher. 

Mr. Speers is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. 
He is a man who has had a life of unusual experience as a soldier in the 
Civil War and a pioneer in the development of the west. He has an ex- 
tensive acquaintance and is a highly respected citizen. 

F. Chilton, who is now living retired at Stanberry after a successful 
career as a farmer and stockman, is a native of Kentucky. He was born 
in Casey County, March 13, 1851, a son of James Madison and Rachel 
D. Chilton, both natives of Casey County, Kentucky, who spent their 
lives in that state. James Madison Chilton was a large land owner in 
Kentucky and was engaged in farming and stock business. He bought 
and sold cattle and hogs in the old days, driving them to market at Louis- 
ville which was 125 miles from his home and the trip required 12 days. 
He was a Democrat and served as justice of the peace for several years. 
He died in 1862. James Madison Chilton and wife were the parents of 
the following children : Liberty Madison, Mary Charles, both of whom 
are deceased; Virgil S., who is now living retired in Stanberry; Patsy 
Williams, who married Newton Jasper Smith and who is now a widow 
at Stanberry; and F. Chilton, the subject of this sketch. 

F. Chilton began life for himself, working for eight dollars per 
month and was thus engaged for six years. He then bought 80 acres of 
land and later bought more land and is now the owner of 119 acres. He 
was extensively engaged in stock raising, dairying and general farming 
and met with success. He is now living retired at Stanberry. 

Mr. Chilton was married Feb. 29, 1872 to Miss Laura Daniel, a na- 
tive of Piatt County, Mo. She is a daughter of James Jackson and Maria 
(Pope) Daniel, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Mis- 
souri. James J., Daniel was an extensive farmer and cattleman and at 
one time owned 500 acres of land. He was also a pioneer Baptist 
preacher and established a number of churches in the early days. He 
died in 1882 and his wife died in 1862. They are buried in Cooper Cem- 
etery, Gentry County. 

To F. Chilton and wife have been born the following children: Lulu 
May, born Oct. 27, 1874, married John Pickeral, who is now deceased, 
and she lives in Stanberry; James Virgil, born April 20, 1877, lives in 



672 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Gentry County; and Ora, born Oct. 20, 1886, is now a conductor on the 
Burlington railroad and lives at McCook, Neb. 

Mr. Chilton is a Republican in National issues and a member of the 
Baptist Church. He holds membership in the Modem Woodmen of 
America. 

Wesley L. Robertson, who at the time of his death, Dec. 23, 1919, was 
editor of the Gallatin Democrat, was one of the able and widely known 
newspaper men of the state. He was a pioneer editor of northern Missouri 
and had devoted nearly 50 years of his life to journalism in its various 
phases. His death was a distinct loss to Daviess County and the commun- 
ity. He was a loyal and public spirited citizen who was ever ready to lend 
his influence to the support of measures and enterprises tending to advance 
the general welfare of th community. 

Wesley L. Robertson was a descendant of old American ancestry. He 
was born in South Coventry, Tolland County, Conn., June 30, 1850, and 
was a son of David and Caroline (Mitchell) Robertson, both natives of 
New York. His father who was a farmer died when Wesley L. Robertson 
was seven years of age. Wesley L. Robertson acquird his education in 
the country schools and in 1865 when he was 15 years old he removed to 
Missouri with his widowd mother. After spending one year on a farm 
in Putman County, they removed to Centerville, Iowa. In 1868 he entered 
the office of the Centerville Citizen where he learned the printer's trade. 
In 1872 he purchased the Princeton Advance, a weekly paper at Princeton, 
Mo. He remained there until 1881, when he sold his business and went to 
Bethany and became the editor and publisher of the Bethany Broadax. In 
1884 he disposed of that publication and purchased the New Century at 
Unionville. He c6nducted the paper until 1886 when he came to Gallatin 
and purchased the Gallatin Democrat and published this paper until 1894. 
He then sold the Democrat and went to Plattsburg and published the 
Plattsburg Jeflfersonian, remaining there as editor and publisher of that 
newspaper until 1897, when he purchased the West Plains Gazette. Short- 
ly afterwards he disposed of his interests in that paper and in 1898 he 
returned to Gallatin and in partnership with Robert J. Ball purchased the 
Gallatin Democrat. This association continued until the time of Mr. 
Robertson's death. 

Mr. Robertson was a life-long Democrat and throughout his long and 
successful career of journalism he capably and consistently advocated the 
policies and principles of the Democratic party. He was a valued member 
of the Missouri State Historical Society from the time of its organiaztion 
and for a number of years was a member of the executive committee. He 
was prominent among the representatives of the newspaper fraternity of 




WESLEY I.. KOBERTSON 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 673 

the state. He served as president of the Northwest Missouri Press Asso- 
ciation and was president of the Missouri Press Association. For five 
years he was secretary of the Missouri State Board of Charities, having 
been appointed to that position by Governor Dockery. He was a sincere, 
earnest, broad-minded. He was resolute in upholding his convictions and 
tolerant in his judgment and naturally gained and retained a host of loyal 
friends. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellowfe and 
the Methodist Episcopal church. 

In 1872 Wesley L. Robertson married Martha Mitchell who died eight 
years later. Three sons were born them, one of whom died in infancy. 
The others are. Albert N., editor of the Capital Democrat at Tishomingo, 
Okla., and Gay R., mechanical engineer of Atlanta, Ga. In 1883 Mr. Rob- 
ertson was married to Miss Eppie Davidson of Gainesville, Tex. Mrs. 
Robertson resides at Gallatin where she has an extensive acquaintance. 
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

George Mock, a well known employe of the Wabash Railroad Com- 
pany at Stanberry, is a pioneer railroad man of this section. He was 
born in Elkhart County, Indiana, and is a son of Michael and Mary E. 
(Heart) Mock, both natives of Ohio. Michael Mock came to Indiana 
from his native state when a young man and in 1848 went to Iowa. 
Later he removed to Nebraska and Kansas and in 1851 came to Missouri 
and took a claim in Gentry County. When he came to this state St. Jo- 
seph was a mere village and when he settled in Gentry County there was 
a small settlement where Albany now is. He was one of the early pio- 
neers of this county. He died in 1874 and his wife died in 1872. They 
were the parents of eight children of whom the following are now liv- 
ing: James, an employe of the M. K. and T. Railroad, Denison, Texas; 
Andy, a ditching contractor, St. Joseph ; Joseph, Ness City, Kan. ; Mary, 
married Lewis Bartoff, Colorado Springs, Col.; and George, the subject 
of this sketch. 

George Mock received very little educational advantages when he 
was a boy, having early to support the family as his father was practic- 
ally an invalid. He learned the carpenters trade early in life and worked 
at that for a time and then followed farming about a year. He began 
his railroading career as a section hand in 1878. Two years later he be- 
came an engine watchman and started firing a locomotive in January, 
1883, and in 1887 he was promoted to engineer on the Wabash railroad. 
In 1891 he went to work in the shops at Stanberry and has been em- 
ployed there every since. 

Mr. Mock was married Aug. 10, 1873, to Mary E. Coon, a native of 
Mercer County, Missouri, and a daughter of David and Lydia (Watson) 



674 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Coon, both natives of Ohio and early settlers in Mercer County, Mis- 
souri, and later removed to Livingston County. The father was a soldier 
in the Civil War, having served in the Missouri State Militia. He was a 
Republican and a member of the Baptist Church and his wife was a 
Methodist. He died in 1878 and she in 1876 and their remains are buried 
in Livingston County. They were the parents of 11 children, only two 
of whom are living besides Mrs. Mock. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Mock have been born the following children: 
Georgia, married Benjamin Lee and is now deceased ; Ida, was a ste- 
nographer in the Farmers and Merchants Bank for ten years before her 
marriage, is now the wife of Fred Estridge, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Ken- 
neth, a railroad conductor, lives in San Diego, Calif. ; and Hattie, was a 
stenographer prior to her marriage, is now the wife of W. O. Stanley, 
Little Rock, Ark. ; Lulu, married Charles Stablin and they live in Mon- 
tana; and Ella, married C. O. Dunlap, Milan, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Mock 
have five grand children. 

Mr. Mock is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows, Knights of the Maccabees and the Carmen's Union. 
He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church and is a highly 
respected and substantial citizen. 

Alva E. DeFord, the efficient secretary of the Farmers Mutual Fire 
and Lightning Insurance Company of Daviess County, Missouri, was 
born in Jefferson Township, Daviess County, 1\ miles northeast of Wins- 
ton, the son of P. R. and Louisa (Brakdoll) DeFord. 

P. R. DeFord was born in Monroe, Wis., in 1850, and died Sept. 15, 
1915. Mrs. DeFord was born in Mansfield, Ohio, in December, 1842, 
and died in January, 1911. They are both buried in the Winston Ceme- 
tery. Mr. DeFord was a prominent business man of Daviess County dur- 
ing his life. He represented this county in the State Legislature and was 
one of the promoters and organizers of the Farmers Mutual Fire and 
Lightning Insurance Company, having been its first president. He was 
associated with this company until his death. To P. R. and Louisa 
(Brakdoll) DeFord five children were born, as follows: Ross, living on 
the home place in Jefferson Township; Lee, associated with the United 
States Tire Company, Dallas, Texas; Clay, superintendent of public 
schools, Chelsea, Okla. ; Alva E., the subject of this sketch; Willis, a 
farmer, Jefferson Township. 

Alva E. DeFord was educated in the public schools and was grad- 
uated from the Winston High School. At the age of 20, Mr. DeFord be- 
came associated with the Farmers Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 675 

Company of Daviess County and has served in the capacity of secretary 
of the company for the past 23 years. Its growth from $10,000.00 to 
nearly $8,000,000.00 in risks has been accomplished since Mr. DeFord 
has been elected secretary of the company. He has also served as town- 
ship collector for eight years in Jefferson Township. 

On Dec. 21, 1902, Mr. DeFord was married to Cressie R. Kelso, 
a daughter of H. C. and America (Ray) Kelso. Mrs. DeFord was born 
on a farm just south of Winston. Her father is a native of Daviess 
County, and her mother was from Virginia. To Alva E. and Cressie 
(Kelso) DeFord two daughters have been born: Louetta, attending 
Winston High School; and Marie, attending the grade schools. 

Mr. DeFord is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Western Star Lodge 
No. 15, and is its secretary. He is also a member of the Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. During the 
World War, Mr. DeFord was appointed manager of Division No. 7 of 
Daviess County, in the second Red Cross War Fund Campaign, lasting 
from May 20 to the 27, 1918, and he received the highest credit in the 
county. Mr. DeFord is one of the substantial citizens of Davie.ss County 
and is higlily respected in the community. 

The Farmers Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company ol 
Daviess County was organized Dec. 2, 1891, with less than $50,00.00 in 
risks. Its first officers were: P. R. DeFord, President; S. R. Harris, Vice- 
President; E. D. Cutler, First Secretary. Mr. Cutler is now living retired 
at Winston. 

The first policy issued by the company was issued to Judge Phillip 
Shaw, Marion Township, Daviess County, who is now the president of 
the company. The company now has $7,704,000.00 in risks, and its 
present officers are as follows: Phillip Shaw, President; J. J. McCoy, 
Vice-President; R. O. Strong, Treasurer; Alva E. DeFord, Secretary. 
Mr. DeFord is also a member of the board of directors of the State 
Farmers Mutual Tornado Insurance Company of Cameron, Mo. 

M. H. Wooden, well known throughout the community of Winston, 
Daviess County, as the efficient cashier of the Farmers' State Bank, is a 
native of Missouri. He was born at Revere, Jan. 20, 1898, the son of G. 
M. and Alberta (Howard) Wooden. 

G. M. Wooden located at Winston in 1914. He was connected with 
the Farmers' State Bank until 1918, when he organized the Gallatin 
Trust Company. He moved to Gallatin, and is now the president of the 
Gallatin Trust Company. Both he and his wife are natives of Missouri. 

M. H. Wooden attended the public schools of Anthony, Kan., and 



676 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1922. He was the secre- 
tary of the Gallatin Trust Company for some time, but resigned that po- 
sition in 1920, in order to complete his course at the University of Okla- 
homa. Since Feb. 1, 1922, Mr. Wooden has been the cashier of the 
Farmers State Bank at Winston and has filled the position with credit 
to himself and his training. He is a member of the Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons Lodge at Gallatin, and is rapidly becoming known as 
one of the alert and ambitious men in the financial annals of Daviess 
County. 

The Farmers State Bank at Winston was organized Sept. 28, 1921, 
as a reorganization of the old bank, which had been in existence since 
1884. The stock holders of the old bank became the owners of the new 
institution, with few exceptions. The capital stock of the bank is $10,- 
000, and the surplus and profits, $5,000.00. The company owns the neat 
and commodious brick building which houses the business. The present 
officers are: G. M. Wooden, President; V. C. Huffman, Vice-President; 
M. H. Wooden, Cashier; M. M. Huffman, Assistant Cashier; and G. M. 
Wooden, V. C. Huffman, L. W. Pennington, Edgar Black, and W. W. 
Alexander, Directors. 

V. C. Huffman, the vice-president of the bank, was born in Morgan 
County, Indiana, Dec. 28, 1862, the son of M. R. and Nancy (Frans) 
Huffman, both now dead. 

M. R. Huffman and his wife were early settlers in Missouri. Mr. 
Huffman was a native of Indiana, and his wife was born in Kentucky. 
They came to Missouri in 1867, and lived on a farm for several years. 
They moved to Gower about 1898, and Mr. Huffman died there in 1908. 
Mrs. Huffman died in 1914. Their children were: Mary, Ruth, dead, 
was Mrs. Pearcy; James M., a farmer at Gower; Etta Frans, deceased; 
Elizabeth, now Mrs. St. John, of Gower; J. T., connected with the Chase 
Candy Company of St. Joseph; Ella Elliott, deceased; V. C, the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; Viola, now Mrs. Shireman of Fla. ; and Cora, now 
Mrs. Swope of Kansas City, Mo. 

V. C. Huffman attended the rural schools of Buchanan County. He 
was a farmer and stockraiser in that county for several years, and came 
to Daviess County in 1911. He is the owner of 160 acres of land south- 
west of Winston in Colfax Township. For two years, Mr. Huffman lived 
at Winston, but in March, 1922. he returned to his farm. He is a suc- 
cessful stockraiser, and does general farming on his land. 

Mr. Huffman was married in April, 1898, to Laura Brinton of 
Agency. Her parents, both now dead, were Milton and Martha (Riley) 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 677 

Brinton. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have two sons: Marshall, graduated 
from the Winston High School, and is now the assistant cashier of the 
Farmers State Bank; and Glenn, graduated from the Winston High 
School, and is now on the farm with his father. 

The Farmers State Bank at Winston is one of the thriving banking 
enterprises of Daviess County. Both Mr. Wooden and Mr. Huffman are 
known as reliable men, and both are highly respected in the county. 

Samuel R. Surface, senior member of the firm of S. R. Surface and 
Son, is a well known business man of Altamont, where he has owned and 
conducted a furniture and undertaking store for several years. Mr. Sur- 
face was born in Sheridan Township, Nov. 10, 1866, the son of Samuel 
and Susan (Lenhart) Surface. 

Samuel Surface was a native of Virginia, where he was born on 
Dec. 25, 1817. He crossed the plains in 1850, driving an ox team to Cali- 
fornia during the gold rush. He returned some time later, taking two 
years for the return journey. He went by water around Cape Horn, then 
came to St. Louis, and bought a horse. He rode horseback to Daviess 
County, where he remained for the rest of his life. He served as the jus- 
tice of peace in Sheridan Township, where he died in 1876. He married 
Susan Lenhart, a daughter of Jeremiah Lenhart. She was born on May 
4, 1826. Mr. Lenhart came to Missouri with his family in 1840, and to 
Daviess County in 1841. He settled on land three miles south of the 
present site of Altamont, where Mrs. Surface grew to womanhood. Mrs. 
Surface died in Sheridan Township, Dec. 1, 1916. To the union of Sam- 
uel and Susan (Lenhart) Surface the following children were born: 
David, died in infancy; Jeremiah, died in infancy; Catherine, the widow 
of L. D. David of Oregon; Jennie married Mr. Salisbury, and died in 
San Jose, Calif., Feb. 3, 1922 ; Martha, the widow of T. L. Lewis of Mis- 
soula, Mont.; Loretta Cornelius, deceased; Mary, the widow of F. J. 
Hoggerty of Sheridan Township; Flora, the wife of H. W. Kindig of 
Denver, Col. ; and Samuel R., the subject of this review. 

Samuel R. Surface attended the rural schools in Sheridan Township, 
and followed farming in Daviess County for several years. In 1912, he 
was elected sheriff of the county on the Democratic ticket, and served in 
that capacity for four years. Mr. Surface still holds his farm of 80 acres 
in Sheridan Township. In October, 1916, he bought the W. B. Calhoun 
Furniture and Undertaking Store at Altamont, and has been successful 
in his operation of that business. 

Mr. Surface was married on Dec. 27, 1888, to Lulu Helms, a daugh- 
ter of M. C. and Elizabeth (Mabry) Helms. Mr. and Mrs. Helms were 



678 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

both born in Virginia. Mr. Helms went to Illinois, then to Missouri in 
1877. He settled near Vandalia, but in 1882, came to Daviess County, 
and located in Washington Township. He died in 1912, and his remains 
are buried in Bates County. His widow now lives in St. Joseph at the 
age of 77 years. Their children, besides Mrs. Surface, were: Ed, living 
in St. Joseph; A. M., a resident of Kansas City, Mo.; Joseph, living in 
St. Joseph ; J. M., living in St. Joseph ; and Eva, a resident of St. Joseph. 

Mr. and Mrs. Surface have two sons : R. C, born Nov. 10, 1889, mar- 
ried Gladys Warren of Hamilton, and now lives in Pueblo, Col., where 
he is an undertaker; and S. C, born Jan. 4, 1892, married Nettie Baker 
of Atlanta, 111., and is a stock buyer at Kidder. Mr. and Mrs. Surface 
have three grandchildren: Vernard, aged nine years. Junior, aged five 
years, and Billie, aged eight years. 

Mr. Surface has been favorably known in the county for many 
years. Prior to his election to the office of sheriff, he served as an officer 
in Sheridan Township. As an official he was efficient; as a business man, 
he is energetic ; and as a private citizen, he is a man of integrity. 

Cyrus Streeter, the capable and energetic secretary of the Farmers 
Lumber Company at Altamont, was born near Hamilton on June 12, 
1893. His parents are George W. and Vinora Jane (James) Streeter. 

George W. Streeter was born in New York, and his wife is a native 
of Ohio. Mr. Streeter was an early settler in Caldwell County, Mo. Mr. 
and Mrs. Streeter now live at Hamilton. Their children are: Nellie, now 
Mrs. Tuttle of Kidder; Cora, now Mrs. Clarkson of Hamilton; Willie, a 
farmer near Hamilton; Effie, now Mrs. Miller of Nettleton ; Crosby, liv- 
ing in Oklahoma ; Cyrus, the subject of this review ; Anna, now Mrs. Cox 
of Hamilton; Mary, now Mrs. Hicks of Hamilton; and Lehman and 
Sarah, at home. 

Cyrus Streeter graduated from the Hamilton High School in 1914, 
and then attended a business college in St. Joseph. In 1915, he taught 
one term at the school in Swisher District, Daviess County. He then 
operated a farm in Caldwell and Daviess counties until he became in- 
terested in the lumber business. He was connected with the J. B. Rus- 
sell Lumber Company at Cameron until August, 1921, when he came to 
Altamont to assume the management of the Farmers Lumber Company. 

The Farmers Lumber Company began business at Altamont in 1915 
as the successor of the Clark and Bates Lumber Company. Clay Wallace 
was the first manager of the yard, and was one of the organizers of the 
company. There are 52 stockholders, and the capital stock is $16,000. 
The officers of the company are E. G. Brown, President; Simon Grove, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 679 

Vice President; Syrus Streeter, Secretary and Manager; and E. G. 
Brown, Simon Grove, J. L. Johnson, J. R. Harter, and Cyrus Streeter, 
Directors. The yard has been enlarged, and several new buildings 
erected in the last few years in order to accommodate the increased vol- 
ume of business. The company carries a complete line of building mate- 
rials, paints, and handles a trade in coal. It is one of the highly success- 
ful business enterprises of the community. 

Cyrus Streeter was married on May 5, 1918, to Cleo Doll, a daugh- 
ter of Charles and Nancy Doll of Hamilton. Mrs. Streeter was born near 
Hamilton, and is a graduate of the Hamilton High School. 

Mr. Streeter is a progressive young business man, and is well liked 
in the town and surrounding country. 

J. B. McCaskey, well known merchant at Altamont, Daviess County, 
is a native of Missouri. He was born in Clinton County, Nov. 26, 1871, 
the son of W. A. and Martha (Owens) McCaskey. 

W. A. McCaskey was born near New Lisbon, Ohio, June 25, 1839. 
When he was 16 years old, his parents came to Missouri, and he came 
with them. He was a farmer by occupation all of his life, and served in 
the Federal army from Caldwell County during the Civil War. He was 
married in Caldwell County on May 19, 1861, to Martha Owens. She 
was born in Piatt County, Oct. 11, 1840. They came to Daviess County 
in 1876, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. McCaskey 
died, April 12, 1912, and Mrs. McCaskey died April 3, 1917. The re- 
mains of both are buried at Winston. Their children were: W. H., born 
July 6, 1862, now a resident of Pueblo, Col.; J. I., died in infancy; R. T., 
born April 6, 1865, now lives at Winston; F. A., born Feb. 13, 1868, liv- 
ing at Winston; J. B., the subject of this review; C. E., born, June 15, 
1875, now a resident of St. Joseph; and Ida May, born July 30, 1878, 
now the wife of Frank Stewart of Pueblo, Col. 

J. B. McCaskey was educated in the rural schools of Daviess County, 
and was a farmer there for many years. In 1906, he entered the mer- 
cantile business. He opened a produce house at Altamont, and in 1909, 
opened a genei'al store at the same place. He has since continued in 
that line of work. He handles a complete line of dry goods, groceries, 
and fresh meat. The business is conducted in a building 25x70 feet, and 
Mr. McCaskey employs four assistants in the store. 

J. B. McCaskey was married on Oct. 2, 1912, to Ola Pauline Fisher 
of Altamont. She is the daughter of D. M. and Sarah Burton (Deering) 
Fisher, sketches of whose lives appear in this volume. Mrs. McCaskey 



680 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

was born at Pattonsburg, was educated in Altamont, and is now an as- 
sistant in the store owned by her husband. 

Mr. McCaskey is a Republican. He is doing an excellent business 
at Altamont, where he is highly esteemed as an alert business man, and 
an enterprising citizen. 

Dr. J. L. Reich, one of the prominent physicians of Daviess County 
and a resident of Altamont, is a man of ability in his profession. He is 
well known throughout the community as a progi-essive and energetic 
physician. Dr. Reich was born in Obion County, Tenn., July 29, 1865, 
the son of Rev. I. T. and Louisa P. (Faulk) Reich. 

I. T. Reich was a mechanic, a farmer, and a minister in the Bap- 
tist Church. He was married twice. By his first marriage he had two 
children: James, who died in 1904; and Dona, now Mrs. Grisham of 
Everton. He was married the second time to Louisa P. Faulk, in Obion 
County, Tenn. Mrs. Reich was born in North Carolina and is now 93 
years of age. She makes her home with her son. Dr. Reich. Mr. and 
Mrs. L T. Reich moved to Dade County, Missouri, in 1869, where Mr. 
Reich died in 1898. Their children were: J. L., the subject of this re- 
view; Anna, died in 1888; Mollie, now Mrs. Mitchell of Dade County. 

Dr. J. L. Reich was educated in the public schools, and was a stu- 
dent in the Medical Department of the University of Arkansas. He 
later went to St. Louis University from which school he graduated with 
a professional degree in 1899. He began the practice of his profession 
at Western Grover, Ark., in 1896, later locating at Everton, Ark., where 
he remained until 1909. He then went to Wagoner, Okla., and prac- 
ticed until 1916, when he accepted a position as the traveling repre- 
sentative for the A. S. Aloe Company of St. Louis. In 1918 he located at 
Altamont, where he has built up a wide and successful practice. Dr. 
Reich's office is equipped with all the modern appliances for the treat- 
merit of diseases. 

Dr. Reich was married in 1893 to Laura A. Johnson of Western 
Grove, Ark., and to this union two children were born: James S., now 
the president of the Reich Poster Advertising Service of Wagoner, Okla. ; 
and Walter S., a student in the Altamont High School. 

Dr. Reich is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
the Gallatin Chapter, Royal Arch, and the Chillicothe Council Lodges. 
He is a Democrat in politics. He is one of the prominent men in his pro- 
fession in the county, is a man of high civic pride, and is held in high 
esteem in the community. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 681 

Jerome C. White, a retired farmer of Daviess County now living at 
Altamont, was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1861, 
the son of David R. and Sarah A. (Long) White. 

David R. White was born in Pennsylvania, July 29, 1833, and his 
wife was also a native of Pennsylvania. They came to Missouri in 1872, 
and settled in Jefferson Township, Daviess County. Mr. White died at 
Broken Bow, Neb., Feb. 23, 1907, and Mrs. White died in Ottawa 
County, Kansas, July 28, 1917. The remains of both are buried at 
Broken Bow, Neb. They lived in Daviess County for 13 years, and were 
highly esteemed in the neighborhood where they made their home. 
Their children were: Jerome C, the subject of this review; John, a 
farmer in Jefferson Township; Cora M., the wife of S. M. Dorris of Ne- 
braska; Mary, married to O. E. Eggleston of Arcadia, Kan.; E. M., liv- 
ing in Ottawa County, Kansas ; and Belle, the wife of John Kennoyer of 
Sturgis, S. D. 

Jerome C. White has lived in Daviess County since 1872, with the 
exception of 11 years, which he spent in Nebraska. He and his wife 
went to Custer County, Nebraska, and took up a claim on which they 
lived for some time. The claim was their entire worldly possession at 
that time, and it was still to be paid for. For five years they lived in a 
sod shanty, 14x16 feet, with a dirt floor, and 50 miles from a railway. 
They had only one horse and a few chickens. They suffered all the hard- 
ships incident to pioneer life, but they persevered, and proved up on the 
land. They returned to Daviess County, and settled on a farm of 75 
acres in Jefferson Township. Mr. White did general farming and raised 
cattle for several years. In 1919 he sold the farm, and moved to Alta- 
mont, where he bought property. He purchosed his present home, a 
modern bungalow, in May, 1921. 

Jerome C. White was married, March 29, 1883, to Rebecca E. Mor- 
rison, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Kinkade) Morrison. Mr. Mor- 
rison was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, and his wife in Brooks 
County, West Virginia, Sept. 9, 1832. 

Thomas Morrison was the son of Lewis and Rebecca (Frazier) Mor- 
rison, who were early settlers of Daviess County. They entered several 
hundred acres of land between Santa Rosa and Union Church, paying 
$1.25 an acre for it. Lewis Morrison was a minister in the Seven Day 
Adventist Church, and preached in DeKalb and Daviess Counties. He 
was the father of eight children, to each of whom he left a farm. The 
only child now living is Tilman H. Morrison, a farmer in Jefferson 
Township. Lewis Morrison died in Jefferson Township April 14, 1871, 



682 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and his wife died, March 23, 1881. The remains of both are buried in 
Union Cemetery, the graveyard of Union Church, a church which was 
established in 1856. Thomas Morrison, the father of Mrs. White, was a 
farmer in Daviess County, where he died, Feb. 21, 1894. 

Thomas Morrison's wife, Rachel (Kinkade) Morrison, was a mem- 
ber of a family, prominently identified with the history of Harrison 
County. James M. Kinkade married a Miss Virden, the daughter of the 
first white settler in White Oak Township, Harrison County. Mr. Vir- 
den entered land in Harrison County in 1836. To the union of Thomas 
and Rachel (Kinkade) Morrison the following children were born: 
James K., Baker.sfield, Mo.; Rebecca E., now Mrs. White; Mary M., the 
wife of John A. White of Jefferson Township ; and Lewis E., a resident 
of Jefferson Township. Mrs. Morrison died Sept. 18, 1901. Her remains 
and those of her husband are buried in Union Cemetery. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. White are held in high regard in Altamont. 
Their recollections of their struggles on the plains of Nebraska are in- 
teresting and valuable reminiscences of the early day privations and 
trials, which were the lot of the pioneers in the new land. 

Melvin Ross DeFord, a substantial farmer of Jefferson Township, 
Daviess County, was born, July 24, 1873, the son of P. R. and Louisa 
(Barkdoll) DeFord. 

P. R. DeFord was born in Green County, Wis., April 26, 1850, and 
came to Missouri in 1867. He located on the farm now owned by his son, 
the subject of this review. The farm lies southwest of Altamont and 
northeast of Winston, and comprises some bottom land. It is well wa- 
tered, has a good residence, and is well improved. P. R. DeFord was 
not only a progressive farmer, but was also a public spirited citizen. He 
was a member of the state legislature for a term and was a promoter of 
the Farmers Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company of Daviess 
County. He was for many years the president of that organization, 
and his unselfish and energetic devotion to the work of the company 
was a strong factor in its growth. At the time of his death he owned 
200 acres of land in the county. He died at Winston, Sept. 14, 1914. 
His wife died in January, 1911. The remains of both are buried at 
Winston. They were the parents of five sons: Melvin R., the subject 
of this review ; Carol Lee ; Pleasant Clay, graduated from the Central 
Missouri State Teachers College at Warrensburg, Oklahoma University, 
and the University of Chicago, and is now the superintendent of schools 
at Chelsea, Okla. ; Alva : and Willis C. 

Melvin R. DeFord attended the school at Winston, and taught 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 683 

school in Daviess County for several years. For two years he was the 
principal of schools at Altamont. Since 1903 he has been operating a 
farm. He and his brother, Willis C, own 181 acres of the home farm. 
They do general farming and raise Rhode Island poultry, Red Poll 
cattle, and Duroc Jersey hogs. 

The DeFord farm is one of the interesting old places in the com- 
munity. It came into the possession of the DeFord family through 
the grandfather of the present owner. He was James DeFord, and was 
a native of Indiana, who migrated westward in the early days, passing 
through Fort Dearborn, the present site of Chicago, when it was only a 
trading post. James DeFord settled in Green County, Wis., then went to 
Fayette County, Iowa, and came to Missouri in 1867. He and his wife 
were both of the sturdy pioneer type. She was Catherine (Millman) De- 
Ford. They both died in Daviess County on the farm, and their remains 
are buried in Winston Cemetery. 

Melvin R. DeFord was married, Oct. 5, 1902, to Lida Easter, a 
daughter of J. W. and Mary A. (Blythe) Easter. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Easter were natives of Kentucky; he was born in Madison County in 
1832, and his wife in Estell County in 1843. They came to Missouri in 
1886. Mr. Easter died at Altamont in 1898, and his remains are buried 
in Creekmore Cemetery. His widow now lives with her daughter. Mr. 
and Mrs. Easter had the following children: Alice, married S. T. Dean, 
and died July, 1921; John P., married Nellie Noah, and died in July, 
1911; Maude, the wife of S. Everman of Altamont; and Ida and Lida, 
twins, the former now the wife of J. L. Johnston of Altamont, and the 
latter now Mrs. DeFord. Mr. and Mrs. DeFord have two children: Wil- 
bur R. and Nellie, both students in the Winston High School. 

Mr. DeFord is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
the Royal Arch, the Order of Eastern Star, and the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows Lodges. He is a Democrat, although all of his brothers 
are Republicans. He has filled the office of school director, and in 1914 
made the race for county judge on the Bull Moose ticket. He is the dis- 
trict administration superintendent of the Sunday School Association of 
the Fourth District of Daviess County. He is a man of marked execu- 
tive ability, is energetic and reliable, and is highly esteemed in the com- 
munity. 

A. J. Fulton, a wide awake and energetic farmer of Jefferson 
Township, Daviess County, is rapidly achieving success in his line of 
work. He is an enthusiastic farmer and stockraiser, and his farm and 
home which is known as Plain View Stock Farm presents an attractive 
appearance. 



684 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

John and Sarah (Freas) Fulton, the parents of A. J. Fulton, were 
both bom in Holmes County, Ohio, where they were married. They 
moved to Missouri and settled in DeKalb County four miles north of 
Cameron, where their son, A. J., was born on July 10, 1876. John Ful- 
ton was a well known farmer and dairyman. He died in 1917 at the age 
of 72 years, and his widow still lives on the home farm. She is now 69 
years of age. Their children were : Frank, living on the home place ; 
Zella, now Mrs. Vaughn of Jefferson Township; A. J., the subject of 
this sketch; Mrs. Raleigh Free of Clinton County; and Mamie, now Mrs. 
Whiteaker of Cameron. 

A. J. Fulton attended the Mt. Pleasant School and has been inter- 
ested in farming and stock raising all of his life. He bought his present 
farm of 120 acres in 1913. It was formerly the John Wilkinson place, 
and had few improvements at the time Mr. Fulton bought it. He has 
built a modern bungalow, several farm buildings, has put up good 
fences, and has made the farm one of the prettiest places in the com- 
munity. The residence stands on the highest part of the land, and is on 
the Jefferson Highway. Mr. Fulton is deeply interested in wheat cul- 
ture. He raises cattle, Shropshire sheep, and Duroc Jersey- hogs. 

A. J. Fulton was married in December, 1898, to Ida Whiteaker, 
bom in DeKalb County, the daughter of David B. and Mary (Cox) 
Whiteaker. Mrs. Whiteaker died at the age of 81, and Mr. Whiteaker, 
now 83 years old, lives in DeKalb County. He is a native of Tennessee. 
Mr. and Mrs. Fulton have a daughter, Latroyd. She attened school at 
Winston, and is now living at home. 

Mr. Fulton is a Republican. He is accounted one of the reliable 
men of the township, and is held in high esteem. 

Isaac C. Millman, a well known retired farmer of Jefferson Town- 
ship, Daviess County, is living at Altamont, where he owns five acres of 
land and a residence. Mr. Millman was born in Green County, Wis., 
Dec. 28, 1859, the son of W. H. and Lydia Ann (Phillips) Millman. 

W. H. Millman was born in Wayne County, Indiana, in 1820, and 
came to Missouri in 1864. He settled west of Altamont, in a sparsely 
populated neighborhood. W. H. and Charles Cole, brothers, John Cas- 
ter, and a few of the Samuel Johnston family were practically the only 
people for miles around. W. H. Millman's wife, Lydia Ann (Phillips) 
Millman, was born in Indiana, Feb. 2, 1820, the daughter of Thomas and 
and Rebecca (Hammett) Phillips. They were both natives of New Jer- 
sey, and were early settlers of Randolph County, Indiana. They both 
died in that county, he at the age of 80 years, and she at the age of 95 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 685 

years. One of their children, Rebecca H. Phillips, was born in Randolph 
County, Indiana, Sept. 12, 1827, and died in March, 1922, aged 94 years, 
and is buried in Winston Cemetery. 

W. H. Millman died in Jefferson Township, in 1910, at the age of 
90 years. His wife died in 1912 at the age of 92 years. The remains of 
both are buried in the Winston Cemetery. Their children were : Mary 
J., born in Indiana, married Mr. Snider, and is now dead; Mahala, born 
in Indiana, married Mr. Holloway, and is now dead; Rebecca E., born 
in Indiana, married Mr. King and now lives in Colfax Township; John 
W., born in Indiana, died in Wisconsin at the age of 20 years; Abigail I., 
born in Wisconsin, now the widow of William Powell of Garden City, 
Mo. ; Nehemiah G., born in Wisconsin, now a resident of Jefferson Town- 
ship ; Lydia Ann, born in Wisconsin, married Mr. Peasley, and died at 
Winston; Catherine, born in Wisconsin, married Mr. Satterley, and is 
now dead; Hester Ann, born in Wisconsin, was Mrs. Hayes, and died in 
Kansas; W. T., a native of Wisconsin, and died at Gallatin in February, 
1919; Robert H., living at Langley, Wash.; Isaac C, the subject of this 
sketch; and Thurza L., now Mrs. Fisher of Kansas City, Mo. 

Isaac C. Millman attended the rural schools, and farmed in Jeffer- 
son Township until 1918, when he moved to Altamont. He bought his 
present home there from John C. Scott. 

Mr. Millman was married, Oct. 22, 1885, to Susan A. Reavis, a na- 
tive of Henry County. Her parents were D. V. and Susan Ellen (Miller) 
Reavis, both natives of North Carolina. They settled in Henry County, 
Missouri, several years before the Civil War, and both died there. Their 
children besides Mrs. Millman were: D. W., now living in Washington, 
D. C; Mrs. Laura Cannon of Henry County; Mrs. Alice Quigley, de- 
ceased; James A., died in California in 1921; and Mrs. Luella Caldwell, 
died at Arvada, Col. 

Mr. and Mrs. Millman have a son, Hilee I., a resident of Fresno, 
Calif. He married Evelyn Waddell, born in Wisconsin. Her father is 
Charles Waddell of Rogers, Ark. Hilee I. Millman and his wife have 
three children ; Dorothy, Hyleen, and Jackie. Mr. and Mrs. Millman 
have reared the following children in their home: Nettie Kerr, who came 
to the Millman home when she was 10 years old, and is now the wife of 
Orland D. Miles of Barnes, Ore. ; Arletha Nation, who was taken by Mr. 
and Mrs. Millman when she was 12 years old, and is now married to Al- 
bert Wynne of Gallatin; Minnie Tenelson, entered the Millman home 
when she was nine years old, now married to William Hopper of Shen- 



686 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

andoah, Iowa; Oma Street, lived with the Millman family from the age 
of eight years and is now the wife of Edgar Rorah of Greenville, Iowa; 
Mrs. Rorah's brother, Morris Street, who was taken by Mr. and Mrs. 
Millman when he was two years old, and was drowned at the age of 17 
years; Harry Tenelson, entered the Millman home when he was 11 
years old, and now lives at Shenandoah, Iowa ; Wilbur Nation, who has 
been with Mr. and Mrs. Millman since he was 11 years old; and Ralph 
Steel, who was cared for by the Millmans for two years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Millman are members of the Seven Day Adventist 
Church at Winston. They are estimable people who have spent a life of 
unselfishness and usefullness, and who are deservedly admired and re- 
vered by the children whom they welcomed into their home. 

Adalbert W. Reid, the capable and energetic manager of the Bates 
Lumber Yard at Winston, was born in Jefferson Township on Nov. 10, 
1867, the son of Willis and Nancy (Randolph) Reid. 

Willis Reid was a farmer in Daviess County, and at one time owned 
more than 300 acres of land there. He died in 1873, and his remains 
are buried in Reid Cemetery, a graveyard located on the farm formerly 
owned by Willis Reid. His children were : Sarah Alice, living at Wins- 
ton ; Elsie, the widow of Jacob Ferryman of Winston; Adelbert W., the 
subject of this sketch; Oscar, died in infancy; and Merritt W., living at 
Norcatur, Kan. Mrs. Reid later married R. S. Osborn, and to his union 
three children were born: Dudley, living at Winston; Clyde, a resident 
of Gallatin; and Ivon, living in Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Osborn now lives 
at Winston. She is a native of Sangamon County, 111. 

Adelbert W. Reid attended the rural schools of Daviess County, 
the school at Winston, and Kidder Institute. He farmed in Daviess 
County for several years, and then became connected with the Rock Is- 
land Railway. In 1903, he became engaged in the lumber business at 
Norcatur, Kan., with Nelson and Reid. He remained there for nine 
years, leaving to become the manager of the Bates Lumber Yard at 
Winston. The Bates Lumber Company carries a complete line of lumber; 
building material, paints, and oils. The yard covers a fourth of a block, 
and is one of the well established business enterprises of the town. 

Adelbert W. Reid was married the first time in May, 1905, to Mar- 
tha May Holben, and to this union two sons were born ; Marvin Walter 
and Nelson Willis, both students in the Winston High School. Mrs. Reid 
died, Aug. 18, 1907, and her remains are buried at Norcatur, Kan. In 
June, 1911, Mr. Reid was married to Ethel (Temple) McCurdy, a na- 
tive of Norton, Kan., and the widow of James Z. McCurdy. To this union 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 687 

four children were born: Kenneth Brooks, Edwin Wayne, Wanda Marie 
and Vinita Marjorie. By her first marriage Mrs. Reid had two children: 
Lola May and David Estes, the latter born at Estes Park, Col. 

Mr. Reid is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
Lodge. He has served as the mayor of Winston, and was recently elected 
to the office of justice of the peace, but resigned. He is one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of Winston. 

H. L. Johnson, well known in both Daviess and Gentry counties, is 
the competent postmaster at Winston, Daviess County. He was ap- 
pointed to that office by President Harding on Dec. 19, 1921, and 
assumed the duties of the office on Feb. 1, 1922. 

Mr. Johnson was born, Nov. 30, 1871 in the house wnere he now 
lives. His parents, Sylvester and Celestia (DeMow) Johnson, were both 
natives of Portage County, Ohio. The father was born, July 28, 1840, 
and the mother, Dec. 12, 1839. They were married in Ohio, and came to 
Daviess County, Mo., in 1868. Mrs. Johnson died in 1916, and her re- 
mains are buried in the Winston Cemetery. Mr. Johnson still lives on a 
part of the home place. He owned at one time 140 acres of land in 
Jefferson Township, but gave all of it except 40 acres to his children 
some time ago. He is a veteran of the Civil War. He served in Company 
F. 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, organized by Colonel James A. Gar- 
field. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had the following children: Varenia L., 
married Mr. Steele, and is now dead; H. L., the subject of this sketch; 
Mabel M., the wife of G. L. Story of Winston; Newton S., living at 
Missoula, Mont.; and Garfield, died in infancy. 

H. L. Johnson attended the public schools, and spent three years as 
a student in the Stanberry Normal School. He graduated from that in- 
stitution in business and shorthand. He operated a farm for six years in 
Gentry County, then took up newspaper work and in 1901, he estab- 
lished the Winston Sentinel. In 1919, he became connected with the 
Winston Bank as the assistant cashier, and still maintains his interest in 
the bank. He resigned his position in the bank to accept his present 
office. 

H. L. Johnson was married, Feb. 14, 1893 to Anna M. Miller of 
Gentry County. Her parents, now dead, were W. H. arid Nancy Miller. 
W. H. Miller was the first white boy born in Gentry County. Mrs. 
Johnson was educated at the Stanberry Normal School, and taught 
school for two years in Gentry County. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two 
children: Juanita, married H. R. Hupp of Holly, Col., and has two 



688 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENT UNTIES 

children, Carol Joy and William ; and Alma, . vife of Allen F. Wynne, 
a traveling salesman in Daviess County. 

Mr. Johnson is a member of the Indepe t Order of Odd Fellows 
Lo'dge. He is a Republican. In 1908, he wf .lected the representative 
from Daviess County to the 45th General Assembly of Missouri. He was 
a strong advocate of the County School Fupervision law, and was a 
member of the sub committee of four, appointed to revise the road laws 
as they applied to counties under the township organization. Mr. John- 
son is a capable and popular official, and is intensely interested in every 
movement for civic improvement. 

William B. Trosper. who is successfully ^^a Ted in farming and stock 
raising in Harrison County, was born in Ca'c' ' County, Mo., July 14, 
1859, a son of Robert B. and Nancy R. (Con )sper. 

Robert B. Trosper was born in Knox C( .^y, Ky., Oct. 1, ""815. He 
farmed in Caldwell County almost his entire e, and retired in 1865. Hte 
then moved to Breckenridge where he died -larch 15, 1897. Mr. Trosper 
was a successful farmer and at the time of lis death was wealthy. His 
wife was born in Green County, Ky., Oct. ", 1818. She died July, 1880. 
Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Trosper were the p: ents of eight children, six of 
whom grew to maturity: Nicholas L., banker, Breckenridge; Minerva J., 
the wife of Mack H. Chaffin, Breckenridge ; Mary E., Breckenridge ; Rachel 
at Breckenridge; Frances, also of Breckeni idge ; and William B., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

William B. Trosper was reared in Breckenridge, and was educated in 
the public schools there. In early life he worked as a laborer on the rail- 
road, clerked in a grocery store, and in 1882 he became the assistant cashier 
of the Exchange Bank of Breckenridge. He then, in 1887, went to Cow- 
gill, and clerked in the Farmers Bank there for six months. Mr. Trosper 
then began farming and in 1889 moved to his present farm, which was 
then owned by his uncles, James and William Trosper. In 1917 Mr. Tros- 
per bought the farm, and has made extensive improvements. 

Mr. Trosper was mamed Sept. 21, 1887, to Mina G. Pullen, of Livings- 
ton County, a daughter of William A. and Sarah (Blackburn) Pullen, na- 
tives of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Pullen were among the early settlers of 
Missouri, living east of Jamesport on a farm. Mrs. Pullen died in Breck- 
enridge, in 1916, where she and her husband had lived for some time. Mr. 
Pullen died in 1920 at the home of Mr. Trosper, at the age of 87 years. 

Mr. and Mrs. William B. Trosper are the parents of six children: 
Naomi, the wife of R. H. Lane, Ark City, Kan. ; Bernice, the wife of L. T. 
Wachtel, Des Moines, la.; Genevieve, wife of Clarence Norman, Harrison 
Township, Daviess County ; Juanita, Kansas City, Mo. ; Nicholas L., at 




.MU. AMI Ml;s, W l; illdSI'IOl: 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 689 

home, and Robert B. Nicholas L. Trosper is a World War veteran, being 
assigned to Camp Funston and later sent to Raleigh, N. C. He was station- 
ed there for three months, then one month at Charlotte, N. C. He was 
discharged at Camp Pike, Ark. 

William B. Trosper's father served in the Mormon War, and his grand- 
father, Nicholas Trosper was in a disturbance at Gallatin in 1838 when 
Benedict Weldon was making a speech. A crowd of Mormons gathered 
and attacked Mr. Weldon, but his life was saved through the efforts of 
Nicholas Trosper and Martin Osborn, and for a time the Mormons were 
routed. Nicholas Trosper and his wife, Rachel (Brank) Trosper were 
natives of North Carolina, and in June 1837, they settled on the farm now 
owned by William Trosper. 

Mr. Trosper is a Democrat, and has been township trustee of Harrison 
Township. At present he owns 435 acres of land. He has been very suc- 
cessful in general farming and is a well known breeder and feeder of Short- 
horn cattle. 

Edward F. West, a hardware merchant of Winston, Daviess County, 
is a member of a Scotch Irish family that served in the American Revolu- 
tion. Among the family heirlooms are; a box, made by Mr. West's great 
grandfather in 1741 ; a knife, made by Mr. West's grandfather, John W. 
West, in 1841; and a sword, used in the American Revolution by Mr. 
West's maternal great-great-grandfather, and now owned by Mr. West's 
brother. Mr. West was born in Colfax Township, Feb. 18, 1863, the son 
of William Jewell and Mary E. (Cauckwell) West. 

William Jewell West was born in Boone County in 1837, the son of 
John W. West, one of the early settlers. John W. West was a native of 
Kentucky, where he was born in 1804. He entered land in Colfax 
Township, Daviess County, and died there on Sept. 10, 1893. His wife, 
Ruth (Lemmon) West, died, Dec. 22, 1894. John W. West was a miller 
and carpenter. His remains are buried in Black Cemetery. 

William Jewell West owned several farms at various times. He 
was the first miller to locate at Winston, where he established the mill 
in 1891. He built several residences, business edifices, and churches in 
Winston, Cameron, and other towns. He owned a farm near Winston. 
He married Mary E. Chauckwell, born in 1840 in Scott County, Ky., the 
daughter of Thomas Chauckwell. He was born in Virginia, then went 
to Kentucky, and was an early settler of Jefferson Township, Daviess 
County. He died, March 12, 1860. His father was a native of England. 
The Chauckwell family came to Daviess County in 1858, and Mary E. 
Chauckwell was married to William Jewell West, June 30, 1859. To 



690 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

this union the following children were born: John T., living at Jerome, 
Kan. ; Edward F., the subject of this review ; Willis Dudley, died in 1878 
at the age of four years ; and William Vincil, born Aug. 5, 1879, and now 
a resident of Winston. William Jewell West died in 1905. 

Edward F. West attended the rural schools and operated a saw- 
mill. He is a mechanic and carpenter, and understands the mechanism 
of plumbing, steam fitting, furnaces, threshing machines and engine 
work. Mr. West was engaged for expert work by the Aultman Miller 
Harvesting Company of Akron, Ohio, and remained with that firm for 
nine years. On July 22, 1895, he bought the hardware stock owned by 
E. G. Trumbo of Winston, and at once began business. The building 
is commodious and includes an annex for the housing of machinery. 
Mr. West has a good stock, neatly kept. His residence is located on the 
two lots adjoining the store, and was the first modern home built at 
Winston. Mr. West says that Winston is one of the progressive small 
towns of the state. The town has cement walks on practically all streets, 
and there is a large percentage of modern homes. Quite recently, Mr. 
West has sold 23 L. J. Mueller pipeless furnaces, all of them installed in 
Winston houses, or in the neighboring farmers' homes. 

Edward F. West was married on Nov. 19, 1890 to Allie Pirena Funk, 
born, Feb. 16, 1869 in Knox County. She came to Daviess County when 
she was eight years old with her parents. Garrison and Ann E. (Smith) 
Funk. They now live in Kansas. 

Mr. West is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 
Lodge at Winston, the Scottish Rites at St. Joseph, and the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows Lodge at Cameron. Both he and his wife are 
identified with the Methodist church. Mr. West served as the mayor ol 
Winston, and proved himself a thoroughly competent official. He is a 
man of intense civic pride and believes most heartily in the future of 
Winston. As a business man, he is reliable, and as a citizen he has the 
esteem of the community. 

Albert Neth, the owner and proprietor of a popular cafe and res- 
taurant at Winston, was born in Clay County, Dec. 12, 1872. His parents 
were Jacob and Fannie (Switzer) Neth. 

Jacob Neth was bom in Germany, and his wife, in Clay County, 
Missouri. He came to the United States when he was 18 years old, and 
located in Clay County, where he was married. In 1897, he came to Da- 
viess County, and bought a farm of 172 acres in Jefferson Township, 
which he still owned at the time of his death in 1917. His remains are 
buried in the Winston Cemetery. His wife, Fannie (Switzer) Neth, died 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 691 

in Clinton County in 1881, and her remains are buried in the cemetery of 
the Smith Fork Baptist Church. Their children were: Anthony, living 
at Kidder; Anna, the wife of George Norton of Pueblo, Col. ; Albert, the 
subject of this review ; Fannie, married to Floyd Jackson of Kidder ; and 
Artie May, now Mrs. E. Rutherford of Springfield, 111. 

Albert Neth attended the public school in Clinton County, and 
worked by the day. He bought 30 acres of land in Jefferson Township, 
where he remained for five years. In 1920, he sold his land, and bought 
a home at Winston. A year later, he bought the cafe and restaurant, 
which he now operates, and has established an excellent business. 

Mr. Neth was married on Feb. 25, 1903, to Emma Wood, a daugh- 
ter of Leonard and Clara (Edwards) Wood, both natives of Daviess 
County, now living at Winston. Mrs. Neth's paternal grandfather, Jo- 
seph Wood, was a native of Indiana, and was a pioneer settler in Colfax 
Township, Daviess County. Her maternal grandfather, Wiley Edwards, 
was an early settler in Colfax Township. He later became a merchant 
at Victoria, but moved to Winston, where he died at the age of 92 years. 
His remains are buried in Black Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Neth have one 
son, Erwin Dudley, born on May 28, 1909. 

Mr. and Mrs. Neth are energetic and ambitious people, and are do- 
ing a good business at Winston. 

W. P. Griffin, a well known retired farmer of Daviess County and a 
veteran of the Civil War, is now living at Altamont. He was born in 
Wayne County, Ohio, on Dec. 15, 1848, the son of James and Elizabeth 
(Beam) Griffin. 

James Griffin and his wife were both natives of Pennsylvania, and 
were married in Ohio. They left Ohio in 1856, and came down the Ohio 
River by boat, and up the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to Lexington, 
Mo. From Lexington, they drove through to Daviess County, which they 
reached on June 6, 1856. James Griffin bought 80 acres of land in Col- 
fax Township, the land now owned by the King heirs. In 1887, James 
Griffin moved to Kansas City, Mo., and became connected with the Met- 
ropolitan Street Railway Company. He died in Kansas City in 1896, and 
his remains are buried in Forest Hill Cemetery there. He was a member 
of the Missouri State Militia during the Civil War. Mrs. Griffin died at 
Palmyra, Mo., in November, 1865, and her remains are buried there. To 
the union of James and Elizabeth (Beam) Griffin the following children 
were born : W. P., the subject of this sketch ; George E., died in St. Louis, 
while in service during the Civil War, and his remains are buried at Jef- 
ferson Barracks; and Charles A., a traveling salesman for the Fred Har- 



692 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

vey Company at Kansas City, Mo. By a second marriage of the father to 
Lydia Jane Beam, he had three children: Agnes, was Mrs. Homer and 
died in Nebraska; John L., address now unknown; and J. H., living at 
Clay Center, Kan. 

W. P. Griffin attended the public schools, and at the age of 15 years, 
enlisted for service in the Civil War. He was assigned to Company H, 
43rd Missouri Volunteer Infantry at Gallatin on Aug. 22, 1864, was mus- 
tered out of service at St. Louis on June 30th and discharged July 8, 
1865. He took part in the fight at Glasgow, and was captured on Oct. 
15, 1864. He was later paroled and sent to St. Louis, then to St. Joseph, 
and finally to Kansas City, on raids against the "bushwhackers." After 
the war, Mr. Griffin retu/ned to Daviess County and that same year the 
family moved to Marion County, where they remained for two years. 
Mr. Griffin then came back to Daviess County, where he bought 80 acres 
of land just east of Altamont. He sold his land in 1918, and has been 
living at Altamont ever since. 

Mr. Griffin was married, Feb. 10, 1876, to Artemesia Wolfinbarger, 
a daughter of George and Miranda (Matthews) Wolfinbarger, both na- 
tives of Meigs County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfinbarger came to Mis- 
souri in 1865, and settled at Chillicothe. They came to Daviess County 
in 1869, and located in Sheridan Township. In 1880, they moved to 
Winston, where Mr. Wolfinbarger died in 1895, and his wife, in 1899. 
The remains of both are buried in the Winston Cemetery. Mr. Wolfin- 
barger served on the board of education in his township for many years. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wolfinbarger had the following children : Artemisia, now 
Mrs. Griffin ; Myrtle, now Mrs. Edwards of Winston ; Nancy Ann, now 
Mrs. Rarick of Guymon, Okla. ; J. F., died at Denver, Col.; Mrs. O. P. 
Walter, died at Chicago, 111.; Mrs. S. M. Beaman, died in Denver, Col.; 
and Mrs. Charlotte (Myers) Lindsey, died at Guymon, Okla. 

To the union of W. P. and Artemisia (Wolfinbarger) Griffin, the 
following children were born : Maude, now Mrs. F. A. Johnson of Clay 
Center, Kan. ; George G., living at Enid. Okla. ; M\Ttle Viola, died in in- 
fancy; Bessie Artemesia, now Mrs. W. M. Thoresen of St. Joseph; Ollie 
Gay, the wife of W. D. Moore of Alexandria, La. ; W. P., Jr.. living at 
Chickasha, Okla., Louise May, Married to H. W. Mumford, of Chicka- 
sha, Okla.; Miranda J., died in 1918. at the age of 26 years: Finis Irene, 
at home; and Phoebe Sarah, the wife of W. O. Thompson of Altamont. 
Mr. and Mrs. Griffin have 12 grandchildren. Three of their daughters. 
Finis. Phoebe, and Louise, graduated from the Altamont Hieh School. 

Mr. Griffin is a member of the John A. Dix Post of the Grand Army 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 693 

of the Republic at Kidder, and for 21 years, he was the secretary of the 
board of education at Altamont. He is an alert and capable man, and a 
very interesting talker. He revisited the scene of his birth and early 
childhood in Ohio in 1917 and 1919, and his reminiscences of that visit 
and of his boyhood days in the war are both instructive and entertain- 
ing. The Griffin family is one of the highly esteemed families of the 
community. 

Peter Galpin, a retired farmer of Daviess County and well known 
throughout the county, now lives at Altamont, where he owns 7^ acres 
of land and a pleasantly situated residence. Mr. Galpin was born in Del- 
aware County, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1843, the son of William Riley and Eliza 
(Williamson) Galpin. 

The history of the Galpin family in the United States dates back to 
1648, when Philip Galpin came to New Haven, Ct., from Bristol, England, 
where he was born. He died at Rye, N. Y., in 1664. His third son, Ben- 
jamin, was an ancestor of Peter Galpin, the subject of this sketch, 
through two generations of sons named Samuel, and a great grandson, 
named Selleck. Peter Galpin's great grandfather was born in Wood- 
bury, Conn., and was a brother to Nathan Galpin, who moved to New 
York in 1801, and in 1830, went to Washington County, Mich. That 
branch of the Galpin family still lives in Michigan. Freeman Galpin of 
Ann Arbor, Mich., is a descendant of Nathan Galpin. 

One of Selleck Galpin's sons, Ebenezer, was the grandfather of 
Peter Galpin. He was married twice. To his first marriage the follow- 
ing children were born: William Riley; Selleck, who died at the age of 
16 years; Elizabeth, deceased; and Sarah Ann, deceased. To his second 
marriage these children were born: Polly; Curtis, probably living in Cal- 
ifornia; Amanda, who died at the age of 19 years; Edward; Lucinda, 
living in California; Mary, deceased; Emmaline, died Sept. 5, 1902; 
Jane, married first to a Mr. Dillon, and a second time to a Mr. Holstead 
and she is now deceased; David, who was accidentally shot and killed. 

William Riley Galpin was born in Delaware County, Ohio, March 
12, 1819, and died on Oct. 11, 1909, in Sheridan Township, Daviess 
County, Missouri. His remains are buried in the McCrary Cemetery. 
His wife, Eliza (Williamson) Galpin, was born in Ohio on Aug. 9, 1817, 
and died in Ohio, Feb. 26, 1862. Her remains are buried in Ohio. 
Their children were : Peter G., the subject of this review ; John, born 
April 22, 1845, and now living at Long Beach, Calif., married Rebecca 
Jane Culver; Ebenezer, born Feb. 19, 1847, and died in August, 1919, 
in Los Angeles, where his widow, Mary Olive (Swisher) Galpin, still 



694 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

lives; Mary, now Mrs. Brobst of Oakland, Calif.; and Florence, now 
Mrs. Jennings, Oakland, Calif.; and Almeron C, living in California. 
Ebenezer Galpin served for three years in the 121st Ohio Infantry dur- 
ing the Civil War. While he was in the hospital at Campbellsville, Ky., 
he was captured by Morgan and his men, but was afterwards paroled. 

By a second marriage of William Riley Galpin to Sarah Ann Place, 
he had three children: Frankie Ann, the widow of Adam Hiel of Ohio; 
Findley, a resident of Columbus, Ohio; Gertrude, now married. 

Peter Galpin attended the schools of Ohio in the little town of Sun- 
bury, and later went to a subscription school at Olive Green, walking 
2i miles each way to attend the school. 

On July 5, 1864, Peter Galpin, his brother, and a neighbor boy, Al- 
vin Rosecrans, left Delaware County, Ohio, and drove 1,500 sheep to 
Powesheik County, Iowa. They were 58 days making the journey. The 
dust was at least two inches thick most of the way, and they made only 
ten miles a day. Peter Galpin got a dollar a day as his wage for the 
trip. He stopped in Decatur County, Iowa, at the home of his grand- 
father, Ebenezer Galpin, and remained there a year. 

In the fall of 1865, Mr. Galpin came to Missouri, and located in 
Daviess County, where he has spent most of the time ever since. He and 
his brother, John, bought 80 acres of land in Sheridan Township. Their 
brother, Ebenezer, was at first a partner with them in the transaction, 
but later sold his interest in the land. Peter Galpin now owns 281 acres 
of land in Sheridan Township, which is operated by his youngest son. 
Mr. Galpin farmed the land from 1872 to 1912, when he moved to Gal- 
latin. The fall of that year, he went to Altamont, where he bought his 
present home. 

Peter Galpin was married on Dec. 8, 1870, to Victorrene Swisher, 
born on Dec. 8, 1845, the daughter of Isaac and Amanda (Dennison) 
Swisher of Sheridan Township. Isaac Swisher was born on Feb. 13, 
1815, in Virginia, and died in Daviess County, Missouri, Feb. 13, 1886. 
His wife, a native of Delaware, was born Aug. 16, 1817, and died in 
Caldwell County, Missouri, May 3, 1881. The remains of both are buried 
at Hamilton. 

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Galpin have three sons: Claude H., born on 
July 28, 1875, married Cora Scott, May 22, 1898, and now lives at Galla- 
tin; Victor S., born Aug. 24, 1880, married Maud Gallamore on Dec. 25, 
1901, and now lives at Gallatin; and Peter Fletcher born April 15, 1890, 
married Clara Snyder on July 15, 1911, and lives on the home place. 
Claude H. Galpin has five children: Roy, Grace, J. P., Harold, and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 695 

Jewell; Victor S. Galpin has two children, Audrey and Heath; and 
Fletcher Galpin has the following children, Junior, Viola, Doris, and 
James Alva. 

Peter Galpin filled the office of justice of the peace in Sheridan 
Township for two terms and was township trustee two terms. He is one 
of the prominent men in his community. The Galpin family has been 
held in high regard ever since Mr. Galpin first settled in Daviess County, 
and has always been accounted an asset to the county. Mr. Galpin was 
for many years, a progressive and energetic farmer, and since his re- 
tirement from active duty on the farm, he has given much thought ot 
matters pertaining to community progress and civic welfare. 

W. W. Ament succeeded Buchanan and Sons in the general mer- 
chandise business at Winston, Daviess County, Dec. 4, 1915. The store is 
located in the Foxworthy Building, and Mr. Ament carries an excellent 
line of dry goods, groceries, queensware, shoes, stationery, and school 
supplies. He is assisted in the store by Mrs. Ament, who is competent 
and enthusiastic in the work. The business is one of the thriving indus- 
tries of the community. 

Mr. Ament is a native Kentuckian. He was born in Hardin County, 
Kentucky, Nov. 11, 1878, the son of J. H. and Rachel Ament. J. H. 
Ament and his wife now live at Kidder, where Mr. Ament is widely 
known as a successful merchant. He has been in the mercantile busi- 
ness at Kidder for the past 35 years. 

W. W. Ament came to Missouri with his parents in 1881. They set- 
tled in Caldwell County, and Mr. Ament attended the public schools and 
then was a student at Thayer College at Kidder. When he was 17 years 
old, he began to work for the firm of Beaumont and Larrabee, mer- 
chants at Kidder. He remained in that position for 3A years, receiving 
for his first salary $8.00 per month. He worked diligently and was de- 
termined to succeed. He went to California, and worked as an engineer 
for the "20 Mule Team Borax" firm. While in that position he suffered 
the loss of his left hand, but this calamity did not deter him from his 
ambition to succeed. He came back to Missouri, and entered the livery 
business at Chillicothe, in which work he remained for two years. At 
the end of that time, he went to Kidder and entered into buisness with 
his father and brother. In 1910 he and his wife went to California, 
where Mr. Ament became the bookkeeper for the Petaluma-San Fran- 
cisco Transfer Company at Petaluma. They remained there for three 
years, and in 1914 went to San Francisco, where Mr. Ament was in bus- 
iness for two years at the corner of Scott and O'Farrell streets. He sold 



696 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

that business and returned to Missouri because of the illness of members 
of his family, and bought his present business at Winston in 1915. 

W. W. Ament was married Nov. 27, 1907, to Lillian W. Vallanding- 
ham, a daughter of R. L. and Amanda (Woodruff) Vallandingham. 

R. L. Vallandingham died in 1899 at Kidder. He was a veteran of 
the Civil War in which he served as a Confederate soldier. He was 
wounded in the left wrist while in service. After his death his widow 
and two daughters operated the home farm; they were left with nothing 
but the land and on account of sickness of Enolia, the widow's daughter, 
they mortgaged the farm to get money; and they succeeded in paying 
off the mortgage by raising and feeding hogs. The widow still lives at 
Winston. Mrs. Ament was born near Gallatin, Jan. 1, 1881, was edu- 
cated in the public schools, and attended Thayer College, from which 
institution she graduated in music in 1905. She taught music for six 
years, and then taught school in Daviess County for two years. Later 
she became the manager of the art and music department in a store in 
Petaluma, Calif. She has a brother, H. C. Vallandingham, who owns a 
part of the home farm in Colfax Township, where he lives. 

Mr. Ament is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 
Lodge, and both he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern 
Star Lodge. Mr. Ament served as township collector for a term in Cald- 
well County. Both he and his wife are energetic and ambitious. They 
enter with zeal into the life of the community and are both strong fac- 
tors in all of the civic activities of the neighborhood. They are assets to 
the town of Winston, where they are both held in high regard. 

Dr. D. M. Clagett, for the past 50 years a practicing physician at 
Winston, is one of the interesting pioneer professional men of this part 
of Missouri. He is a native of Mississippi, where he was born in Natchez 
County on March 24, 1846. His parents were Dr. Hezekiah and Eliza- 
beth (Shipp) Clagett. 

Dr. Hezekiah Clagett was born in Maryland, and died in Kansas 
City, Mo., in 1912, at the age of 95 years. He was a graduate of the 
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa., and was the first dent- 
ist to make artificial teeth west of Philadelphia. He practiced in St. 
Louis for several years, and retired from professional life when he left 
that city. His wife was born in Kentucky, and died in St. Louis in 1856. 

D. M. Clagett attended the public school, and graduated from the 
Medical Department of Washington University, St. Louis, in 1872. He 
located at Victoria four miles northwest of Winston and in 1874, located 
at Winston. He made the journey from St. Louis to Daviess County on 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 697 

horseback. He had no particular destination in mind when he left St. 
Louis, but felt that if he rode long enough he would find a suitable loca- 
tion. When he opened his office at Winston, Dr. F. C. Eastman was lo- 
cated at Alta Vista, and the Gallatin physicians were; Drs. Robertson, 
Givens, Brosius, Folmsbee, Black, and McFarland. All of those men are 
dead after years of active service to their communities. 

Dr. Clagett gives some interesting recollections of the early days of 
the medical work in the county. The doctors all dispensed their own 
medicines, and made their visits under difficulties. They rode horse- 
back ; there were no buggies outside of Gallatin in Daviess County. 
People rode in linchpin wagons and used splint bottom chairs for seats. 
There were few settlers on the prairies, and most of them lived at the 
edge of the timber land. The prairie grass was often as high as a horse, 
and the sod plows had not yet been introduced into this part of the 
country. The roads were mere trails very often, and were hard to fol- 
low when there was a snow storm. Dr. Clagett tells that one snowy eve- 
ning, Robert Caster started on the two-mile trip for Dr. Clagett to at- 
tend a sick member of the Caster family. After wandering around on 
the prairie for a long time he saw a light and went to the back door of 
the house. To his inquiry of "Who lives here?" a neighbor woman, who 
was attending the sick person, replied, "Bob Caster." Mr. Caster had 
simply circled around in the storm to his own home. 

Dr. Clagett was the coroner of Daviess County at the time of the 
famous Winston train robbei-y in 1878, which resulted in the killing by 
the robbers of Dr. Westfall and one other man, and in the trial of Frank 
James for the murder. Several other men were suspected of complicity 
in the crime, but only the one was tried. He was acquitted. Dr. Clagett 
summoned the jury which held the inquest over the murdered bodies, 
and was a witness at the trial, the details of which stirred the entire 
state. 

Dr. Clagett was married on Jan. 1, 1874, to Mary A. Wood a daugh- 
ter of James and Martha (Osborn) Wood, early settlers of Daviess 
County. James Wood was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1826, and came to 
Missouri in the fifties. He located in Colfax Township, Daviess County. 
He was a member of the Missouri State Militia. He died in 1878 in the 
52nd year of his age. His wife was born in Boone County, and died in 
August, 1920, at the age of 87 years. The remains of both are buried in 
the Victoria Cemetery. Besides Mrs. Clagett, the living children of 
James Wood and his wife are: Mrs. J. M. Pringle of Cameron; Mrs. 
Luvina Spaulding of Kansas City, Mo. ; and Alvin, living in Oklahoma. 



698 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Dr. and Mrs. Clagett have a son, O. F., a practicing physician of 
Carbondale, Col. He was born, Aug. 7, 1881, and attended the school 
at Winston. He later went to school at Cameron, and graduated from 
University Medical College at Kansas City, Mo. He was married in 
August, 1904, to EfRe Stevens of Trenton, and to their union the follow- 
ing children were born; Eleanor, John Malcolm, Oscar Theron, Helen 
Louise, and Bettie. Helen Louise Clagett died of influenza at the age of 
five years. 

Dr. Clagett has been a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons Lodge for 40 years, and served as the treasurer of the lodge at 
Winston for 35 years. He served four years as the coroner of Davies 
Count}'. His period of half a century of service in Daviess County makes 
him one of the promiennt figures in the community. He has been es- 
teemed by more than two generations in and around Winston, and his 
name rightly belongs in Dr. Clagett's work is worthy of mention in such 
a book. 

George A. Olsen, proprietor of Plain View Farm near Winston in 
Jefferson Township, Daviess County, was born in Iowa on Aug. 13, 1873, 
the son of C. M. and Catherine E. (Van Dyke) Olsen. 

C. M. Olsen and his family moved to Dakota in 1897 where they 
remained for five years. They came to Daviess County and settled in 
Jefferson Township, later moving to Devon, Bourbon County, Kan. 
From there they went to Hugo, Lincoln County, Col., and took up a 
claim upon which they lived ten years; they now live in Hugo, Col. The 
children of C. M. Olsen and his wife were : George A., the subject of this 
review; Henry, deceased; Josephine, now Mrs. Stegeburg of Woon- 
socket, S. Dak. ; W. W., living at Hugo, Col. ; John C, a resident of Hugo, 
Col.; and Cora, now Mrs. Broadbeck of Fort Scott, Kan. 

George A. Olsen attended the schools of Iowa, and has been a 
farmer and stockraiser all of his life. In 1902 he came to Daviess County 
and bought his present farm of 120 acres two miles north of Winston. 
The residence was on the farm at the time Mr. Olsen purchased it, but 
he has made the other improvements, including a barn, farm buildings, 
and set out an orchard. Besides his home place, Mr. Olsen owns eighty 
acres of land adjoining the Fulton place on the south and 40 acres west 
of the home place. He has made improvements on both of those places. 
Mr. Olsen raises Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, and White Leg- 
horn, Plymouth Rock, and Brahma poultry. He has achieved a marked 
success in his line of work and is accounted one of the able and energetic 
farmers of the township. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 699 

George A. Olsen was married on Oct. 18, 1894, in Winneshiek 
County, Iowa, to Alta Stone, a native of Fayette County, Iowa, and a 
daughter of James and Ann (Reed) Stone. Mr. Stone died in Iowa and 
his wife died in Daviess County, Missouri, at the home of her son, Frank 
Frederick. Her remains are buried at Winston. Mrs. Olsen is the only 
child of her parents, but by a former marriage her mother had the fol- 
lowing children; Samuel Frederick; Frank Frederick; and Helen and 
Ellen, twins, the former now Mrs. Loop and the latter now Mrs. Leslie ; 
and Flora dead. 

Mr. and Mrs. Olsen have six children: Earl, married Zella Downs, 
and lives on a farm south of Winston ; Vay, a resident of Fort Scott, 
Kan. ; Orla, a teacher at Fairview School ; Harry, married Nora Carey, 
and lives on the home place ; Vira, living at Fort Scott, Kan. ; and Viola, 
a student in the Winston High School. Mr. and Mrs. Olsen have two 
grandchildren, Geneva Fern and Verlin Wayne Olsen. 

The Olsen family is held in high regard in the community. Mr. Ol- 
sen is competent and reliable and an excellent farmer. 

James M. Mallory, a farmer of Jefferson Township, Daviess County, 
is a native Virginian. He was born on March 1, 1866, near Hillsville, 
Virginia, the son of Moses T. and Virginia (Allen) Mallory. 

Moses T. Mallory was born in 1832 and his wife was born in 1838. 
They were married in Virginia, and came to Missouri in 1869. They 
made the trip by wagon and were more than two months on the road. 
They settled north of Altamont, where they bought 40 acres of land 
from the railroad company. In 1877, Mr. Mallory moved to the farm 
now owned by his son, James M., the subject of this sketch. He re- 
mained on the farm for 25 years, and then moved to Gallatin, where he 
died in 1908. Mr. Mallory was a shoemaker by trade as well as a farmer. 
He served in the Confederate Army for three and one-half years. He 
enlisted in Virginia, and was in Gen. Jubal A. Early's forces in Lee's Di- 
vision. He was with that division at the time of Lee's surrender. 

Virginia (Allen) Mallory died at Altamont in 1874, and Mr. Mal- 
lory later married Susan Rawlins, who died in 1915. To his first union 
three children were born: Stephen A., living in DeKalb County; James 
M., the subject of this review; and Virginia, the wife of Thomas Patton 
of Spokane, Wash. To his second marriage one child was born, a daugh- 
ter, Julia, who died at the age of five years. 

James M. Mallory attended the rural schools and was a teacher in 
Daviess County for several years. He owns 190 acres of land in Jeffer- 
son Township, his residence being located five miles north of Winston. 



700 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

He does general farming and his own housework as well. Mr. Mallory 
is a Democrat in politics, and in 1898, he made the race for circuit clerk 
of the county. He has served as the township collector and constable. 

The Mallory family is of Welch extraction. Members of the family 
have lived in Daviess County since the fifties, when two brothers of 
Moses T. Mallory, Joseph and Lanza M., came to Missouri and pre- 
empted land in Jefferson Township, Daviess County. They were among 
the first white inhabitants of the county. Joseph Mallory built the 
Seventh Day Adventist Church north of Altamont, to which organiza- 
tion he belonged. He died on his farm in 1900 and his remains are 
buried in the Union Cemetery. He was a believer in the cause of the 
Union during the Civil War strife, and his brother, Lanza M., supported 
the Confederate government. Lanza M. Mallory died on his farm near 
that of his brother in 1893. 

James M. Mallory is a practical and competent farmer and is held 
in high esteem by his neighbors. 

Charles Bruce Crowder, a well known farmer and stock raiser of 
Jefferson Township, Daviess County, has lived on his present farm of 
155 acres for the past 36 years. He is a member of a pioneer family of 
the county. His parents, Hugh S. and Cassie Ann (Searcy) Crowder, 
were among the early settlers of this part of Missouri. They owned the 
land adjoining the farm, now held by Mr. Crowder, and he was born on 
that farm, June 5, 1856. 

Hugh S. Crowder was born in Kentucky, March 21, 1822. He was 
a second cousin of Gen. Enoch Crowder of World War fame and a bro- 
ther of Judge Thomas B. Crowder of Daviess County. Hugh S. Crowder 
and his family came to Platte County, Mo., in 1852. His wife, Cas- 
sie Ann (Searcy) Crowder, was born in Kentucky on April 27, 1830, and 
her brother, S. P. Searcy, born in Kentucky on April 11, 1832, came to 
Missouri and joined the Crowder family. They all moved to Daviess 
County in 1854 and settled in Jefferson Township. S. P. Searcy married 
Sarah Hynes, a native of Daviess County, bom on March 5, 1842, and 
they lived on their farm in Jefferson Township until their death. Mr. 
Searcy died in 1913 and Mrs. Searcy died in 1911. Their remains are 
buried in Cape Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh S. Crowder located on a 
farm near the Searcy farm, and at one time, Mr. Crowder owned 600 
acres of land. Mrs. Crowder died on the farm on July 15, 1900, and Mr. 
Crowder died on July 12, 1907. 

To the union of Hugh S. and Cassie Ann (Searcy) Crowder the fol- 
owing children were born: Sallie, bom Dec. 9, 1850, and died March 7, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 701 

1853; James, born Sept. 14, 1853, died Sept. 30, 1890; Charles B., the 
subject of this review ; Anna, the wife of Hugh Smith of Rocky Ford, 
Col.; Ada, married to John Garner of Weatherby; Cora Lee, on the 
home place; Lizzie, the wife of Clarence Polk of Kansas City, Mo.; and 
Robert A., living on the home place. Harriett Crowder, a niece of Hugh 
S. Crowder, was reared in the Crowder home. She married Elmer Ross 
of Colorado. Of the children born to S. P. Searcy and his wife, the fol- 
lowing are living: Ada Frances, the wife of Sherman Sturgis; N. S., liv- 
ing in Oklahoma; Martha Ellen, married Henry Nevitt; J. F., living in 
Jefferson Township; George Allen, on the home place; W. B. address 
unknown; EfRe May, the wife of John Boyer; and H. N. 

Charles B. Crowder attended school in District No. 55, a district 
organized just after the close of the Civil War. The first school was 
taught by Ben Whitchurch. Mr. Crowder has always lived on a farm. 
His present farm comprises a part of the old Crowder home place. All 
of the improvements were made by the present owner. The residence 
lies 31 miles east of Weatherby. 

Charles B. Crowder was married, March 11, 1885, to Carrie Polk, a 
daughter of Albin and Margaret (Lewis) Polk. Mrs. Polk died in 1856, 
and her remains are buried in Illinois. Mr. Polk, now 87 years old, 
makes his home with his daughter. He is a veteran of the Civil War in 
which he served in the Union army for a year, enlisting from Kentucky. 

Mr. and Mrs. Crowder had the following children: Hugh A., born 
Jan. 2, 1886, married Nora Creason on June 15, 1912, and lives on the 
home place; Jesse M.. born March 9, 1888, married Lulu Spain, and 
lives at Winston; Perry C, born Feb. 9, 1890, married Cleo Sutton, and 
lives in Kansas City, Mo. ; Larkin L., born Feb. 1, 1892, married Jessie 
Robinson, and lives in Jefferson Township; Cleo W., born Jan. 7, 1895, 
mention of whom occurs later in this sketch ; Bessie Q., born Nov. 17, 
1896, married to Thomas Hunt of Burton, Kan.; an infant son, born in 
1902 and died in infancy; and Margaret L., born April 6, 1904, now a 
student at Kidder Institute. Mr. and Mrs. Crowder have three grand- 
children ; Thelma Crowder, Max, the son of Cleo W. Crowder, and Nola 
Noll, the foster child of Hugh Crowder. Cleo W. Crowder was inducted 
into the United States army at Gallatin, was sent to Camp Doniphan, 
Okla., for training, and was overseas for 11 months. He was in service 
for 19 months. He married Phleta West, and now lives on the Pettijohn 
farm near Gallatin. 

The Crowder family is held in high regard in the community. 



702 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Charles Bruce Crowder is esteemed as an able and practical farmer and 
a citizen of high ideals. 

Thomas L. Frost, a successful farmer of Jefferson Township, Da- 
viess County, has recently retired from active farm life and will make 
his permanent residence at Gallatin. He is a member of a pioneer fam- 
ily of Daviess County, and was born in Jefferson Township on the farm 
which he now owns on Dec. 6, 1856. His parents were Elisha and Eliza- 
beth (Born) Frost. 

Elisha Frost was born in Grayson County, Virginia. He came to 
Missouri in 1844 and located in Jefferson Township in Daviess County. 
His farm comprised the land now owned by his son, Thomas L. He be- 
came a widely known farmer and stockman of the county. He served 
as trustee for the township for many years and was actively interested 
in building up the schools. His wife died on July 22, 1864, and he later 
married Rachel Black. Elisha Frost died on Feb. 21, 1894. His remains 
and those of his first wife are buried in Union Church Cemetery. To 
his union with Elizabeth (Born) Frost the following children were born: 
James H., at one time county recorder, address now unknown ; George 
H., died in 1889; J. W., died in 1918; Nancy E., died in 1877; W. C, 
died in 1884; Elisha L., living in Marion Township; E. F., a resident of 
St. Joseph; Thomas L., the subject of this review; and C. D., died in 
1910. To the second marriage of Elisha Frost one daughter was born, 
Laura May, died in 1902. Both James H. and George H. Frost were 
members of the Missouri State Militia during the Civil War. 

Thomas L. Frost lived five years at Pueblo, Col., and 15 years at 
Leadville, Col., where he still has mining interests. He went to Colorado 
in 1879 and remained in that state until 1903, when he came to Da- 
viess County. He has land holdings of 175 acres in Jefferson Township. 
The farm is equipped with an e.xcellent residence, a large barn, and 
other improvements. Mr. Frost held a sale some time ago and for a short 
time lived with Charles F. Youtsey three miles north of Altamont. 

Mr. Frost was married in 1914 to Nettie (Hoover) Youtsey, a 
daughter of Scott and Lizzie Hoover of Gallatin and the widow of San- 
ford M. Youtsey. By her first marriage Mrs. Frost had two children: 
Charles F., a farmer of Jefferson Township; and Lois, married Ross 
Naylor and is now dead. 

Mr. Frost is a Republican in his political views. He is a reliable man 
and one of the progressive and highly esteemed citizens of his commun- 
ity. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 703 

E. G. Brown, a well known farmer of Jefferson Township, Daviess 
County, was born on a farm a mile northwest of his present home, Aug. 
27, 1865, the son of James and Phoebe (Frost) Brown. 

James Brown was born in Kentucky, May 8, 1833, and was brought 
to Missouri in 1836. He went to California in 1844 and returned to Mis- 
souri in 1851. He made the trip to the West with an ox team, and came 
back by way of Panama. He engaged in mining in Colorado for a time, 
and after his return to Missouri, bonght land in Jefferson Township, 
Daviess County. He died on Oct. 27, 1911. His wife was a daughter of 
E. and Elizabeth Frost, who were pioneer settlers of the county. She 
was born, Jan. 10, 1832, and died, July 15, 1905. James Brown and his 
wife had three children: Mariam, now Mrs. Smith of Winston; Lizzie, 
now on the home farm; and E. G., the subject of this review. 

E. G. Brown attended the public schools and was a student in the 
Stanberry Normal in 1881. He returned to the farm at the end of that 
year, and now owns 260 acres of well improved land lying six miles 
north of Winston. The farm is on the Jefferson Highway and has excel- 
lent improvements. There is a fine grove of trees and also an orchard 
of four acres. Mr. Brown has been successful in raising cattle and mules. 
The farm shows the effect of Mr. Brown's practical methods. It presents 
a neat, well kept appearace. 

E. G. Brown was married on March 3, 1885, to Lydea E. Smith. 
Mrs. Brown was born in Jefferson Township, the daughter of William 
and Sarah (Ray) Smith of Plattsburg. Mrs. Smith died in 1908 and Mr. 
Smith died in 1916. The remains of both are buried at Winston. Their 
children were: Mack, died in 1908; Lydea, now Mrs. Brown; Mrs. A. I. 
Hays of Denver, Col.; Mrs. H. A. Murray of Denver, Col.; Clarence, de- 
ceased; Myrtle, now Mrs. Riggs of Colorado; Florence, deceased; and 
Dr. O. L., of Ft. Collins, Col. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have the following children : Clyta, cashier 
with the National Cloak and Suit Company at Kansas City, Mo.; Lloyd 
Earl, owner of the old Smith homestead, which he operates; Lucille, 
married to Dr. V. W. Myers of St. Louis; Roy R., who was with the Mid- 
west Bank at Kansas City, Mo., for a year and is now at home ; and Mar- 
jorie, a teacher in the Benton School at Kansas City, Mo. 

Dr. V. W. Myers served in the World War and was commissioned 
as First Lieutenant. He was in Camps Oglethorp, Chattanooga, Tenn., 
and was married there, and his wife then went to Shoshone, Idaho, 
where she was mu.sical supervisor; resigned later and is now living in St. 
Louis. 



704 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have three grandchildren: Jewell, the daugh- 
ter of Lloyd E. Brown, and Marjorie Gale and Betty Ray Myers. 

Mr. Brown and his son, Ray R., are both members of the Ancient 
Free and Accepted Masons at Altamont. Mr. Brown belongs to the 
Blue Lodge and Chapter at Gallatin. He has filled the oi^ice of collector 
of the township for three terms and was a clerk under Representative 
Dunlop in 1919. He has always taken an active interest in politics and 
has participated in political affairs. He is a man of keen intelligence 
and as a citizen manifests pride in all the movements that pertain to 
civic progress. , 

E. M. Foley, Jr., a prosperous farmer and stockman and owner of 600 
acres of land in Monroe Township, Daviess County, was born Feb. 23, 1847, 
two and one-half miles from where he now lives, a son of Thomas Green 
and Elizabeth D. (Payne) Foley. 

Thomas Green Foley was born Nov. 12, 1819, in Knox County, Ky. 
When about 14 years of age he came to Daviess County, locating on a 
farm in Monroe Township, now owned by Milton Trosper. He remained 
at home until 1846, when he purchased a farm in Monroe Township, where 
he reared his family. Mr. Foley enlisted in the Civil War in 1861. He 
was in Captain David Enyart's Company, which was sent south, and en- 
gaged in the battles of Carthage, Wilson Creek and others. He then re- 
turned home for a short time, after which he re-enlisted and was stationed 
in Colonel Reed's regular Confederate service. He took part in the battle 
of Pea Ridge, then crossed the Mississippi River and fought on the east 
side. He also took part in the second battle of Corinth. After the battle 
at Resaca, Mr. Foley was discharged. He then went to east Tennessee, 
where he rested up, later going to Illinois. Here he purchased some land 
in Schuyler County, and made his home there, having married a second 
time, his second wife being Nancy S. Payne, a sister of his first wife. Mr. 
Foley died in McCombe, 111., in April, 1893, and is buried in Schuyler 
County, where his two wives are also buried. 

Eiizabeth D. (Payne) Foley was born in Wayne County, Ky., Dec. 
16, 1822, and died in August, 1863. To Thomas Green and Elizabeth 
D. (Payne) Foley nine children were born, as follows: E. M., subject of 
this sketch ; Henry H., deceased, was superintendent of public schools of 
Schuyler County, 111. ; Sarah Ann, died in infancy ; John F., president of 
the Plymouth Bank, Plymouth, 111. ; A. C, retired farmer, Norton, Kans. ; 
Mary F., Long Beach, Calif. ; Nancy L., the wife of Fred Luce, Oak Park. 
111.; Elizabeth, deceased; Rebecca, the wife of John A. H. Keith, Indiana, 
Pa. To Thomas Green and Nancy S. (Payne) Foley one child was born, 
who died in infancy. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 705 

The following is taken from the "History of the Foley Family," by 
T. G. Foley: "The first of the Foley family that I know anything about 
was James Foley, who lived and died in Virginia. He had a son by the 
name of Moses Foley. Moses was a lame man. was one of the cavalrymen 
under General Green in the Revolution. He was a man of considerable 
means but lost most of it during the war and when the war was over he 
moved further west to the frontier to secure a home. He settled on what 
was called New River. Moses Foley had two families of children, his first 
family consisted of five boys: Elijah, Moses, James, Thomas and Spencer, 
and six girls. His second family consisted of two sons, Martin and Hugh, 
better known as Hughey. The most noted of these being Elijah and 
Moses, both being Baptist ministers. They preached in Virginia, Ken- 
tucky and Missouri. Elijah, the eldest son, was born Sept. 4, 1771, but 
young as he was. he had to help support his family during the Revolution- 
ary War. Elijah Foley married first Elizabeth Xordyke, by whom he had 
six children, three boys: Moses, Abraham and Elijah, and three daughters. 
His second wife was a widow by the name of Brown. By the second mar- 
riage they had four children: James, Green. Franklin, Sampson, and one 
daughter. He moved from Kentucky to Missouri in 1821, previous to this 
several years he had moved from Virginia to Kentucky. His best work 
in the ministry was in Kentucky, although he spent 20 years of his life 
in Missouri. 

Moses Foley, second generation from James Foley of Virginia and 
brother of Elijah Foley, was a noted evangelist ... I know nothing 
of him until he came to Kentucky . . . . he had a large family, 
principally boys. He lived near Crab Orchard and he was pastor of that 
church for 30 years. In addition to raising his own large family he went 
to Virginia and brought out James' family after his death and raised 
them, there being four boys and one girl, her name after she married was 
Jane Rector. She had two very smart boys. 

Some of Moses' family moved to southern Indiana and I don't know 
where the others went. Thomas Foley IV, son of Moses Foley son of 
James Foley of Virginia, had a very large family. He lived in Whitely 
County. Ky! One of his sons, Jonathan, was a very bright young man and 
was elected to the Legislature of Kentucky, but never took his seat as he 
was bitten by a snake and died soon after his election. Spencer Foley 
raised a family but went insane while the family was growing up. Most 
of his family were very reckless. One son, however, was converted, and 
became quite a minister. Moses Foley, oldest son of Elijah Foley, one 
of the ministers, lived in Boone County. Mo. He died when he was about 
40 years old and his wife took the family and went back to Kentucky. 



706 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Abraham Foley, brother of the above, moved to Boone County, Mo., at a 
very early day, being one of the early settlers there, later he moved to 
Polk and Dade Counties, Mo. He practiced medicine there for several 
years. When his family grew up he moved to Oregon. 

Elijah Foley, third son of Elijah, Jr., one of the ministers, our grand- 
father, was born Feb. 14, 1798, at New River, Va., and moved with the 
rest of the family to Knox County, Ky. Elijah Foley was married to 
Mary Ann Blakely, Oct. 6, 1818. They had seven children: Thomas 
Green, Betsy Ann, John Treble, Moses Franklin, James William, Elijah 
Madison and Mary Jane. At the present time, 1898, there are only one 
of Elijah Foley's children that survive him: Elijah Madison. All of 
Elijah Foley's children married and settled in Caldwell and Daviess 
Counties, Mo., except one, Moses F., who died when young." 

Marriages:— Elijah Foley-Polly A. Blakely, Oct. 5, 1818. William 
E. Hales-Elizabeth A. Foley, Nov. 26, 1843. Thomas G. Foley-Elizabeth 
Payne, May 14, 1846. James T. Green-Mary A. Foley, March 16, 1856. 
James W. Foley-Mary Green, June 22, 18-56. John T. Foley-Elizabeth 
Daugherty, March 20, 1859. Elijah M. Foley-Laura Brosius. David Gilt- 
ner-Margaret Hale, April 24, 1870. 

Births:— Elijah Foley, Feb. 14, 1798. Polly A. Foley. Oct. 23, 1799. 
Thomas G. Foley, Nov. 12, 1819. Elizabeth A. Foley, Dec. 16, 1822. John 
T. Foley, Feb. 24, 1826. Moses F. Foley, March 19, 1829. James W. 
Foley, Feb. 8, 1832. Elijah M. Foley, Feb. 11, 1835. Mary J. Foley, Jan. 
11, 1838. Mary K. Hale, Oct. 31, 1834. Elijah Foley, Sr., Sept. 4, 1771. 
Thomas Blakely, Oct. 13, 1777. 

Deaths :— Elizabeth A. Hale, Jan. 6, 1848. Mary C. Hale, Oct. 15, 
1848. Rebecca Blakely, Oct. 13, 1847. Elijah Foley, Sr., April 17, 1848. 
Elijah Foley, Jr., March 30, 1865. Moses Foley, April 20, 1868. Mary 
A. Foley, April 19, 1883. James W. Foley, John T. Foley, Sept. 2, 1893. 
Thomas G. Foley. 

E. M. Foley, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and 
lived from March, 1865, until March, 1867, in Scuyler County, 111. Later 
he worked for his uncle, Moses F. Foley, on a farm in Monroe Township, 
Daviess County, and after his uncle's death, Mr. Foley continued to live 
on the farm with his grandmother, Mary A. (Blakely) Foley, until 1875. 
After his marriage in 1875, Mr. Foley removed to his present farm in 
Monroe Township, where he has made many improvements. He has been 
unusually successful in farming and raises high grade stock. 

April 14, 1875, Mr. Foley was married to Julia Ann Ramsbottom, a 
daughter of Obediah and Matilda (Hemry) Ramsbottom, natives of Brad- 
ford, England, and CorroU County, Ohio, who came to Daviess County in 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 707 

the early days and settled in Harrison Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Ramsbottom are deceased, having died in Gallatin. Mrs. Foley was born 
in Union Township, Daviess County, just west of Gallatin on Jan 1, 1849. 
To E. M. and Julia Ann (Ramsbottom) Foley four children have been born, 
as follows: The oldest child died in infancy; Oscar, a graduate of West 
Point Military Academy in 1902. He was commissioned a second lieu- 
tenant and sent to the Philippines. He was in the Sixth Cavalry, later 
being tran.sferred to other branches of service, and sailed for overseas 
during the World War as a Major. Shortly afterwards he was made a 
Lieutenant Colonel. After the war he returned to the United States and 
was assigned to various kinds of duty, and is now stationed in the school 
of instruction at Fort Leavenworth, Kans. Oscar Foley was married in 
November, 1916, to Louise Hughline, a native of Louisville, Ky. They 
have no children. William H., deceased and George E., living at home with 
his parents. He is a graduate of William Jewell College, Liberty, and is 
now engaged in assisting his father in farm work. He is unmarried. 

Mr. Foley is a Democrat, and served in the capacity of public adminis- 
trator of Daviess County, for four years. He is a stock holder in the 
Gallatin Flour Mill. Mr. Foley, through his wife, became heir to 180 
acres of land where the residence now stands. He had added to his hold- 
ings until now he owns 600 acres, and with his son, has under control about 
800 acres of land. 

Mr. Foley is a member of the Baptist church. He is a substantial 
citizen and a progressive type of man. He is a good farmer and stock- 
man and successful manager, and the Foley family stands high in Davies"? 
County. 

James L. Johnston, one of the progressive and substantial farmers 
of Jefferson Township, Daviess County, was born, reared, and has spent 
his life in the vicinity of Altamont. He is the son of S. A. and Harmina 
(Myers) Johnston, and was born on Sept. 8, 1873, on the Johnston farm 
li miles west of Altamont. 

S. A. Johnston was born on a farm two miles southwest of Alta- 
mont in 1844. His father, James Johnston, was one of the first settlers 
of Colfax Township. S. A. Johnston served in the Missouri State Militia 
during the period of the Civil War. He died at Altamont, Feb. 2, 1919. 
His wife, Harmina (Myers) Johnston, was born on a farm 1^ miles south 
of Altamont. Her parents were Chri-stopher and Miss (Cole) Myers. 
She now lives at Altamont. To her union with S. A. Johnston the follow- 
ing children were born: Simon C, a resident of St. Joseph; Fred A., 
living at Clay Center, Kan.; H. M., living at St. Joseph; Mrs. Charles 
Hess, living on the home place; James L., the subject of this sketch; and 
John L., died at the age of 26 years. 



708 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY (BOUNTIES 

James L. Johnston attended the rural school in the Prairie Valley 
District, and bought his present farm from his father 23 years ago. It 
comprises 130 acres of the Johnston home place and is well improved. 
There is a good I'esidence, the farm buildings include a barn and three 
poultry houses, and the place is equipped with a cave. Practically all 
of the improvements were made by the present owner. Mr. Johnston 
raises Gallowaj cattle, Shropshire sheep, Duroc Jersey hogs, and Brown 
Leghorn poultry. He keeps a registered Duroc Jersey male. 

Mr. Johnston was married on April 8, 1900, to Ida Easter, a daugh- 
ter of James and Polly Ann (Blythe) Easter. A brief review of the 
lives of Mr. and Mrs. Easter appear in this volume in connection with the 
sketch of the life of Melvin R. DeFord, whose wife is a sister of Mrs. 
Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have two sons: Virgil Ray, graduated 
from the Gallatin High School and is now a student in Central College 
at Fayette ; and Victor Clay, at home. 

James L. Johnston is a member of the board of education of the 
Altamont Consolidated School District No. 7. He was one of the pro- 
moters of the consolidation which was accomplished in 1921. The school 
employs five teachers and has 210 pupils enrolled. The pupils are trans- 
ported to the school building at the expense of the district, and the text 
books are furnished free. In 1921 the school installed a wireless tele- 
graph system and the next year, a wireless telephone. The community 
may well be proud of its efficiently managed and progressive public 
school. 

Mr. Johnston is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Mason 
Lodge at Altamont, where he is also a member of the Blue Lodge. Ht 
belongs to the Chapter at Gallatin and to the Scottish Rite Lodge at St. 
Joseph. He is a director in the Citizens State Bank of Altamont, which 
his father helped t oorganize and in which he was a director for many 
years. Mr. Johnston is one of the alert and progressive men of the com- 
munity, a highly esteemed citizen of marked civic pride and ability. 

John A. Strasser, the proprietor of Twin Cedar Farm near Winston 
in Jefferson Township, Daviess County, is a native of Ontario. Can- 
ada, where he was born on Jan. 10, 1868, the son of Frederick and Bar- 
bara (Crowder) Strasser. 

Frederick Strasser was born in Germany in 1835 and his wife was 
born in Canada in 1840. She died in 1880 and Mr. Strasser, in 1915. 
The remains of both are buried in the Winston Cemetery. They settled 
in Jefferson Township, Daviess County in 1872, and Mr. Strasser bought 
200 acres of land. In 1902 he sold the home place and moved to Wins- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 709 

ton, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Strasser had 
the following children: Rosina, deceased; Fred K., living in California; 
Katie, married to Isaiah Young, pastor of the Evangelical Church at Col- 
orado Springs, Col. ; Jacob, died in 1916 at the age of 51 years; John A., 
the subject of this review; Willie, who is blind and a musician of note, 
now assisting in evangelical work ; Mary, deceased, was Mrs. Wilkin- 
son; and Edward, living in Texas. 

John A. Strasser attended the rural schools of Daviess County and 
grew up on his father's farm. He bought his present farm from E. C. 
DeFord in the fall of 1902. The two cedar trees which give the farm 
its name were standing in the yard when Mr. Strasser purchased the 
farm, but all of the improvements have been made by the present owner. 
There is a good residence and the farm buildings are painted and neatly 
kept. The farm home is located 1! miles north of Winston. Mr. Strasser 
has made a marked success of his work with Duroc Jersey hogs, in fact 
he says that the hogs have paid for his land. He keeps purebred stock, 
which he feeds and sells. 

John A. Strasser was married on June 2, 1897, to Frances Owings, 
who was a teacher in Buchanan and Daviess Counties. She is a daugh- 
ter of Eldridge and Mary (Ryland) Owings, both natives of West Vir- 
ginia. They came to Missouri in 1880 and settled in DeKalb County. 
They moved to Daviess County in 1895, where Mrs. Owings died in 1911. 
Her remains are buried at Winston. Her husband lives on his farm a 
mile south of Winston. Mr. and Mrs. Owings had the following chil- 
dren : Fred, living in Kansas City, Mo. ; Frances, now Mrs. Strasser ; May 
now Mrs. DeFord of Dallas, Tex. ; and Mrs. Charles Triem of Winston, 

Mr. and Mrs. Strasser have a daughter, Ruth. She graduated from 
the Winston High School, attended Stephens College at Columbia, and 
later was a student in Missouri Wesleyan College at Cameron. She is 
now a teacher of mathematics in the Lawson, Mo., High School. 

Mr. Strasser is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America 
Lodge. He is a Republican in politics and Mrs. Strasser is a Democrat. 
They are two estimable people who manifest the most intense pleasure 
in making a successful home. They are regarded highly in the commun- 
ity, where Mr. Strasser is accounted an excellent business man as well 
as a high minded citizen. 

James A. Manring, well known farmer of Jefferson Township, Da- 
viess County, is a member of a family that has been well and favorably 
known in the county for 90 years. For three generations the Manring 
family has been a factor in the development of this pai-t of Missouri, 



710 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and the representatives of the family have been worthy citizens. Mr. 
Manring's father was a pioneer settler of Daviess County, Mr. Manring 
himself has spent practically all of his life here, and his sons are all vet- 
erans of the World War. 

James A. Manring was born a mile north of his present farm on 
July 23, 1854. His father, Elisha Manring, was born in Ohio and came 
to Missouri in 1832. He located in Daviess County and entered 80 acres 
of land, which he improved, and where he lived the remainder of his 
life. He helped build the first grist and saw mill in DeKalb County. The 
mill was located on Grindstone Creek near the Daviess County line and 
served people of DeKalb, Daviess, and Gentry counties. It was owned 
by Mr. Happenstall. Elisha Manring was married to Mahulda Owens in 
Daviess County in 1844. She was born in that county in 1829, and died 
in 1886. Mr. Manring died in 1865 at the age of 54 years and his re- 
mains are buried at Fulton. To his union with Mahulda (Owens) Man- 
ding the following children were born: B. A., living in Kansas City, 
Mo.; James A., the subject of this review; J. W., living at Old Alta 
Vista in Jefferson Township ; Fannie, the wife of Dr. J. N. Clark of Mos- 
cow, Idaho; and Alice and Anna, deceased. By a former marriage of 
Mr. Manring he had a daughter, Mrs. Abbie Daviess, who died at James- 
port in February, 1917. 

James A. Manring attended the Alta Vista School where his first 
teacher was W. W. Stout, who died at Gallatin. The school building 
was built of native lumber and the yearly session lasted only four 
months. Among the families represented in the school were the Nor- 
man, Osborn, Wiglesworth, Reid, Downs, Manring, and Owens. 

Mr. Manring went to Wyoming in 1873 and worked for eight years 
as a cowboy. In 1881 he returned to Alta Vista and he and his brother, 
J. W., operated a store there. From 1884 to 1894 they also held a con- 
tract with the Rock Island Railway to supply rock, ties, and wood, the 
railway taking all that the firm could deliver. In 1898 they sold their 
store and Mr. Manring moved to his present farm of 140 acres. He 
raises hogs and cattle. The farm is well improved, has a nice residence 
and good farm buildings. 

James A. Manring was married on Jan. 8, 1882, to Alice Gamble, 
a daughter of M. W. and Elizabeth (Randolph) Gamble. Mrs. Manring 
was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and her parents moved to Daviess 
County, where they settled in Jefferson Township in 1866. Their home 
place is now owned by Mr. Manring. Mr. Gamble died in 1910 at the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 711 

age of 84 years. His wife, who was born in Virginia in 1825, died in 
1901. The remains of both are buried in the Alta Vista Cemetery. 

Mr. and Mrs. Manring have four children : Earl, married Edna Buck 
and is the assistant cashier of the Winston Bank; Carl, married Ethel 
Norris of Centerville, Iowa, and is now a traveling salesman in Kansas 
City, Mo.; Glenn, married Inez Helms and lives on the home place; and 
Irma L., the wife of Elda C. Williamson of Cameron. Mr. and Mrs. Man- 
ring have four grandchildren, Marvin W., Betty Jean, and James, Jr., 
Manring, and Irene Williamson. 

All of Mr. Manring's sons were in service during the World War. 
Earl Manring enlisted at Gallatin on Aug. 17, 1918, was sent to Camp 
Funston, and remained there until the armistice was signed. Carl Man- 
ring enlisted at Dodge City, Kan., in August, 1917, and was sent over- 
seas with the 35th Division. He remained in Europe for a year, returned 
to the United States in 1919 and was mustered out of service after two 
years of duty. He took part in the Battle of the Argonne but was not 
wounded. Glenn Manring enlisted in August, 1918, was stationed at 
Camp Funston, Kan., and was discharged in February, 1919, after six 
months of service. Mr. and Mrs. Manring may well be proud of this rec- 
ord. 

Mr. Manring is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, 
and has served as the trustee and treasurer of Jefferson Township for 
14 years. He is one of the highly esteemed and prominent men of the 
community. 

Jordan William Manring, successful farmer living near Weatherby 
in Jefferson Township, Daviess County, was born on a farm one-half 
mile from his present home on May 15, 1856, the son of Elisha and Ma- 
hulda (Owens) Manring. Further mention of Mr. and Mrs. Manring oc- 
curs in the review of the life of James A. Manring in this volume. 

Jordan W. Manring attended the school at Alta Vista. When he 
was 12 years of age he went to Gentry County to live with his uncle, 
Jordan Manring. He remained there until he was 17 years old, when he 
returned to his home and worked by the month. He spent three years 
in Wyoming and later was in Colorado for a year. He returned to Mis- 
souri and went into business in Alta Vista in 1883. The next year his 
brother, James A., became a partner in the mercantile enterprise and 
the firm continued to do business until 1898 when the partners sold the 
store to James W. Daly. That same year, Mr. Manring bought 80 acres 
of his present farm. To the original holding, he later added 60 acres 
and then sold all except 100 acres. The residence on the farm is located 



712 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

three miles east of Weatherby on the old site of Alta Vista. Mr. Man- 
ring does general farming and stockraising and has been successful in 
his work. 

Mr. Manring was married on Sept. 11, 1884, to Frances Wigles- 
worth, a daughter of John T. and Maria S. (Norman) Wiglesworth. 
Both the Norman and the Wiglesworth families came from Kentucky 
and were among the first settlers in Buchanan and Daviess Counties. 

John T. Wiglesworth was born on June 18, 1825, and died in 1896 
at the age of 71 years. His wife was born in Kentucky on Oct. 27, 1831, 
and died on June 9, 1895. The remains of both are buried in the Alta 
Vista Cemetery, one of the oldest graveyards in the county. Mr. Wig- 
lesworth and his wife crossed the plains to California during the gold 
rush of 1849, driving an ox team all of the way. Their oldest child. Na- 
poleon Bonapart, was born and died in California. Mr. Wiglesworth 
was a wagon-maker and both he and his wife had work at high wages 
when they reached California. They remained there two years and re- 
turned to Missouri by way of Panama. Mr. Wiglesworth was one of the 
first merchants of Alta Vista, and later was in the mercantile business at 
Winston. His store was burned there and he went back to Alta Vista in 
1883. To his union with Maria S. (Norman) Wiglesworth the following 
children were born: Napoleon B., died in infancy; Oliver N., born on 
Dec. 3, 1851, married Emma Joy, and died, Jan. 25, 1918, leaving one 
child; Frances, now Mrs. Manring; Georgia Ann, married B. A. Man- 
ring, and died in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 26, 1915, leaving four children; 
Elizabeth, died at the age of 20 years in 1877 ; William, married Sturlie 
Minor and lives at Union, Ore., with three children; Laura Alice, mar- 
ried first to Dr. J. N. Robinson, and later to Albert Isaacs, and died in 
1918 leaving one child; Emma B., married Joseph Duncan of Weather- 
by, and has two children: Robert F., married Mary Howard, lives in 
Oregon, and has three children ; Elvira, married W. Ellis of Centerville, 
Iowa, and has five children ; Albert, married Hattie Heimbaugh and 
lives at Weatherby with eight children; O. M., married Ollie Ross and 
has two children; and Centennial, died in infancy. 

Mr. Manring is a member fo the Modern Woodmen of America 
Lodge. The Manring family has been well known in the community for 
many years. Mr. Manring's grandfather, Jordan Manring, was the 
father of 19 children. He and his wife both lived to see the youngest 
child, Ruth, married at the age of 19 years to a Mr. Rigabaugh, now 
dead. Members of the Manring family have lived in and around Alta 
Vista for more than half a century, and have always been highly re- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 713 

spected members of the community. Mr. Manring and his wife are both 
estimable and well liked people. 

Ovelman Wiglesworth, a farmer of Jefferson Township, Daviess 
County, is a member of an old and well known New England family. He 
was born at Alta Vista, Jan. 12, 1874, the son of John T. and Mariah S. 
(Norman) Wiglesworth. Mrs. Wiglesworth's parents were Oliver and 
Elizabeth (Farr) Norman. 

Oliver Norman was of Scotch descent and his wife of Irish extrac- 
tion. Mr. Norman was born in Indiana, moved to Fleming County, Ken- 
tucky, and from there to Missouri, where he located in Buchanan County 
in 1844. He traded a plantation in Kentucky for 1,100 acres of land in 
Buchanan and Daviess Counties. He brought a number of slaves with 
him to Missouri. He entered the land in Buchanan County which later 
became the site of DeKalb. The land had been laid out in town lots ana 
several families were already occupying lots so Mr. Norman deeded to 
the occupants the lots upon which they lived. In about 1847 Mr. Nor- 
man moved to Daviess County and settled in Jefferson Township, where 
he died in 1852. His remains were taken back to Buchanan County and 
buried at DeKalb, the journey being made with ox teams. The remains 
of Mrs. Norman are buried at Alta Vista. The children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Norman were; Martha A., married first to Charles Rose, and after his 
death to John Webb, a merchant at Alta Vista; Evelyn, the wife of Hil- 
lory Joy; Elizabeth, married Benjamin Downs; Joseph, married Phoebe 
Ann Frakes; and Mariah S., married John T. Wiglesworth. 

The Wiglesworth family are of English descent and are descended 
from Thomas Wiglesworth of Yorkshire. Edward W. Wiglesworth, born 
in England in 1604, came to America on board the vessel, "James of 
Bristol," with his family in 1638. His son, Michael, was the famous 
clergyman, physician, and poet, known as the author of "The Day of 
Doom," a poem so popular in its day that 1800 copies were sold in New 
England within a year after its publication. It is said that the colonial 
children of New England memorized "The Day of Doom" along with 
their catechism. Michael Wiglesworth's son, Edward, was a professor 
of divinity at Harvard College, and a grandson was also a Harvard pro- 
fessor, while a great grandson was an editor of the Encyclopedia Ameri- 
cana. The famous John Quincy Adams lived in the Wiglesworth home 
while he was a student at Harvard. The Wiglesworth family trace their 
line of descent back to Abbot D. E. Wiglesworth who lived in England 
in 1100. 

William Wiglesworth, the grandfather of Ovelman Wiglesworth, 



714 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

was born in 1774 and came to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1840, from 
Clark County, Kentucky. In 1852 he returned to Kentucky on a business 
trip and the same year was on his way back to Missouri when he died 
with cholera on board a steamboat on the Missouri River. He was 77 
years of age. He was buried on the river bank north of Kansas City. 
The family did not receive any of his belongings. 

William Wiglesworth married Miss Frances Bush, born in 1789, in 
Clark County, Kentucky, and died in St. Joseph, Mo., in 1870. She was 
the daughter of Phillip Bush, Jr., a Virginia planter and Revolutionary 
soldier of Orange, Va. In 1774- Phillip Bush came to Kentucky with 
Daniel Boone. Sarah Bush, cousin of Frances Bush, was the second wife 
of Thomas Lincoln, the father of Abraham Lincoln; made his clothes 
and reared him, his mother, Nancy Hanks, having died when Lincoln 
was nine years old. 

Ovelman Wiglesworth attended the school at Alta Vista and gradu- 
ated from the commercial course of Missouri Wesleyan College at Cam- 
eron in 1892. He spent one year as receiving clerk with the Wood Manu- 
facturing Company at St. Joseph. Since that time he has lived in Jeffer- 
son Township, Daviess County. In 1896 he moved to his present farm. 
He owns 36 acres of land in the home place and 80 acres in DeKalb 
County. He does general farming and raises cattle, hogs, sheep, and 
poultry. 

Mr. Wiglesworth was married on March 18, 1894, to Ollie E. Ross, a 
daughter of Marcus and Rosa (Downs) Ross. Mrs. Ross was born in 
Bloomington, Mo., in 1849, and died at her home in the same place, 
November 20, 1913. Mr. Ross was born in Fountain County, Indiana, 
and died in Adams Township, De Kalb County, December 30, 1921. 
Mr. Ross was reared by James P. Drake and wife who settled 
in Colfax Township in 1844 with his foster parents. Here he 
grew to manhood and served in the Confederate army. Their daughter, 
Mrs. Wiglesworth, was born in DeKalb County, Dec. 17, 1875. Mr. and 
Mrs. Wiglesworth have two daughters : Ima, the wife of Arthur Wright 
of Maysville ; and Vaddie, married to Claude J. Leard. Mr. and Mrs. 
Leard have a daughter, Maxie, born in 1915. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wiglesworth are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Wiglesworth belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge. Both 
he and his wife are highly esteemed residents of the community. 

Lewis Allen Harris, a prominent farmer of Jefferson Township, 
Daviess County, lives near Weatherby and has extensive land holdings 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 715 

in DeKalb and Daviess Counties. Mr. Harris was born in Page County, 
Iowa, Dec. 31, 1874, the son of Alexander and Matilda (Spiker) Harris. 

Alexander Harris was a native of Illinois, where he was born on 
Sept. 1, 1837. His parents were Alexander and Martha (Creal) Harris, 
both natives of Kentucky. Alexander Harris' maternal grandparents, 
Durham Creal and his wife, were born in Maryland ; the paternal grand- 
parents were natives of Virginia. Alexander and Martha (Creal) Har- 
ris went to Illinois shortly after their marriage and lived there until their 
deaths. Their son, Alexander Harris, father of L. A. Harris, grew up iri 
Illinois. He had meager school advantages, but was possessed of great 
natural aptitude for business and this capacity, added to the training 
which he gained through experience, made him one of the successful 
men of his day and community. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he 
enlisted for service in Company L, 17th Illinois Cavalry, but was sent 
home six weeks later because of illness. He later returned to the army, 
but was again attacked by illness and was discharged from the service 
in 1862. In 1869 he went to Page County, Iowa, where he located in 
Washington Township. He achieved a great success in his life there and 
at the time of his death was the owner of 920 acres of land. Besides this 
he had given to his children 600 acres. He died at Coin, Iowa, Nov. 14, 
1921, one of the highly respected members of his community. 

Alexander Harris married Matilda Spiker in 1872 and to this union 
the following children were born: Ruby, later Mrs. Gibson and now 
dead; Lewis Allen, the subject of this sketch; Loy Elvin, living at Coin, 
Iowa; Mrs. Melvin Turner of Coin, Iowa; Arthur Garfield, living at Illif, 
Col. ; Eunice Etta, now Mrs. Frazier of Rockport; and Elmer Alexander, 
living at Coin, Iowa. Mrs. Harris died Aug. 9, 1921. Besides their own 
children, Mr. and Mrs. Harris reared and educated their granddaughter, 
Lura Gibson, now Mrs. Blythe of Bardolph, 111. Mr. Harris was reared 
in the Presbyterian Church but became affiliated with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Iowa. He was a man of broad vision and marked 
attainments and was one of the influential factors in his part of Iowa. 
He acted as the vice president of the First National Bank of Northboro, 
Iowa, for several years, and was held in high regard by his associates 
in the business. The influence of such a character is far reaching, ex- 
tending beyond the limits of his own family and the environs of his im- 
mediate community. 

L. A. Harris attended school in Page County, Iowa, and Tarkio, 
Mo., but says that the great source of his education was the farm. He 
owned 120 acres of land in Iowa, which he sold in order to come to Mis- 



716 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

souri. In 1905 he located on his present farm, buying 365 acres. The 
next year he bought 300 more acres later adding to his holdings until 
in his farm in Daviess County he has 920 acres. He also owns 800 acres 
of land in DeKalb County, making in all 1,720 acres in his holdings. He 
has a good modern residence on the home place. The house is equipped 
with acetylene lights and running water. Mr. Harris has three barns on 
the home farm and maintains an extensive set of farm buildings for the 
housing of stock. He usually has a herd of 1,000 hogs on the farm. At 
present the herd includes 65 brood sows. For many years Mr. Harris 
bought practically all of the corn raised in the vicinity, but for the last 
few months, his feed yards have been lighter than usual. 

L. A. Harris was married on Jan. 1, 1896, to Cora Applegate, a 
daughter of LeRoy and Phoebe (Schofield) Applegate. Mrs. Applegate 
was a native of Indiana. She died on Aug. 14, 1915, and her remains are 
buried at Winston. Mr. Applegate was born in Ohio and now lives in 
Jones County, Iowa. Mrs. Harris was born in Jones County, Iowa, and 
was educated in Page County. To her union with L. A. Harris the fol- 
lowing children were born : Florence Mildred, the wife of Callie Bax- 
ter of Cameron; Russell, Alexander, at home; and Helen Melvina, also 
at home. Mrs. Harris has a sister, Mrs. Florence Cunningham, living in 
Adair County, Iowa. 

Mr. Harris is a member of the Masons at Winston. He inherited the 
stability and genius of his father, and is one of the progressive and suc- 
cessful men of the county. 

Everett M. Shoemaker, a well known citizen of Colfax Township, 
Daviess County, is a native of Iowa, where he was born at Riverton, 
March 2, 1880, the son of Albert and Mary (Maulsby) Shoemaker. 

Albert Shoemaker was born in Holmes County, Iowa, and his wife 
was a native of Valparaiso, Ind. He enlisted for service in the Civil War, 
and was placed in Company E, 151st Regiment, Indiana Volunteer In- 
fantry. He was with General Thomas at Nashville, Tenn., where his 
regiment was left until Sept. 19, 1865. On that date Mr. Shoemaker was 
mustered out of service. He died at Riverton, Iowa, Sept. 30, 1915, and 
his wife died in 1904. Their children were: Orilla, a music teacher in 
Osawatomie, Kan.; Frank, died in Iowa at the age of 35 years; Viola, 
the wife of Wallace Dodd of Randolph, Iowa; Everett M., the subject of 
this sketch ; and Roy, connected with a bank at Red Oak, Iowa. 

Everett M. Shoemaker attended the public schools of Iowa and 
graduated from the Riverton High School in 1900. He taught school for 
four years in Iowa, then lived on a farm for three years, and came to 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 717 

Missouri in 1908. He located in Daviess County and bought 120 acres 
of land from Milton Duffy. He has improved this farm, building sev~ 
eral farm buildings as they were needed in his work. The residence is 
located IJ miles from Altamont. Mr. Shoemaker does general farming 
ad raises Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, and Buff Wyandotte 
poultry. 

Everett M. Shoemaker was married on Feb. 16, 1905, to Hattie 
Downend, born in Osceola County, Iowa, the daughter of George and 
Lucy (Russell) Downend. George Downend was born on April 30, 1839, 
and died, Dec. 21, 1921, at Altamont. His remains are buried in Mount 
Ayr Cemetery. He enlisted for service in the Civil War in New York 
and was assigned to Company E, 117th Regiment, Volunteer Infantry. 
He went into service on Aug. 22, 1862, and served for three years. He 
was wounded during the battle at Chapin's Farm, and was left on the 
battlefield from two o'clock in the afternoon until ten o'clock the next 
morning. Four days passed before the wound received medical atten- 
tion, and Mr. Downend suffered the remainder of his life from the trou- 
ble caused by the wound. His wife, born in Atchison County on Feb. 
23, 1850, now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Shoemaker. Mr. 
and Mrs. Downend had a daughter, Carrie, now the wife of Fred New- 
man of Maryville. Mrs. Shoemaker was educated at Sidney, Iowa, and 
graduated from the high school there in 1901. She taught two years be- 
fore her marriage. To her union with Everett M. Shoemaker there were 
born two daughters: Catherine and Mary, both students in the school at 
Winston. 

Mr. Shoemaker is the vice president and a director in the Winston 
Bank. He is also a director of Consolidated School District, No. 3. This 
consolidation was voted on Dec. 24, 1920, and was carried three to one. 
The members of the board of education are : Clem Reed, Otis Johnson, 
V. E. Foxworthy, H. Garner. Earl Manring, and E. M. Shoemaker. The 
community has been engaged in a contest connecting the validity of a 
$3.5.000 bond issue and, for the time being, the school is being conducted 
for the six districts concerned in the Town Hall, the Methodist Church, 
and the public school building at Winston. 

Henry C. Kelso, who for 50 years has lived on the same farm in Col- 
fax Township, Daviess County, was born in Liberty Township, Dec. 13, 
1846, the son of Edgar C. and Nancy (Walker) Kelso. 

Edgar C. Kelso was born in New Jersey. Soon after his birth, his 
parents moved to Tennessee, where Edgar C. Kelso grew up. He came 
to Missouri during the early pioneer days, and entered land at $1.25 an 



718 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

acre in Liberty Township, Daviess County, Mo. He died in 1879 and his 
remains are buried at Hamilton. His wife was born in Tennessee and 
died on the home farm in Missouri. Her remains are buried in the home 
cemetery. 

Henry C. Kelso attended the rural schools, traveled for a year, and 
in 1868, entered a drug- store at Hamilton. He remained in that position 
for five years, when he returned to Daviess County, where he has since 
lived. He lives on the farm which was entered by his father. His land 
holdings comprise the 240 acres of his home place, 40 acres in Section 
13, and 40 acres in Section 24. The residence lies a mile south of Win- 
ston. The first house built on the place was a 16x26 feet story and a halt 
structure, now incorporated in the new house. Mr. Kelso came to the 
farm three years before his marriage and found the land mostly wild 
prairie. He has improved it until it is now one of the best farms in the 
county. The land is level prairie and the entire place is well kept. 

Henry C. Kelso was married on Oct. 1, 1873, to America V. Ray, 
a daughter of W. E. and Elizabeth Ray. Mrs. Kelso was born near 
Roanoke City, Va., Jan. 31, 1849, and came to Missouri with her parents 
in 1856. They settled in Daviess County shortly after their arrival in 
Missouri and bought land in Colfax Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ray 
died at Gallatin and their remains are buried there. Their children 
were: Taylor, now living at Gallatin; Thomas, a traveling salesman; 
Emily, now Mrs. Wood of Cameron; America Virginia, now Mrs. Kelso; 
Docia, married Mr. Pennington and died in Colfax Township, Daviess 
County; and Sarah, married Mr. Mallory and died in Kansas. 

To the union of Henry C. and America V. (Ray) Kelso the following 
children were born : Lea, now the wife of D. E. Jones of Julesburg, Colo. ; 
Cressie. married to Alva E. Deford of Winston; Tennie C, the wife of 
Fred Sudekum of Kansas City, Kan. ; Anna D., born on May 2, 1878, and 
died on Nov. 27, 1879 ; and Thomas V., born on the home place on May 
16, 1888. Thomas V. Kelso enlisted for service in the World War at 
Gallatin on Aug. 28, 1918 and was sent to Camp Funston, then to 
Raleigh, N. C, with the Tank Corps of Company C, 305th Battalion. He 
was later sent to Charlotte, N. C, and then to Camp Pike, Ark., where 
he was mustered out of service on Dec. 29, 1918. He is a member of the 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Kelso 
haVfe the following grandchildren: Lou Etta and Marie DeFord ; and 
Jesse C. Jones, married to Eunice Schmidt and living at Julesburg, Colo. 

Henry C. Kelso is a Democrat and is a member of the Masonic 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 719 

Lodge with which he has been affiliated for 45 years. He joined the 
lodge at Victoria and now belongs at Winston. 

Roy T. Scott, proprietor of Sunny Ridge Stock Farm in Colfax Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born in Liberty Township on March 29, 1883, 
the son of John C. and Mary Alice (Hughes) Scott. 

John C. Scott was born in Lafayette, Ind., March 11, 1851. His par- 
ents came to Missouri in 1861 and located in Liberty Township, Daviess 
County. Three years later the father, Gustavus Hall Scott, died. The 
mother, Elizabeth Scott, died in 1890. The remains of both are buried in 
Creekmore Cemetery. John C. Scott attended school in Daviess County, 
where he farmed for many years. He died on Dec. 8, 1921. His remains 
are buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin. His wife, Mary Alice 
(Hughes) Scott, was born in Daviess County and her parents moved to 
Daviess from Boon County. She now lives at Gallatin. To her union 
with John C. Scott the following children were born: John C, Jr., died 
at the age of five years; Cora Lee, the wife of C. H. Galpin of Gallatin; 
Gustavus Hall, died at the age of 16 years; Roy T., the subject of this 
review; and Mary Ethel, now married to H. G. Vogler of San Francisco, 
Cal. 

Roy T. Scott attended the rural schools of Daviess County and the 
Gallatin High School. After finishing his school work he went to Har- 
rison County and worked on his father's farm for three years. He re- 
tunied to Daviess County and settled on his present farm in Sept., 1907. 
The farm comprises 160 acres of well improved land with a good resi- 
dence situated two and one-half miles southeast of Winston. The barn 
and other farm buildings are in excellent condition and me place pre- 
sents a well kept appearance and shows the care which Mr. Scott gives 
it. He raises Aberdeen Angus cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, all eligible 
for registry. 

Roy T. Scott was married on March 4, 1904, to Osta Place, a 
daughter of W. H. and Clemintine (McBrayer) Place. Mr. and Mrs. 
Place were natives of Missouri. Mr. Place died at Gallatin, Feb. 15, 
1913 and Mrs. Place died in Gallatin in 1915. The remains of both are 
buried in Brown Cemetery. Their children were: A. J., living at Galla- 
tin, cashier First National Bank, a sketch appears in this volume; Osta. 
now Mrs. Scott; Mrs. W. J. Gann of Gallatin; and P. M., a resident of 
Julesburg, Colo. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have two sons: Raymond Voris, 
born on Feb. 26, 1905, now a sophomore in the Winston High School; 
and Garland Thomas, born, March 5, 1913. 

Mr. Scott is a farmer of practical experience and marked ability 
in his work. 



720 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

J. H. Kemp, retired, and one of the well known farmers of Gallatin, 
was born June 24, 1847, in Daviess County, four miles from where he now 
owns land. He is the son of John and Ellen (Hays) Kemp. John Kemp 
was born in Maryland in 1811, and came to Indiana when a young man, 
later removing to Daviess County, where he died in March, 1865. His 
wife was born in Virginia in 1818, and died in 1894. They moved to Mis- 
souri in 1838. 

Mr. and Mrs. John Kemp were the parents of six children, as follows: 
David, Jameson, Mo.; J. H., the subject of this sketch; Francis M., Henry 
County, Mo.; Mary J., deceased, was the wife of Joshua Scott; Martha E., 
deceased was the wife of Daniel Landes ; Martin L., Pasedena, Calif. 

J. H. Kemp was educated in the district schools, attending school in 
a log cabin with a fire place. Boards in the walls with pins to hold them 
for desks were used. He grew to manhood in this county and followed 
farming and stock raising during his entire life. 

Mr. Kemp was married the first time Nov. 22, 1877. to Amelia J. 
Brown, a native of Daviess County, born March 2, 1858. She died in May, 
1879. One child was born to this union, Etna, who died in infancy. 

March 8, 1883, Mr. Kemp was married to Laura L. Haines, a daugh- 
ter of Bergis and Elizabeth (Evans) Haines, natives of Kentucky, who 
moved to Daviess County in 1870, where they both died on a farm in 
Jamesport Township. Mrs. Kemp was married the first time to Webster 
Jenks now deceased. Mr. Jenks died in 1880, age 30 years. He was a 
farmer and came to Daviess County from Iowa in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kemp were the parents of three children: Dora, wife of Crit Everly, 
Grand River Township ; Nona, wife of Harry McClure, Jamesport Town- 
ship; Jason W., attending Maryville Normal School. Jason W. Kemp en- 
listed in the World War in Motor Truck Company 728, and was stationed 
at Hampton Roads, Va., for nine months, when the armistice was signed. 

Mr. Kemp now resides in Gallatin, his home being located next to 
Dockery Park. He owns eight acres of land in Gallatin, and 440 acres in 
Grand River Township, which is well improved. Mr. Kemp is a director 
and the vice-president of the Bank of Jameson, and is also a stockholder 
and director of the First National Bank of Gallatin. He retired from 
farming in 1911. 

In politics Mr. Kemp is a Republican, and has serv'ed on the school 
board and been a trustee of Grand River Township. He is a member 
of the Baptist church. Mr. Kemp has been successful in his work because 
of his thorough understanding of farm problems and of the energy and 
determination he has used in the handling of the situations he has met. 




.1. H, KKllP 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 721 

Mrs, Ida M. Peters was born on the farm in Colfax Township,- 
Daviess County, which she now owns and operates. She is the daughter 
of David and Elizabeth J. (Norton) Crall. 

David Crall was born in Pennsylvania in 1824. He was a farmer, 
and during the Civil War, was a member of the Home Guards in Mis- 
souri. He was married twice. To his first marriage two children were 
born: Mrs. Irwin Bacon of Kidder; and John, now living at Cameron. 
Mr. Crall was married the second time in 1859 to Elizabeth J. Norton, 
a daughter of George Norton, pioneer settler of Colfax Township, 
Daviess County. His wife, Margaret Norton, died in Kentucky and his 
oldest daughter, Elizabeth J., kept house for her father. She was born 
in Kentucky and came to Missouri with her father. There were fourteen 
children in the Norton family. Among them were: Mrs. Crall; Mrs. 
R. L. Terry, now living in Anaconda, Mont. ; Stephen, died in Colfax 
Township, where he was a farmer; and C. N., died at Hamilton, where 
he was a practicing physician. David Crall and his family located on 
what is now known as the Peters farm. The only child born to the union 
of David and Elizabeth J. (Norton) Crall was a daughter, Ida M., now 
Mrs. Peters. David Crall died at Mrs. Peters' home in 1905, and Mrs. 
Crall died in August, 1919. The remains of both are buried in the Winston 
Cemetery. 

Ida M. (Crall) Peters attended the public schools and the school 
at Kidder. She began teaching at the age of 18 years and continued that 
work for 10 years, teaching in four districts near her home. She was 
accounted one of the highly successful teachers of the community. In 
March 22, 1892 she married Henry C. Peters, who died in February, 1912. 

Henry C. Peters, the father of above children, was born January 
15, 186.3, in Wisconsin. In 1892 he came to Missouri and operated the 
present home farm for a few years. He owned and sold several farms 
in Colfax township. 

Mr. Peters organized the Caldwell Home Mutual Telephone Com- 
pany. He also organized the Heath Chemical Company band of Kidder, 
Mo. He was a Republican and belonged to the Modern Woodmen of 
America, Knights of Pythias and Masonic orders. 

Mrs. Peters now owns 160 acres of the home farm and has 
bought 40 acres more. She has been very successful in her management 
of her farm. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Peters four children were bom: George R., in- 
ducted into service for the World War in August, 1918, was sent to Camp 
Funston, Kan., then to Camp Grant in Illinois, where he was made a 



722 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

coporal and remained until January, 1919, when he was mustered out of 
service. He now operates the home farm with his mother; Florence F., 
a teacher of English in the high school at Red Cloud, Neb. ; and Beulah 
G. and H. Boyd, twins, the former now a student in the Business College 
at Grand Island, Neb., and the latter at home where he assists in the 
work on the farm. 

Mrs. Peters has given each of her children excellent educational 
advantages. She is a lady of energy and industry, held in high regard 
throughout the neighborhood. She and her children are assets to the 
community. 

Byron Colbum, an industrious farmer and the proprietor of Sunny 
Slope Farm in Colfax township, Daviess County, was born at Elkhart, 
Ind., May 22, 1862, the son of Delos W. and Persis A. (Howe) Colbum. 

Delos W. Colburn was born, Aug. 16, 1838, the son of George and 
Lois (Mack) Colburn. He was a farmer in Indiana, where he married 
Persis A. Howe on July 3, 1861. She was born in Vermont, March 22, 
1839, and grew up in that state. She died in Indiana in 1872. Her 
marriage took place in Waukegan, 111., where she lived for a time. To 
her union with Delos W. Colburn the following children were born: 
Byron, the subject of this review; Edith, mentioned later in this para- 
graph; Lois, died at the age of 31 years; Lucius, died in infancy; and 
Harriett, the wife of B. F. Horn of Garnett, Kan. Edith Colburn married 
Charles Edward Voss, born on Jan. 5, 1851 in Akron, Ohio. He was the 
son of P. A. and Christina (Brantigan) Voss, and was a stonemason and 
farmer. He died at Kidder, Mo., Jan. 21, 1894. Mrs. Voss li\'es at F^. 
Dodge, Iowa, and has three children ; Edward Byron, Albert Bradley, de- 
ceased, and Ethel May, married to J. C. Mix. 

After the death of his first wife, Delos W. Colburn left Elkhart, 
Ind., and settled in Kidder, Mo., where he later married Sarah Fry. To 
his union three children were born: Ira D., living at Manhattan, Kan.; 
Ina, the wife of Reverend Delo, a Methodist minister in Wyoming; and 
Lillian, living in Olney, 111. 

Byron Colburn attended the public school at Elkhart, Ind., and 
came to Daviess County, Mo., when he was 15 years old. He worked on 
the home farm until his marriage. For 11 years he and his wife rented 
the farm which they now own. In 1908 they bought 120 acres of land 
paying $60.00 an acre. The land was practically unimproved at that 
time. There is now a good residence, garage, barn, and other farm build- 
ings. The farm has been a good investment due to the industry of Mr. 
and Mrs. Colburn. Mr. Colburn raises cattle and hogs, and specializes in 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 723 

dairy cows. The dairying business has been quite profitable for the own- 
ers of the farm. Mr. Colburn sees a marked change in the Daviess 
County of today and that of his boyhood. He made the trip from Indiana 
to Missouri in a prairie schooner. At that time the land to the south and 
west of his farm was still open prairie. The Colburn home is located 2^ 
miles northwest of Kidder and five miles south of Winston. 

Byron Colburn was married Feb. 24, 1887, to May Bonham, a 
daughter of J. H. and Rebecca (Swisher) Bonham, residents of West 
Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Bonham came to Missouri in 1870 and located 
in Clinton County, where Mr. Bonham farmed. They later moved to 
Pattonsburg, where Mrs. Bonham died in 1899. Mr. Bonham died in Col- 
orado in 1916. Mrs. Colburn has the following brothers and sisters liv- 
ing: Clark, of London Mills, 111. ; Charles, living at Seibert, Col. ; Jerome, 
a resident of Flagler, Col. ; Chester, of Normal, 111. ; Parker, living at 
Flagler, Col.; Mrs. Fred Humphrey, Clearmont, Mo.; and Mrs. M. D. 
Freeman, St. Joseph. Mrs. Colburn sent the year of 1921 in the West, 
where she visited California, Oregon, Wyoming, and Yellowstone Park. 
She is much interested in poultry raising and specializes in the Brown 
Leghorn strain. 

Mr. Colburn is energetic and has been successful because of strict 
attention to work and the able assistance in farm management given him 
by Mrs. Colburn. 

Joseph Conrad, the owner of 160 acres of land in Colfax Township, 
Daviess County, was born in Illinois, Feb. 10, 1857, the son of John and 
Susan (Kirschner) Conrad. 

John Conrad was born in 1820 in Franklin County, Pa., and his 
wife was born in the same county in 1828. They were married there, 
and later moved to Bureau County, 111., wh'ere their son, Joseph, was 
born. In 1855 they moved to Leavenworth County, Kansas, where Mr. 
Conrad died. His wife died at Kidder, Mo., where the remains of both 
are buried. Their children were: Jasper N., living in St. Louis; Margaret 
Catherine, was Mrs. Collins and died at Sheffield, 111. ; Clara married Mr. 
Roberts and died at Ridgeway, Wis.; Joseph, the subject of this review; 
George Edgar, married Faith Bacon and died at Kidder at the age of 47 
years; Frances, now Mrs. Griffey living in Washington; Valentine, died 
in Kansas City, Mo.; Wilson, died at his home in Colfax Township in 
1893 ; Nettie, died at the age of 18 years; and Harry, a resident of Kan- 
sas City, Mo. 

Joseph Conrad attended the schools in Illinois, and later in Kan- 
sas. He farmed in Illinois, then in Kansas for seven years. He spent the 



724 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

year, 1893, in Chicago, and moved to Daviess County in 1894. He bought 
his present farm at intervals. The first holding comprised 126 acres, oi 
which he later sold five acres, and then bought 38i more, making a total 
of 160 acres. All of the improvements on the farm were made by the 
present owner, and include a good two story house, located If miles 
north of Kidder, a good barn, and several other farm buildings. For 
many years Mr. Conrad bred Percheron horses and Poland China hogs, 
but he now breeds only Duroc Jersey hogs. At present he rents most of 
his land out. The farm, which was entered by Hub Carr in the early 
days, presents a neat and well kept appearance and shows the excellent 
results of Mr. Conrad's practical work. 

Joseph Conrad was married on Dec. 24, 1903, to Mrs. Amelia (Pip- 
pert) Shoeflin, a daughter of J. C. and Mary (Barkhoff) Pippert. Mrs. 
Conrad was born in Iowa, and in 1868, her parents moved to Kansas and 
settled in Douglas County, where Mrs. Conrad grew up. The land was 
all raw prairie when the Pippert family moved to Kansas and Mrs. Con- 
rad recalls very vividly the wild prairie winds that swept over the coun- 
try. She says that her mother had frequently to take the clothes on wash 
day to a neighboring creek bed to find a sheltered place to dry them. 
The Pippert family lived on their Kansas farm until 1914, when they 
moved to Baldwin, Kan. Mr. Pippert died on Feb. 14, 1922, at Baldwin. 
He was a native of Germany, but for 53 years, had lived in Kansas. His 
widow, who was born in Holland, is now 75 years old and lives at Bald- 
win. The Pippert children were: Amelia, now Mrs. Conrad; William, 
living at Baldwin. Kan. ; Charles of the same town ; John, a resident of 
Lamed, Kan. ; Ella, now Mrs. Foster of Lawrence, Kan. ; Louise, now 
Mrs. Conrad of Kansas City, Mo. ; Henry, living at Baldwin, Kan. ; Irwin, 
Del Norte, Col. : and Mrs. Bennie Barnes, living at Tonganoxie, Kan. Mr. 
and Mrs. Conrad have a daughter, Ruth, now a student in Kidder Insti- 
tute. 

Mr. Conrad is identified with the Methodist Church at Kidder. He 
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. 

Oscar A. Bartlett, of the firm of Bartlett Bros., merchants of Wins- 
ton, Mo., was born in Winston, and is the son of George C. and Emma 
(Caster) Bartlett. Mrs. Bartlett was born in Colfax Township, Daviess 
County, the daughter of George Caster, one of the pioneers of that 
township. Mr. Bartlett is also a native of Colfax Township, Daviess 
County, and now resides in Winston, Mo. He has been a prominent 
farmer and stockman of Colfax Township for many years. 

To George C. and Emma (Caster) Bartlett three sons were born, as 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 725 

follows: Oscar, the subject of this sketch; Carl, associated with his bro- 
ther, Oscar, in business; and Lee, Winston, Mo. Oscar A. and his bro- 
ther, Carl, were educated in the public schools and graduated from the 
Winston High School. 

Oscar A. Bartlett went into business for the first time at Winston, 
Mo., in the produce business. In 1918 he purchased a store in Abel, Mo., 
where he carried on a general merchandise business until June, 1921, 
when he sold out to J. C. Downer. Since that time Mr. Bartlett has op- 
erated his present store in Winston, Mo., in w-hich he carries a full line 
of groceries, dry goods, shoes, etc. The store has a frontage of 60 fleet 
and a depth of 120 feet, and is one of the most attractive stores in the 
city. 

Oscar A. Bartlett was married July 10, 1910, to Alta Elda M. Hiley, 
a daughter of T. J. Hiley of Winston, Mo. Mrs. Bartlett was educated 
in the Winston schools. To Oscar A. and Elda (Hiley) Bartlett one son 
has been born. Merle E., ten years of age. Mr. Bartlett's brother, Carl, 
is married to Ellen Dice, of Winston, Mo. 

Mr. Bartlett is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Winston, and of 
the Gallatin chapter. He is one of the progressive business men of Wins- 
ton, and is widely and favorably known in Daviess County. 

Wesley Lee, Jr., a prominent farmer and stockman of Jefferson 
Township, Davies County, was born May 26, 1890, one mile east of his 
present residence near Wintson, Mo., and is the son of Wesley and Eliza- 
beth (Everenden) Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Sr., now live at Seadrift, Te.x. 

Wesley Lee, Sr., is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, and was born 
on Jan. 1, 1883. His wife is a native of Indiana, but they were married 
in Missouri and lived for ten or twelve years in Jefferson Township, Da- 
viess County, Missouri, on the farm now the home of Wesley Lee, Jr. 
Mr. Lee built a log cabin on the land, which served as a home for sev- 
eral years. During the Civil War Mr. Lee served on the Union army hav- 
ing enlisted in Company A, 102 Ohio Infantry. He enlisted Aug. 9, 1862, 
and served under Captain Huston. Mr. Lee was engaged in battle at 
Covington, Kentucky, where his regiment fought in defense of Cincin- 
nati for 16 days. The Confederate forces were in command of General 
Kirby Smith. Mr. Lee was later engaged in the battles of Pulaski and 
Athens. He was taken prisoner by General Forest's troops at Athens, 
Ala., when hostilities were nearly at an end, was in prison for six 
months. He then rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg and in three weeks 
boarded the steamer Sultana, which was bound for Cairo. When within 
three miles of Cairo, the steamer's boiler exploded and the boat burned 



726 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

to the water's edge. There were 2,200 soldiers on board and all but 700 
perished in the catastrophe. Mr. Lee was among those saved. He 
jumped overboard and after remaining in the water for five hours was 
picked up about five miles from the scene of the accident. Mr. Lee is 
now 79 years of age, but the scenes of that awful night still remains 
fresh in his mind. 

To Wesley Lee and Elizabeth (Everenden) Lee six children were 
born, as follows: Homer, Selon Lake, Kansas; Artie, the widow of Frank 
Black, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Melvin, Seadrift, Texas ; Daisy, the wife of 
Ralph Lohman, Portland, Ore.; Wesley, Jr., the subject of this sketch; 
Benjamin H., residing on the home place. He married Ruth Pennington. 
They have one son, Eugene Bennett Lee. By a former marriage of Wes- 
ley Lee, Sr., and Sabina Barton there were four children born, as fol- 
lows: Grant Lee, Bonner Springs, Kan.; Anna, the wife of J. R. Wil- 
liams, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Frank Lee, Jefferson Township ; and Loren 
Lee, deceased, Bonner Springs, Kan. 

Mr. Lee removed to Seadrift, Texas, in 1912, where he has since 
made his home. 

Wesley Lee, Jr., received his education in the public schools and 
was graduated from the Kidder Institute in 1914. Since that time he has 
been engaged in farming and stock raising, in which he has been suc- 
cessful. He owns 40 acres of land and operates 475 acres with his bro- 
ther, Benjamin Lee. 

On March 7, 1915, Mr. Lee was married to Gertie Hiley, a daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Melissa (Embs) Hiley, natives of Kentucky. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hiley now live in Colfax Township, and are the parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Dillard, Artesian, S. D. ; Clarence, Maysville; Alta, 
the wife of Oscar Bartlett, Winston ; Gertie, the wife of Wesley Lee, Jr. ; 
Hobart, Winston ; Fred, Erma, and Vevia, all living at home. The grand- 
parents of Mrs. Lee, James and Amilda Embs, came to Missouri about 
40 years ago. Mrs. Embs died in 1918, and her husband died in Febru- 
ary, 1922, at the age of 80 years. They lived at Winston, Mo. 

To Wesley and Gertie (Hiley) Lee three children have been born, 
as follows: Evelyn, Wesley, and Carl. 

Mr. Lee is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Gallatin. 

Alexander Short, deceased, was a well known farmer and stock- 
man of Colfax Township, Daviess County. He was born in County 
Amagh, Ireland, in 1857. He came to America when a young man, and 
settled in Pennsylvania, where he lived for a short time, later removing 
to Kansas. He then settled in Caldwell County, Missouri, where he lived 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 727 

until 1891, when he came to Daviess County, settling in Colfax Town- 
ship, where he lived until his death in 1899. 

When Mr. Short came to Colfax Township, Daviess County, he pur- 
chased a farm of 160 acres, where his widow now lives. The residence 
was built in 1872 and is of brick. Since Mr. Short's death, Mrs. Short 
has improved the farm, having built two large barns, 40x60 feet and 
30x40 feet. She has been very successful as a manager, and raises cat- 
tle and hogs on her farm. She is also a feeder of cattle, and owns regis- 
tered Duroc Jersey hogs. Mrs. Short's farm is modem in every respect 
and one of the finest in the township. It is an ideal stock farm. 

On March 8, 1885, Mr. Short was married to Maggie Scott, a daugh- 
ter of Rice C. and Mary C. (Cormana) Scott, both deceased. Mrs. Short 
was born in Caldwell County, and educated there and in the Hamilton 
High School. To Alexander and Maggie (Scott) Short six children were 
born, as follows: Joseph L., farmer, Kidder, married to Laura Meloy; 
Stephan Harry, married to Stella (Stewart) Casey, Colfax Township, 
Daviess County; he enlisted during the World War serving in Battery 
C, 28th Field Artillery, and was stationed at Camp Funston with the 
10th Division, when the armistice was signed; Tinsley, at home; he en- 
listed during the World War on May 28, 1918, and went overseas in 
August, 1918, with the 88th Division, a member of Company H, 350th 
Infantry and served in France from August, 1918, until May, 1919, and 
was stationed near Metz when the armistice was signed ; he was a bugler 
and was mustered out of service on June 19, 1919, at Camp Taylor, Ken- 
tucky; Maude, the wife of Frank W. McClelland, Hamilton; she is a 
graduate of the Kidder Institute and Maryville Normal School; she is 
now a teacher in the primary department of the Hamilton schools; 
Pearl Short, a teacher at Polo, Mo.; and Alexander R., living at home. 

Mr. Alexander Short was one of the progressive and dependable 
citizens of Daviess County and the Short family is well known and 
highly respected in the community. 

Henry G. Bacon, a leading farmer and stockman of Sheridan Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born on the farm where he now resides, Feb. 
1, 1891, the son of Irwin and Fannie (Crall) Bacon. 

Irwin Bacon was born in Portage County, Ohio, Jan. 19, 1843, the 
son of Ira and Julia A. (Goodsell) Bacon, who came to Daviess County, 
in 1848, and settled in Colfax Township. Ira Bacon was bom in Con- 
necticut and his wife was a native of Ohio, where they were married. 
Ira Bacon died in 1895 and his wife died several years later at the age 
of 87 years. They are buried in Benson Cemetery. The children of Ira 



728 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Bacon and his wife, who came with them to Colfax Township, Daviess 
County, were as follows: Jason Bacon, Colfax Township; Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Sweaney, Kidder; Irwin Bacon, Kidder; Boone, born in Colfax 
Township, in 1850, now living in Rockyford, Col. ; Emily, died when 20 
years of age ; Mrs. Faithy Conrad, Kidder. 

Irwin Bacon was educated in the district schools of Colfax Town- 
ship. His father and uncle, Lawton Bacon, built the first school house 
in 1855 in that vicinity. It was located four miles southeast of Winston. 
The first teacher was Elizabeth Morton, now Mrs. Gay, living in Hamil- 
ton. Irwin Bacon enrolled in the militia at the age of 18 years, in Com- 
pany G, 33rd Regiment, and in 1863 was in the Missouri State Militia, 
4th Regiment. He served at Gallatin for three months, and was then 
sent to Chillicothe, Richmond, and served north of the Missouri River, 
patroling railroads, bridges, etc. He was mustered out of service while 
at home. Mr. Bacon purchased his first land in Missouri in 1869, and 
still owns 240 acres. He moved to his farm in 1870 where he lived until 
May 1, 1921, when he moved to Kidder. Mr. Bacon carried on general 
farming and stock raising for many years, being also a feeder of cattle 
and hogs in the winter time. He has a well improved farm three miles 
north of Kidder, four miles south of Altamont. 

Irwin Bacon was married the first time in 1870 to Phoebe Norton, 
a native of Ohio, born Aug. 9, 1850. She died in 1873 and is buried in 
the Benson Cemetery. She left one daughter, Esther Bacon, who died in 
girlhood. Mr. Bacon was married then on Dec. 30, 1875, to Fannie Crall, 
a daughter of David and Sarah (Cocklin) Crall. Mr. and Mrs. Crall set- 
tled in Colfax Township, in 1856. Mr. Crall died in 1907 and is buried 
in Winston Cemetery. His wife died in 1859, and is buried in Black 
Cemetery. Mrs. Bacon was born on Dec. 1, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin 
Bacon have two children living: Clarence Bacon, farmer of Colfax 
Township. He is married to Delia Valandingham and they have three 
children: Frances Lee, Clara and Laura; Henry, the subject of this 
sketch. 

Mr. Bacon carried the mail from Kidder, to Victoria, and later in 
1869, to Alta Vista, making a 35-mile round trip on horseback for $2.50. 
He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in the fall of 1864, riding ten 
miles to vote. He has always refused to run for office, claiming he had 
enough work to keep him busy. He is a member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic at Kidder. Mr. Bacon is a substantial citizen and stands 
high in the community and county. 

Henry G. Bacon was reared on the farm he now operates. He owns 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 729 

144 acres of land, and the residence is located three miles north of the 
Kidder Institute. The original house, 16x24 feet is part of the present 
residence. Mr. Bacon was educated in the public schools, and since com- 
pleting his education has carried on farming and stock raising. He is a 
well known breeder of registered Duroc Jersey hogs. He also raises 
Shropshire sheep, and has White Leghorn chickens. 

On Jan. 7, 1915, Mr. Bacon was married to Margaret E. Hartel, 
a daughter of Fred and Lucy (Leffler) Hartel, natives of Kidder, Mo. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hartel have eight children as follows: William, married 
Lola Bane, and had two girls, Reveigh and Ruth, deceased; Margaret, 
wife of Henry Bacon; Nina, the wife of Ray Coffey, Kidder; Alfred, 
Kidder; Verna, the wife of Clarence Johnson, Sheridan Township; 
Edith, the wife of William Kress, Kidder; Lula and Emma. Mrs. Henry 
G. Bacon was born at Arley, Mo., and was educated in Clinton County, 
after which she lived in Caldwell County, for a time before removing to 
Kidder, Mo. 

To Henry G. and Margaret E. (Hartell) Bacon two children have 
been born, as follows: Luella Marie and Gladys Eva. 

Mr. Bacon is a member of the Sons of Veterans at Kidder, Mo. He 
is a progressive type of man, a good farmer and stockman, and a suc- 
cessful manager. 

Grant Castor, a farmer in Sheridan Township, Daviess County, was 
born in Harrison County, June 20, 1863. Two years later his widowed 
mother died and the boy was adopted by John J. Castor and his wife. 

John J. Castor was bom near Millersburg in Holmes County, Ohio. 
He came to Missouri in his early youth and worked first in Harrison and 
then in Gentry County, finally locating in Sheridan Township, Daviess 
County. He married Mrs. Eliza (Allen) Wooderson, who owned a farm 
comprising 115 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Castor lived on this farm until they 
moved to Kidder to make their home. They were people of sympathy 
and kindliness and lent a helping hand to many homeless. They reared 
there orphaned boys, Grant Castor, the subject of this sketch; Samuel 
Castor; and John Donahue. Mr. Castor died in 1891 and Mrs. Castor 
died in 1909. The remains of both are buried in Wooderson Cemetery. 
Mr. Castor was a member of the Home Guards during the Civil War and 
held the office of justice of the peace in his township. He was a man of 
broad vision, deeply loved and respected by the boys to whom he gave 
a home, and honored by his community for his charity and kindliness. 

Grant Ca«tor attended the rural school in Daviess County and has 
been a farmer all of his life. He now owns 60 acres of the old home 



730 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

place and does general farming. The farm is located three miles north- 
east of Kidder and is well kept. The improvements were all made by 
the present owner. 

On Sept. 15, 1883, Mr. Castor was married to Isadore Sandals, a 
daughter of Asher and Catherine Sandals of Sheridan Township. Mrs. 
Grant Castor was born in Ohio in 1866, her parents soon after coming to 
Missouri. She died on Nov. 14, 1909, and her remains are buried in 
Wooderson Cemetery. She was the mother of ten children, two of 
whom died in infancy. The remaining eight are: Pryor C, married Mrs. 
Ethel (McCord) Millard, and is a farmer in Sheridan Township; Grace, 
the wife of Roy Cornelius, a well known farmer and stockman of Sher- 
idan Township ; Verna, married Melvin Lee, and was accidentally burned to 
death near Sea Drift, Texas, in November, 1920 ; Blanche, married Andy 
Cutler of Kidder ; Catherine, the wife of Albert Engle of Chillicothe ; John, 
living at Kidder ; Roxie May, graduated from Kidder Institute and is now 
in college at Springfield ; and Opal, a student in Kidder Institute. 

Mr. Castor has the following grandchildren: Harold Castor; Ralph, 
Clara, and Dwight Cornelius; Crystal and Charles Cutler; Louise Engle; 
and Melvin, Jr., Blanche, Dorothy, Naomi, Victor, and Elmer Lee. 

Grant Castor is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows Lodge at Kidder. He is an upright and industrious man, held in 
high regard in the neighborhood, where he is esteemed for his integrity. 

George W. Rhea, farmer and stockman of Sheridan Township, Da- 
viess County, was born in Indiana County, Pa., Sept. 22, 1873, the son of 
Alexander and Elizabeth (Stutchel) Rhea. Alexander Rhea died in 
Pennsylvania, where his widow still lives. Their children were : Anna, 
now Mrs. Lyons; Mrs. Laura Graham; William; Henry; Albert; George 
W., the subject of this sketch; Calvin; Clarence; Lawrence and Lillie, 
twins, the latter dying in infancy ; and Lisle. 

George W. Rhea attended the public schools in Pennsylvania. In 
1898, he settled in Mercer County, 111., where he farmed and raised 
stock. In 1913 he came to Missouri and located in Caldwell County. 
Five years later he moved to his present home. This is known as the 
Allen farm and is located 1\ miles northeast of Kidder. There is a good 
residence on the place and the improvements are all new. The farm 
buildings are e.xcellent and the farm presents an attractive appearance. 
Mr. Rhea keeps between 30 and 40 Duroc Jersey hogs, all eligible for 
registry. He owns a Clydesdale imported stallion, "Financier," and has 
two Kentucky Mammouth Jacks. At present he has 14 head of horses 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 731 

and mules. Mr. Rhea has established a reputation as a successful breeder 
of horses, mules and hogs. 

George W. Rhea was married on March 13, 1903, to Mary I. Kunkle 
Mrs. Rhea was born and reared in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Her 
parents, Peter and Lillian Kunkle, both died in Pennsylvania. To the union 
of George W. and Mary I. (Kunkle) Rhea, the following children were 
born: Wilbert K., now a student in Kidder Institute; Lillie I., at home; 
Albert C, at home; and George A., died at the age of about one year. 

Mr. Rhea is one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Daviess 
County and is held in high regard for his practical, far-sighted business 
methods. 

E. A. Keck, a prominent farmer and stockman of Liberty Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born in Gallatin, on July 5, 1880, the son of 
John A. and Susan (Diestelhorst) Keck. 

John A. Keck was born in 1843 in Baltimore, Md., and died on 
March 21, 1918. He was a veteran of the Civil War. Following the war, 
Mr. Keck engaged in the general merchandise business at Gallatin. He 
later took up farming just outside of Gallatin, and was living retired 
at the time of his death. His wife is now residing in Gallatin with her 
sister. Mr. Keck was a Republican and a member of the Christian 
Church. The parents of Mrs. Keck were George C. and Martha (Smith) 
Diestelhorst, pioneer settlers of Daviess County. Mr. Diestelhorst was a 
farmer and harnessmaker. To John A. and Susan (Diestelhorst) Keck 
six children were born, as follows: Eva, the wife of Martin Hemery, 
Gallatin; Richard T., married Addie Wampler, Gallatin; E. A., the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; George G., married Nettie Whitt, Gallatin ; Ethel, the 
wife of Davis Hill, Hickory Station, Trenton, Mo.; John J. Keck, Walla 
Walla, Wash. 

E. A. Keck was reared in Gallatin, and received his education in 
the public schools there. After completing his education, he was en- 
gaged in the Fetterer & Son Grocery Company and the E. M. Mann Gro- 
cery Company of Gallatin. He then went to Washington and Oregon 
where he spent 18 months. While in Washington Mr. Keck was em- 
ployed by the street railway company, and while in Oregon worked on 
a ranch. Later he returned to Gallatin and worked for five years with 
the E. M. Mann Grocery Company. He then purchased a farm of 71 
acres near Gallatin, from Austin G. Diestelhorst, who owned 213 acres 
of land which was divided among the three brothers, George, Richard 
and E. A. Keck, each purchasing 71 acres. E. A. Keck has made many 



732 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

improvements on the land and is a well known breeder of Jersey and 
Holstein cattle. 

Mr. Keck married Addie Mettle and to this union three children 
have been born: Everetta; Marjorie; and George Randolph. 

In politics Mr. Keck is a Republican. He is a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and one of the enterprising and public 
spirited citizens of Daviess County. 

J. O. Cole, of Liberty Township, is a well known and progressive 
farmer and stockman. He is a native of Daviess County, and was born 
in Jefferson Township, Feb. 12, 1869, the son of William Harrison and 
Margaret (Savage) Cole. 

William Harrison Cole was born in Clay County, Missouri, and 
moved to Daviess County with his parents at the age of three years. 
His wife was born in Indiana in 1844 and about 1855 her parents moved 
to Missouri. During the Civil War, Mr. Cole served for three years with 
Company B, Missouri State Militia. He then returned to Missouri where 
he was engaged in general farming and stock raising until he moved to 
Altamont where he died Jan. 11, 1917, at the age of 77 years. His wife 
died on Jan. 4, 1922. To William Harrison and Margaret (Savage) Cole 
three children were born : Cora, the wife of Will Caster, living in Ness 
County, Kansas; J. O., the subject of this sketch; and Bell, the wife of 
Charles Drummond, Sheridan Township. 

J. O. Cole was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
district schools. He remained at home, assisting his father in farming 
and stock raising, until his marriage in 1891. He owns 354 acres of 
good farm land. He is a successful farmer and stockman. 

On Jan. 11, 1891, Mr. Cole was married to Virgie Faw, a native of 
Sheridan Township, and daughter of Amos and Elvira Faw. Mr. and 
Mrs. Few, now deceased, were natives of North Carolina and Illinois. 
Sixty years ago they came to Daviess County. Mr. Faw was a prominent 
farmer and stockman of this county for many years. 

To J. 0. and Virgie (Faw) Cole three children have been born, as 
follows: Ethel, the wife of Lewis Drummond, living south of Altamont; 
Loma, the wife of Crosby Streeter, Caldwell County, and Zelpha, a stu- 
dent in the Altamont High School. The Cole family are members of the 
Christian Church. 

Mr. Cole is a substantial and reliable citizen of Daviess County, who 
has made a success of his work by virtue of his energy, his progressive 
ideals and his enterprising methods. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 733 

Samuel Wilson, an interesting pioneer of Daviess County, was born 
in County Denagal, near Londonderry, Ireland, on Jan. 12, 1835. He 
came to America with his parents at the age of 12 years, and settled in 
Bellville, 111. 

During the Civil War, Mr. Wilson served in the Confederate army 
in Company C, 12th Texas Field Artillery. He served for one year in 
the Engineer Corps and three years in the Artillery. Throughout the 
war, Mr. Wilson was stationed in Texas, and was there at the close. In 
1873 he came to Missouri, settling near Gallatin, where he carried on 
farming for several years. 

In 1877 Mr. Wilson moved to his present location in Liberty Town- 
ship, where he has been engaged in farming and stock raising for 45 
years. He owns 200 acres of well improved land and is well known 
throughout Daviess County as a good farmer and stockman. 

Mr. Wilson's mother died in Bellville, 111., and his father died some 
time later in Daviess County, and is buried in Creek Ball Cemetery. His 
brother, John Wilson, was associated with him in farming for many 
years, but is now deceased. 

Mr. Wilson has always been identified with the Democratic party. 
He is a man who has had a varied career, both in war and peace time, 
and is one of the well known and highly respected pioneer settlers of 
Daviess County. 

M. E. Adams, a successful farmer and stockman of Liberty Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Oct. 27, 1864, the 
son of John and Catherine McKinsie Adams, both natives of Ohio. 

John Adams grew to manhood in Ohio and became engaged in 
general farming there. He later moved to Indiana, where he died. His 
wife and family moved to Iowa some time later, and settled in Wayne 
County. In 1887 they came to Daviess County, and settled in Liberty 
Township. Mrs. Adams died a few years after coming to Missouri. To 
John and Catherine (McKinsie) Adams five children were born, as fol- 
lows: Mary Margaret, the wife of T. S. Gallamore, Altamont; M. E., the 
subject of this sketch ; Harley. Edenburg, Mo. ; Charles, Chillicothe. Mo. ; 
and Rolla, living in California. 

M. E. Adams was reared in Indiana and Iowa and was educated in 
the public schools. Since completing his education, Mr. Adams has been 
engaged in farming and stock raising. He has lived in his present loca- 
tion for about 12 years, and owns 188 acres of land five miles from Gal- 
latin. Mr. Adams raises high grade stock and is widely known. 

On Dec. 23, 1890, Mr. Adams was married to Hattie Roney, a na- 



734 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tive of Daviess County, and a daughter of John and Jane (McCrary) 
Roney. Mr. and Mrs. Roney now reside near Chillicothe. Mr. Roney 
was a native of Indiana, and Mrs. Adams' mother was born in Sheridan 
Township, Daviess County, Silas Roney, grandfather of Mrs. Adams, 
settled in Missouri in the early forties, coming here from North Caro- 
lina. He died before the Civil War. 

To M. E. and Hattie Adams one son has been born. Earl E., who re- 
sides on the home farm, just west of his father's home. He is married to 
Mildred Stephens of Liberty Township. To this union three children 
have been bom, as follows: Margaret Marie; Marion Andrew; and 
Duane Covington. 

Mr. Adams is a Democrat and a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and one of the 
substantial and highly respected citizens of Daviess County. 

W. E. Hathaway, a leading farmer and stockman of Liberty Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born Jan. 17, 1863, in Winamac, Ind., the son 
of A. J. and Harriet (Allen) Hathaway. 

A. J. Hathaway was born in West Virginia March 13, 1832. During 
the Civil War he enlisted as a teamster at Winamac, Ind., and served 
throughout the war. After the war he engaged in farming in Indiana. 
In 1868 he removed to Missouri, settling three miles west of Gallatin, 
Liberty Township. He carried on general farming there until 1870, 
when he moved to Marion Township. Then in 1884 Mr. Hathaway went 
to Kansas, where he remained until his death, March 26, 1902. He was 
a member of the Christian Church and is buried at Neola, Kan. He was 
a Repulican. To A. J. and Harriet (Allen) Hathaway nine children 
were born : Meredith A., married to Ethelda Barber. He is now de- 
ceased and his widow lives in St. Joseph; Francis A., married Melissa 
Young, Sumner, Ark.; W. E., the subject of this sketch; Henry Taylor, 
deceased, was married to Mattie Miller, who now lives in Wichita, Kan. ; 
Mary E., the widow of C. P. Slater, living in Kansas City; Margaret R., 
the wife of Vilas Slater, Hutchinson, Kan.; Harriet E., the wife of G. J. 
Lamont, Hutchinson, Kan. ; Emery L., married Ida Stalling, Eline, Okla. ; 
Cora M., the wife of Herman Bartlett, Stafford, Texas. 

W. E. Hathaway was reared in Missouri and attended the district 
schools at Civil Bend, Mo. He began farming where he now resides in 
Liberty Township. Mr. Hathaway is a well known breeder of Aberdeen 
Angus cattle and Duorc Jersey hogs. Mrs. Hathaway raises pure bred 
Plymouth Rock chickens. Mr. Hathaway's farm contains 120 acres of 
well improved land. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 735 

On Aug. 6, 1884, Mr. Hathaway was married to Miss Martha A. 
Harman, a daughter of Jacob S. and Amanda (Campbell) Harman. 
Jacob S. Harman was born in Whitley County, Kentucky, May 3, 1832. 
During the Civil War he served in the Home Guard under Captain 
Woodruff. At the close of the war Mr. Harman settled on Section 3, 
Liberty Township, Daviess County, where he purchased 80 acres of land 
at one dollar per acre. It is now worth $175.00 an acre. Mr. Harman 
died May 16, 1902, and Mrs. Hathaway's mother died Aug. 9, 1912. 
They are both buried at Alton, Mo. 

To Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Hathaway two children were born, as fol- 
lows: Everett C, married Pearl Dunlay, Dodge City, Kan.; and Elsie, 
the wife of K. E. Croy, Lajunta, Col. 

Mr. Hathaway is a Republican and a member of the Christian 
Church. 

C. E. Kingsley, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Liberty Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born Jan. 30, 1869, in Peoria, 111., the son of 
Charles and Elizabeth (Brown) Kingsley. 

Charles Kingsley was born in Peoria, 111., and was a farmer during 
his entire life. During the Civil War, Mr. Kingsley enlisted in the 77th 
Illinois Infantry. After the war he returned to Illinois where he farmed 
until his death in 1910. He is buried at Pottstown, 111. Elizabeth 
(Brown) Kingsley was born in Illinois in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley 
were the parents of seven children, as follows: C. E., the subject of this 
.sketch ; William, married Rosie Stear, Peoria, 111. ; Cynthia, the wife of 
Charles Doubet, Peoria County, Illinois; Lillian, the wife of George 
Bontz, Peoria, 111. ; Daisy, the wife of R. Bruniga, Peoria, 111. ; Lizzie, the 
wife of William Slautter, Peoria, 111. ; Lucy, the wife of William Hauk, 
Peoria, 111. 

C. E. Kingsley was reared in Illinois and received his education in 
the district schools. He then became engaged in general stock raising 
and moved to Missouri in 1901, settling on a farm in Monroe Township, 
Daviess County. He farmed there for two years, when he removed to 
his present location in Liberty Township. He has made extensive im- 
provements on his land and is a prominent breeder of high grade cat- 
tle. Mr. Kingsley owns 160 acres in Liberty Township, and his wife 
owns 80 acres in Kickapoo Township, Peoria County, 111., which she 
rents. 

Mr. Kingsley was married to Hannah Kirkman in Hanna City, 111. 
To this union one child has been born, Mary, the wife of C. R. Vipond, 
residing in Liberty Township. 



736 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Kingsley is a Democrat and servied in the office of tax assessor in 
Illinois for two years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America 
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Gallatin. 

Reuben Wetzel, deceased, was a man whose name is connected with 
the pioneer days in Daviess County. He was born Aug. 10, 1831, on a 
farm in Snyder County, Pa., the son of Joseph and Salome (Snyder) 
Wetzel, who were both natives of Snyder County, Pa, where they spent 
their entire lives. They were parents of ten children, nine of whom were 
sons. 

Reuben Wetzel worked at the carpenter trade in Pennsylvania for 
several years, and after his marriage in 1862, he and his wife moved to 
Daviess County, Mo., where he engaged in farming in 1870. Mr. Wetzel's 
first farm was located two and one-half miles south of Jamesport, in Jack- 
son Township, where he owned 160 acres of land. In 1903 he sold his farm 
there and purchased 230 acres west of Jamesport, where he lived until 
his death, Feb. 13, 1919. He owned a well improved farm and was widely 
known throughout Daviess County. 

On Oct. 2, 1862, Reuben Wetzel was married to Matilda Poorman. a 
native of Venango County, Pa., born Jan. 14, 1840. She died March 24, 
1883. To this union eleven children were born of whom nine are living, 
as follows: Alice, the wife of Anderson Langford, residing on the Wetzel 
estate in Jamesport Township; Mary J., unmarried, Jamesport; Olivia, the 
wife of H. C. McMahan, Jackson Township; Eva Kate, unmarried, living 
with her sister, Mary J., in Jamesport ; Nevin M., physician, Jameson ; 
Cordelia A., a teacher, Chicago, 111. Mary J. and Eva Kate Wetzel are 
living together in Jamesport, Mo. 

Reuben Wetzel was a Republican in politics and a member of the 
Presbyterian church. He was a man of energy, strong purpose and in- 
dustry. In his business affairs he was very upright and fair and as a 
citizen he upheld high standards. 

Stanley Heyser, a substantial farmer and stockman of Liberty 
Township, Daviess County, was born Oct. 15, 1888, in this county, a son 
of W. P. and Caroline (Miller) Heyser. 

W. P. Heyser was born in Kentucky in 1841. When a young man 
he came to Daviess County and settled south of Weatherby, where he 
was engaged in general farming until about 1863, then freighted across 
the plains with oxen. After freighting three years returned to Missouri. 
married and settled in Liberty Township. In the Fall of 1914 he moved 
to Altamont. He died in 1915 and is buried in Altamont Cemetery. Mrs. 
Heyser was bom in 1848 on the Tobias Miller farm, which is located 




MU. AXI.) .MKS. l:i;i \:\-:S WETZEI, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 737 

northeast of the present location of her son, Stanley Heyser's place. She 
died in 1913 and is also buried in Altamont. To W. P. and Caroline 
(Miller) Heyser seven children were born, as follows: Floyd, deceased; 
Charlie; Fred, deceased; Ethel, the wife of Will Thompson; Luella; 
George C. ; and Stanley, the subject of this sketch. 

Stanley Heyser was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, 
and received his education in the district schools. He began farming on 
his present location and owns 80 acres of" well improved land. Mr. Hey- 
ser is a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and is widely known 
throughout the county. 

Mr. Heyser married May Dean and to this union four children have 
been born, as follows: Everett; Stanley, Jr.; Delbert Dean; and Helen 
May. 

In politics Mr. Heyser is a Democrat. He is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church. The Heysers are well known in Daviess County and are 
highly regarded among their many friends and acquaintances. 

John F. Wilder, a prominent farmer and stockman of Liberty Town- 
ship, Davie.ss County, was born Nov. 7, 1876, in Liberty Township on 
the farm where he now lives. He is the son of Eri W. and Susan (Mote) 
Wilder. 

Eri W. Wilder was born in Vermont, in 1819, and died in 1890. 
During the Civil War, Mr. Wilder served in the army, after which he 
removed to Daviess County, and settled in Liberty Township. He was 
engaged in farming and stock raising until his death. His wife, Susan 
(Mote) Wilder was born in 1846 in England. She died January, 1919, 
and is buried in the Creekmore Cemetery in Liberty Township. To Eri 
W. and Susan (Mote) Wilder five children were born, as follows: Ora 
C; Eva May, the wife of A. T. Shepherd; Edward, married Mattie 
Youk ; John F., the subject of this sketch; Jennie, the wife of George 
Griffin. 

John F. Wilder was reared on a farm and attended the district 
.schools of Liberty Township, Daviess County. He worked at the black- 
.«mith trade for 20 years. In 1910 Mr. Wilder moved to Jameson, where 
he remained until 1922, when he returned to the farm in Liberty Town- 
ship. He now operates the old home farm of 120 acres, and is a breeder 
of fine Jersey milk stock. Mr. Wilder sold one-half interest in a black- 
smith shop in Jameson, which was known as Wilder and King Com- 
pany. He sold his interest in this Company on Dec. 20, 1921. 

Mr. Wilder married Rosie Hisel, a daughter of Jackson and Eliza 
Ellen (Davis) Hisel. To John F. Wilder and wife eight children have 



738 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

been born as follows: Denvil; Franklin; Glenn; Mamie; Ruby; Ivan; 
John ; and Alva all of whom are residing at home. 

Mr. Wilder is identified with the Republican party. He is well 
known in Daviess County, and is a substantial and highly respected cit- 
izen. 

M. V. Bishop, a prominent Civil War veteran of Gallatin, was bom 
April 20, 1839, in Jamestown, Ohio, a son of Perry and Mary (Whit- 
taker) Bishop. 

Perry Bishop was a native of Connecticut who came to Ohio when 
a young man. He was accidentally killed in 1841, his death resulting after 
being struck by a log. His wife was a native of Ohio, and died when M. 
V. Bishop, her son, was six years old. To Perry and Mary (Whittaker) 
Bishop two children were bom: Nancy, the wife of John Littleton, a 
farmer living in Monroe, Ohio; and M. V., the subject of this sketch. 

M. V. Bishop was reared in Ohio, and attended the district schools 
there. On Oct. 12, 1861, he enlisted during the Civil War in Company 
G, 7th Virginia Infantry-. He was wounded in the battle of Antietam, 
Sept. 17, 1862, and was in the army hospital at Baltimore, Md., for al- 
most a year. Mr. Bishop was shot through the left breast and right foot. 
He was in the battle of Winchester, and the battle of Port Republic. 
After leaving the hospital, Mr. Bishop was discharged from service. He 
then worked on a farm and later on a steamboat on the Ohio River. In 
1867 Mr. Bishop removed from Ohio to Daviess County, Missouri, and 
settled on a farm 'between Jameson and Coffey in Salem Township. 
Later, in 1871, he moved to Gallatin, where he now resides in the south- 
western part of town. 

Mr. Bishop was married the first time to Susan Johnson, a daugh- 
ter of John and Mary (Pyles) Johnson. To this union two children were 
born, as follows: Mary Jane, deceased, was the wife of William Utley. 
She died in 1890 and is buried in Brown Cemetery, Gallatin ; Laura Belle, 
the wife of Charles Hillman, Gallatin. Mr. Bishop then married Sarah 
Matilda Morford, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Shopel) Morford, na- 
tives of Ohio. They were married Feb. 13, 1915, it being Mrs. Bishop's 
second marriage also. Her first marriage was in 1869 to John B. Lewis 
and to that union one child was born, Mary Ellen Lewis. John B. Lewis 
was a carpenter and came from Ohio to Daviess County, Missouri. Mrs. 
Bi.'^hop's parents, Philip and Mary (Shopel) Morford, were the parents 
of 13 children, as follows: John S. ; James B., deceased; Perry Monroe, 
deceased ; Thomas Jefferson, deceased ; Susan Jane, deceased ; Mary 
Ellen, the widow of Joseph Morford, Indianapolis, Ind. ; Jerry, deceased ; 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 739 

Mrs. Bishop; Elizabeth, the widow of Mr. Weber, Dallas, Texas; Hulda 
Rebecca, deceased; Emma, deceased; Andrew Jackson, living at St. Jo- 
seph, Mo. 

Mr. Bishop is identified with the Republican party and is a member 
of the Christian Church. He has many friends in this county and is one 
of the most honored and respected citizens. 

J. L. Tibbs, a prominent farmer of Marion Township, Daviess 
County, and owner of 320 acres of well improved land, was born April 
4, 1871, near Coffey, Mo. He is a son of Hiram and Phoebe (Ellis) 
Tibbs. 

Hiram Tibbs is a native of Preston County, West Virginia, and his 
wife was born in Daviess County, Missouri. Mr. Tibbs is a veteran ol 
the Civil War, having enlisted in Kentucky. He was assigned to Com- 
pany A, 54th Mounted Infantry during the Civil War in the Union army. 
He had three horses shot from under him during the battle at Leadville, 
Va. He served throughout the war. He came to Daviess County, Mis- 
souri in 1868, where he married and settled in Salem Township, and 
carried on general farming until 1900, when he moved to Oklahoma and 
settled on a ranch, where he lived until 1921. He now lives in Alva, 
Okla. Mr. and Mrs. Tibbs were the parents of eight children as follows: 
J. L., the subject of this sketch ; Ida, the wife of Charles W. McDaniels, 
Woods County, Oklahoma; Ada, deceased; Anna, the wife of William 
Lemmon, Texas; Minnie, the wife of Porter Clark near New Hampton, 
Missouri; John E., married Elva Reed, merchant, Oklahoma; Jennie, the 
wife of L. Romig, Oklahoma; and Frankie, deceased. 

J. L. Tibbs was reared on a farm and attended the district schools 
of Daviess County. He then worked in the general merchandise store of 
I. J. Henderson in Pattonsburg, Mo., for seven years. Mr. Tibbs then re- 
moved to the farm near Jameson, where he now resides. He has made 
extensive improvements on the land and has erected a modern dwelling 
of eight rooms and bath. Mr. Tibbs has been very successful in his agri- 
cultural pursuits and is widely known throughout Davie-ss County. 

J. L. Tibbs married Elizabeth Reynolds, a daughter of Harvey N. 
and Mary (Nance) Reynolds, pioneer settlers of Daviess County. Mrs. 
Reynolds' father, Mr. Nance originally owned the land now owned by Mr. 
Tibbs. When Mr. Nance settled on the land there, he lived in a log cabin. 
Mr. Reynolds came to Daviess County from Callaway County, Missouri. 
Mrs. Reynolds died Feb. 10, 1888, and was buried on her 51st birthday in 
Civil Bend Cemetery. To J. L. and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Tibbs two 
children were born, as follows: Paul, married Romaine Frances Jarrett, 



740 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

residing in Marion Township on a farm ; Russell V., now attending the 
Chicago College of Dental Surgery, which he entered in 1919. 

Mr. Tibbs is a Democrat. He has served on the township board for 
four years. He is one of the dependable citizens of Daviess County. 

A. M. Harman, a substantial farmer and stockman of Liberty Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born Feb. 5, 1864, in this county, one mile 
from where he now lives. He is a son of Jasper and Minerva (Thorn- 
hill) Harman. 

Jasper Harman was a native of Daviess County. He was born in 
Liberty Township, three miles from the farm of his son, A. M. Harman. 
During his life, Mr. Harman carried on general farming, and was also a 
school teacher for ten years. He was a Baptist missionary preacher, and 
did a great amount of Sunday school work in Daviess County. To Jas- 
per and Minerva (Thornhill) Harman three children were born as fol- 
lows: Nancy Eldora, the wife of Calvin Smith, residing in Montana; 
Eliza E., the wife of George Starmer, postmaster, St. Joseph, Mo. ; and A. 
M., the subject of this sketch. 

Jasper Harman died June 30, 1874 and is buried in Crab Orchard 
Cemetery. Mrs. Harman later married Samuel Stubbs, a native of Indiana. 
For some time Mr. Stubbs operated a grocery store in Gallatin, known as 
Dodge & Stubbs. Mr. Stubbs died at Winamac, Ind., and is buried in 
Indiana. Mrs. Stubbs moved to St. Joseph in 1908 and died Feb. 7, 1922, 
and is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery. St. Joseph, To Samuel and 
Minerva (Thornhill) (Harman) Stubbs two children were born, as follows: 
Maud, the wife of E. M. Mitchell, who operates a grocery and meat business 
in St. Joseph, and Minnie, the wife of Jesse Marsh, who operates a grocery 
and meat business in St. Joseph. 

A. M. Harman was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
district schools of Daviess County. He has always been a farmer. He 
farmed on his father's farm in Liberty Township, for 25 years. He then 
moved to his present location in 1894, where he has made extensive improve- 
ments. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land, and is widely known 
as a successful farmer and breeder of Shorthorn cattle. 

Mr. Harman was married to Mary E. Trotter, a daughter of Jonathan 
M. and Jane (Long) Trotter. Mr. Trotter was a nativ« of Daviess County, 
and his wife was born in Ohio. They were the parents of eight children, as 
follows: William ; David ; Mrs. Harman ; Wesley M. ; Clemmie ; Rosa ; Le- 
ona; Herbert. Mr. Trotter died in 1918 and is buried in Harrison County, 
his widow now resides in Mount Ayr, Iowa. To A. M. and Mary E. (Trot- 
ter) Harman four children were born, as follows : Bessie E., the wife of Al- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 741 

bert Heaston, living near Winston, Colfax Township; Mabel E., school 
teacher, having taught for 10 years in the home district ; Lloyd, born in 
1897, married Lila McMellon, now residing in Colorado, a telegrapher en- 
listed in the navy during the World War and was stationed at the Great 
Lakes Training Station, Chicago, 111., until his discharge, April 27, 1918, 
and is now living in Colorado on account of his health ; and Harry Allen 
Harman married Erma Martin, residing at home. 

Mr. Harman is a Democrat and a member of the Township Democratic 
Committee. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the 
Modern Woodmen of America, and the Rebecca Lodge. Mr. Harman is 
representative of the best citizenship of Daviess County, and the members 
of the Harman family are highly respected. 

William Z. Wellman, a well known and capable mail carrier of 
Gallatin, was born Oct. 30, 1867, in Terre Haute, Ind., the son of War- 
ren and Elizabeth (Morris) Wellman. 

Warren Wellman was born in New York and came to Teri'e Haute when 
a young man, where he was engaged in farming. In 1885 he left Indiana 
and settled in Clyde, Kan. He died on Dec. 17, 1912, in Newkirk, Okla. His 
wife is now living in Arkansas City, Kan. To Warren and Elizabeth (Mor- 
ris) Wellman four children were born, as follows: Ella, the wife of Steve 
Conaway, Terre Haute, Ind. ; Levi, married Lillian Webster, Newkirk, 
Okla.; William Z., the subject of this sketch; and Delia, Arkansas City, 
Kan. 

William Z. Wellman was educated in the schools of Indiana. He later 
moved to Kansas, where he became engaged in farming until 1895, when he 
moved to Gallatin, Mo., where he has since lived. Mr. Wellman is now a 
rural mail carrier out of Gallatin, route No. 6. He has been in the mail ser- 
vice for 20 years, and during that time carried one route for 15 years. Mr. 
Wellman owns some valuable property in the best section of Gallatin. He 
also owns his home, which is located in the southeast part of the city. 

On July 25, 1884, Mr. Wellman was married in Concordia, Kan., to Al- 
daretta Rupe, daughter of John and Mary (Morley) Rupe. Mr. Rupe was 
a native of Indiana and his wife was born in Ohio. Mr. Rupe served in the 
army during the Civil War, having enli.sted in Colorado. After the war he 
settled at Clyde, Kan., where he was editor of the Clyde Herald for 20 
years. He died in 1910 and wife died in 1917, and they are buried in Mt. 
Hope Cemetery, Clyde, Kan. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rupe were the parents of four children, as followF: 
Luella. the wife of William McCarty, Concordia, Kan. ; Mrs. Wellman ; 
Frank, married Nona Winters, Kanarado Kan. ; and Izetta, deceased. 



742 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

To William Z. and Aldaretta (Rupe) Wellman four children have been 
born, as follows : Zella, the wife of Leo Runnells, Gallatin ; Opal, the wife of 
D. 0. Richardson, Gallatin; Crystal, the wife of Tom Maharg, Gallatin; 
India, the wife of Fred Dunlap, who is a member of the Legislature now 
serving his second term. They live in Jefferson City. 

Mr. Wellman is a Republican. He served as road overseer in Union 
Township, in 1900. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America 
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Gallatin. Mr. Wellman is a 
member of the Christian Church, and is a deacon. He is one of the enter- 
prising citizens of the county, and widely known. 

C. H. Swisher, a well known farmer and stockman of Marion Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born June 20, 1877, just east of where he now 
resides, the son of Henry L. and Celia (Callahan) Swisher. 

Henry L. Swisher was a native of Ohio and his wife of Indiana. They 
came to Daviess County, and settled near Gallatin. On April 15, 1865, they 
crossed the Mississippi River, it being the day President Lincoln died. 
Shortly afterward they removed to Marion Township, settling near Pat- 
tonsburg, in Daviess County. Mr. Swisher was the second owner of the land 
he purchased. He carried on general farming and stock raising until his 
death in 1918. Mrs Swisher died in 1911. To Henry L. and Celia (Calla- 
han) Swisher two children were born: C. H., the subject of this sketch; 
and Nellie, the wife of Wesley Nevi^ton, Marion Township. They were 
twins. 

C. H. Swisher grew up in Marion Township, and was educated in the 
district schools. He has always been a farmer. In 1904 he went to Denver, 
Colo., where he remained for four years. He then returned to the home 
place in Marion Township, where he has since been engaged in farming and 
stock raising. He owns 120 acres of well improved land, and is a successful 
breeder of registered Shorthorn rattle. 

In 1902 C. H. Swisher was married to Dossie Holbrook, a daughter of 
R. M. and Ann (Smoot) Holbrook, natives of North Carlina, who came to 
Daviess County, in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook were the parents of eight 
children, as follows: John, married first to Elizabeth Hillman, and later to 
Ruth Swythe; Morgan, died in infancy; Mrs. Swisher; Cora, the wife of 
Willard Youtsey, living in Oklahoma ; Juanita, the wife of John Shaw, 
Marion Town.ship, Hardin married Bessie Bruce, Gallatin; Charlie, Kan- 
sas City, Mo. R. M. Holbrook and wife now reside at Gallatin. 

To C. H. and Dossie ( Holbrook) Swisher two children have been born, 
as follows : Keith, at home ; and Elizabeth, attending school at Civil Bend, 

Mr. Swisher is a Republican and has been school director of Marion 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 743 

Township, for eight years. He is a memeber of the Methodist Church at 
Civil Bend, and is trustee and Sunday school superintendent. 

Charles A. Bruce, a well known and successful farmer of Union 
Township, Daviess County, was born Oct. 19, 1877, in Livingston County, 
the son of Robert M. and Emma L. (Arnel) Bruce. 

Robert M. Bruce was a native of Kentucky and his wife is a native 
of Pennsylvania. In 1866, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce came to Missouri, and 
settled in Livingston County, where Mr. Bruce carried on general farm- 
ing and stock raising. During the Civil War, he served for 90 days, hav- 
ing enlisted in Ohio. To Robert M. and Emma L. (Arnel) Bruce two 
children were born: Charles A., the subject of this sketch; and Vernie 
v., living in Chillicothe, employed by the Union Central Life Insurance 
Company. Mr. Bruce died in 1916 and is buried in the Chillicothe Cem- 
etery. Mrs. Bruce now resides in Chillicothe. 

Charles A. Bruce was reared on his father's farm in Livingston 
County and attended the district schools. After completing his educa- 
tion, he taught school from 1897 until 1907 in Livingston County. He 
also served in the office of clerk and assessor of Jackson Township, Liv- 
ingston County. In 1907, Mr. Bruce removed to Daviess County and set- 
tled on a farm of 80 acres in Marion Township, where he became en- 
gaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Bruce served as clerk 
and assessor of Marion Township from 1910 until 1918, and in 1919 
was elected collector, which office he held for one year. He has also 
been school director for five years. 

In 1907 Mr. Bruce was married to Tabitha Ellen Reno, a daughter 
of Christopher and Ellen Reno, natives of Illinois. They were the par- 
ents of 12 children : Lillie, deceased, was the wife of Urias Smith ; Lucy, 
living south of Pattonsburg; Emma, the wife of E. C. Stewart, Topeka, 
Kan.; John T., married to Hannah Donner, Winston; Joseph, married 
to Tina Corchran, Santa Rosa, Calif.; Harvey N., married first to Ida 
Corchran, then to Mae Yocum, Marion Township; Mrs. Charles A. 
Bruce; Sarah M., the widow of Walter J. Sweiger; Fannie, the wife of 
Harry Lee Waters, Colorado; Christopher, died in infancy; Charlie, died 
in infancy; and the 12th child is deceased. 

To Charles A. and Tabitha Ellen (Reno) Bruce four children have 
been born: Charles Albert, attending school in Gallatin; Birdie Nadine, 
attending school; Pansy Elizabeth; and Harold Reno. 

Mr. Bruce moved from his farm to Gallatin, in 1921, and is located 
on the northwest edge of town. He has a beautiful home and ten acres 



744 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of land, where he does some farming. His home is modern in everj' re 
spect. 

Mr, Bruce is a Republican, a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and attends the Baptist Church. In his work, Mr. Bruce 
has been very successful. He has high ideals of citizenship and always 
stands ready to forward the community interests and civic welfare. 

J. Frank Gildow, the able and highly esteemed sheriff of Daviess 
County, is a native of Iowa, born on a farm near Carlisle, Dec. 15, 1893. 

Dr. John Gildow, the father of J. Frank Gildow, was born at Hart- 
ford, Iowa, June 12, 1860, and was reared on an Iowa farm. He later 
became the owner of a farm in Warren County, Iowa, and operated it 
with success until 1902, when he disposed of his holdings in Iowa and 
moved to Missouri. He settled in Daviess County, where he bought 320 
acres of land in Jamesport Township. He had graduated from the Des 
Moines Veterinary College and was a practicing veterinary surgeon for 
many years in Iowa. He has continued that work in Daviess County. He 
is well known in the county as a successful breeder of Poland China 
hogs. His stock has been exhibited at the Missouri State Fair and the 
Kansas City American Royal Fairs. 

Dr. Gildow married Mary Hunt, a native of Hartford, Iowa, born 
July 17, 1865, and to this union the following children were born: Grace, 
now the wife of B. A. Lindsey of Trenton ; Lola, married to R. G. Thomp- 
son of Jamesport; J. Frank, the subject of this sketch; and Mary, living 
at home. 

J. Frank Gildow was reared on his father's farm in Iowa, and came 
to Daviess County with his parents. He farmed until 1917, when he 
was inducted into the army for service in the World War. He was 
sent first to Camp Funston for training, and later to Camp Mills. He 
was assigned to the 89th Division as a corporal, went overseas, and par- 
ticipated in the battles of St. Mihiel and the Argonne Offense. He re- 
mained with the American Army of Occupation for five months, and 
was discharged from service on June 15, 1919. After his return to Da- 
viess County, Mr. Gildow resumed work on the farm, which he con- 
tinued until Jan. 1, 1920, when he assumed the duties incumbent upon 
him as the newly elected sheriff of the county. 

Mr. Gildow was married to Inez Gillett on Dec. 25, 1920. Mrs. Gil- 
dow is a daughter of J. R. and Emma (Wells) Gillett, who live on their 
farm near Gillman in Lincoln Township. Mrs. Gildow was born, reared, 
and educated in Lincoln Township. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 745 

Mr. Gildow is entirely the product of Daviess County except for the 
few early years in Iowa. He attended the rural schools of the county, 
and graduated from the Jamesport High School. He is identified with 
the Republican party in his politics, and is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons Lodges. He is a young man of whom the county is 
proud. He is a progressive farmer, and an able officer of the county. 
Mr. Gildow has his home at Gallatin. 

M. S. Schwyhart, the capable and well known police judge of Gal- 
latin, was born May 10, 1845, in Guernsey County, Ohio, a son of William 
Z. and Ruth (Roberts) Schwyhart, natives of Ohio. 

William Z. Schwyhart's grandparents were natives of Germany. 
He was born in 1816 in Belmont County, Ohio, and died in 1862. His 
wife was born in 1817 and died on April 15, 1862. They are buried in 
Steel Cemetery, Logan County, Ohio. To William Z. and Ruth (Roberts) 
Schwyhart four children were born, as follows: M. S., the subject of this 
sketch; Henry, deceased; Landon, deceased; Arminda, living in Los An- 
geles, Calif. 

M. S. Schwyhart was reared in Logan County, Ohio, near Ridge- 
way. He received his education in the district schools. During the Civil 
War, Mr. Schwyhart enlisted on June 3, 1862, in the army and served 
for three months, after which he re-enlisted and served throughout the 
war. He served in Company H, 96th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was 
wounded on April 8, 1864, at Sabine Cross Roads in Louisiaina on the 
Red River. He was taken prisoner and after three months paroled and 
returned to the Federal lines at Mouth River after the war. After the 
war, Mr. Schwyhart removed to Daviess' County, Mo., settling in 
Marion Township, where he remained on a farm until 1911. He then 
retired and moved to Gallatin; he was elected judge of the police court 
in 1919, which office he now holds. 

Mr. Schwyhart was married the first time to Miss Bush, a daughter 
of William and Jane C. Bush, natives of Berkshire County, Mass. Mr. 
Bush was born Sept. 17, 1809, and died Sept. 7, 1847. His wife died 
Aug. 15, 1850, and is buried in Green County, Wis. To M. S. and 
Miss (Bush) Schwyhart seven children were born: Albert H., born Oct. 
7, 1868, in Daviess County, and died June 17, 1913; William W., born 
Sept. 24, 1870; Walter A., born July 20, 1872; Claudius M., born Sept. 
23, 1874; Herbert C, born Feb. 15, 1876; Roy M., born June 3, 1879, 
and died Oct. 13, 1889; and Everett, born Feb. 5, 1887; all were born 
in Daviess County. 



746 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Schwyhart's second marriage was on March 21, 1912, to Miss 
Swofford, a daughter of John S. and Ann (Binion) Swofford. Mr. Swof- 
ford was born June 15, 1821, and his wife was born April 29, 1829, in 
Knox County, Ky. Mrs. Schwyhart was born in Daviess County, 
Nov. 9, 1865. She has spent her entire life in Daviess County, with the 
exception of 1904 and 1905, which she spent in California. Mr. and 
Mrs. Schwyhart were married at Gallatin. Mr. Schwyhart reared a 
grandchild, Mabel Schwyhart, bom in Daviess County, Feb. 18, 1899. 

Mr. Schwyhart is a member of the Christian Church and one of the 
progressive and enterprising citizens of Gallatin. 

G. W. Johnson, the efficient cashier of the Farmers Bank of Jame- 
son, was born Nov. 8, 1894, in Union Township, Daviess County, four 
miles northeast of Gallatin. He is the son of Phillip M. and Lucy (Cor- 
nell) Johnson. 

Philip M. Johnson was born in 1854 in Daviess County and now re- 
sides in Union Township, where he owns a farm of 60 acres. Mrs. John- 
son was also born in Daviess County, in 1861, and was the daughter of 
George C. Cornell. Philip M. Johnson's parents were William A. and 
Mary (Yates) Johnson, natives of Rappahannock County, Va., who 
came to Daviess County, in the pioneer days. To Philip M. and Lucy 
(Cornell) Johnson four children were born as follows: Charles L., mar- 
ried Ruby Adams, Union Township ; Virgil Philip, married Roe Everly, 
Grand River Township; Mary M., the wife of Marion Page, Grand River 
Township; and G. W., the subject of this sketch. 

G. W. Johnson was reared in Daviess County, and received his edu- 
cation in the public schools and the Gem City College at Quincy, 111. 
After completing his education he became the assistant postmaster of 
Gallatin which office he held for one year. He then served as rural mail 
carrier for a year, but resigned on account of his health. Mr. Johnson 
was then engaged as bookkeeper for the First National Bank of Galla- 
tin, and held that position for a year. He then came to Jameson and be- 
came the cashier of the Farmers Bank, which position he has held for 
two years. 

Mr. Johnson married Helen Feurt, a daughter of W. T. and Fannie 
Feurt, natives of Daviess County. 

Mr. Johnson is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge 
and the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Johnson is a progressive and enterprising business man and one of the 
substantial citizens of Jameson. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 747 

J. W. Reed, a prominent business man of Jameson, Mo., was born 
Sept. 4, 1883, near Jameson, the son of C. W. and Marinda (Barlow) 
Reed. 

C. W. Reed was born in 1857 on a farm near Jameson. He was the 
son of Isaac L. and Elizabeth Reed. C. W. Reed lived during his entire 
life on a farm. He died Feb. 6, 1922, and is buried in Everly Cemetery. 
His wife was born on May 17, 1863, in Jackson, Ohio. She is now living 
at Jameson. Mrs. Reed's parents were George W. and Lucretia Barlow. 
To C. W. and Marinda (Barlow) Reed four children were born as fol- 
lows: J. W., the subject of this sketch; Charlie E., now living in Colo- 
rado; Arlando, Jameson; and Neva, Jameson. 

J. W. Reed was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
district schools. He then went to Trenton, where he was engaged in tht. 
meat business with Wells Brothers for three years. He later engaged in 
the restaurant and grocery business in Jameson, where he remained for 
six years. Then Mr. Reed worked for A. D. Scott & Son Company, in the 
general merchandise business for three years, after which he was en- 
gaged in Boyd Walls restaurant for two years. He later became the 
manager of the Barlow Produce Company, which position he has held 
for the past four years. 

Mr. Reed married Eva Smith, a daughter of Eb and Carrie (Shuler) 
Smith, natives of Daviess County. To this union two children have been 
born: Christiana, attending school; and Corbin. 

Mr. Reed belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood- 
men of America. He is a Republican and a member of the Christian 
Church. Mr. Reed has met his present success because of his energy, in- 
dustry and business foresight. 

Joseph Jinkens, a successful farmer and stockman of Grand River 
Township, Daviess County, was born Dec. 30, 1860, in LaFayette County, 
Mo., the son of James Horton and Mary Jane (Boyer) Jinkens. 

James Horton Jinkens was a native of Ohio. His wife was born in 
1840 in Virginia and died in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Jinkens were pioneer 
settlers of Missouri, locating in Ray County. Here Mr. Jinkens carried 
on farming and stock raising until his death. They were the parents of 
seven children as follows: Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Dave, 
married Josephine Wynne, residing in Elk County, Kansas; Andrew, de- 
ceased; Ruth, the wife of J. E. Wilson, Jamesport; John William, mar- 
ried Hattie Cashman, Jameson; Margaret Elizabeth, deceased, was the 
wife of T. S. Wilson; Emmett J., deceased. 

Joseph Jinkens was reared on a farm and educated in the district 



748 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

schools. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising all his life. 
In 1903 he settled on his present farm in Grand River Township, owning 
at that time 78 acres of land. He now owns 131 acres of good farm land, 
and is a well known breeder of high grade cattle. He is now living re- 
tired at Jamesport, Mo. 

Joseph Jinkens married Alice Wilson, now deceased, a daughter of 
Robert and Lucinda (Reese) Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were natives 
of Pennsylvania. To Joseph and Alice (Wilson) Jinkens one child was 
born, Virgil, who is married to Lillie Croy, a daughter of E. A. and Ida 
(Hayes) Croy. They have one child, Virginia Alice. During the World 
War, Virgil Jinkens enlisted in Company C, 305th Tank Corps, at Rolla, 
N. C. He enlisted on Aug. 27, 1918, and was discharged from service 
Dec. 29, 1918. He now carries on farming and stockraising on his 40 
acre farm in Grand River Township, Daviess County. 

Joseph Jinkens married the second time Jan. 28, 1922, to Mary An- 
geline (Bear) Stith. Mr. Jinkens is a member of the Baptist Church. He 
is identified with the Democratic party and is a reliable citizen who is 
highly esteemed by his fellow citizens in the township and Daviess 
County. 

F. S. Landes, a substantial farmer and stockman of Grand River 
Township, Daviess County, was born Oct. 14, 1862, on the farm where 
he now lives. He is a son of Levi and Mary (Wiles) Landes. 

Levi Landers was born in Ohio on Jan. 2, 1815. In 1835 he settled in 
Daviess Couty, being one of the pioneer residents of Missouri. He car- 
ried on general farming in Grand River Township, until his death, Nov. 
3, 1887. His wife was the daughter of John and Bridget Wiles, natives of 
Indiana. To Levi and Mary (Wiles) Landes ten children were born as 
follows: Syrlda, the wife of H. S. Wilkinson, now deceased; Irena, liv- 
ing on the home place; Daniel, married first to Martha Kemp, James- 
port, and the second time to Sallie Hiatt, and his third marriage was to 
Mattie Beeler; Martin, living on the home place; Mary Josephine, at 
home; Levi, deceased; Henry, married Liza Jane Jinkens; Solomon, 
married Mary Terry; F. S., the subject of this sketch; Anna Dora, mar- 
ried A. J. Tingler. 

F. S. Landes was reared on his father's farm in Grand River Town- 
ship, which he now owns and operates. He received his education in 
the district schools, as also did his brother, Martin Landes. Mr. Landes 
has been engaged in farming and stock raising all his life, and is a 
prominent breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Black Poland China hogs. 
He and his brother, Martin, operate the farm of 170 acres. His sisters, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 749 

Irena and Josephine, also live on the home farm. Mr. Landes is unmar- 
ried. 

F. S. Landes is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. 
The Landes family has always been well known in Daviess County and 
stand high among the citizens of the township and surrounding country. 

H. M. Beck, a successful farmer and stockman of Grand River 
Township, was born Dec. 23, 1858, in Clinton County, Ohio, a son of A. 
L. and Mary (Brown) Beck. 

A. L. Beck was born in Maryland. He served throughout the Civil 
War, and in 1868 moved to Liberty Township, Daviess County. Later, 
he went to Marion Township and then to Union Township, where he 
farmed until his death, in 1915. Mrs. Mary (Brown) Beck is also de- 
ceased and is buried in Ohio. A. L. and Mary (Brown) Beck were the 
parents of the following children: T. Walter, married Belle Beard and 
they live in Liberty Township, Daviess County; H. M., the subject of 
this sketch; Belle, deceased, was the wife of Albert Berg; and William 
A., married Mary Chadwick and lives in Nebraska. A. L. Beck married 
the second time to Eliza Jane Schaffer and she died in Daviess County, 
and she and her husband are buried in the Crab Orchard Cemetery. 
Four children were born to this union two of whom died in infancy. The 
others are : Mary, the wife of Ed Guiseburt, now living on the old home 
farm in Marion Township; Stella, the wife of David Trotter, and they 
live near Sheldon, Mo. 

H. M. Beck was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, Mis- 
souri, and attended the district schools. He has always been engaged 
in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Beck has lived on his present 
farm for the past six years. He owns 160 acres of land in Grand River 
Township, Daviess County, and 82 aci'es in Marion Township, Daviess 
County. He is a good farmer and a successful breeder of cattle. 

Mr. Beck married Mary Roberts, a daughter of James and Millie 
(Langston) Roberts. Mr. Roberts was a native of Howard County, Mis- 
souri, while his wife was bom in Oklahoma. Mr. Roberts died Jan. 20, 
1896, and is buried in Crab Orchard Cemetery. His widow now lives in 
Kansas City, Mo. 

To H. M. and Mary (Roberts) Beck three children have been born 
as follows: Maude, the wife of D. A. Blackburn, Union Township; Floyd, 
married Annie Turner, living at home; and Boyd, married Mabel 
Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. Boyd Beck served during the World War, 
having enlisted in Company K, 36th Infantry. He was a corporal and 



750 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

later appointed sergeant. He was stationed at Camp Funston, Kansas, 
ready to leave for overseas, when the armistice was signed. 

In politics H. M. Beck is a Republican. He is a member of the Bap- 
tist Church. Mr. Beck is a reliable citizen, industrious and enterprising. 

C. S. Chamberlin, a well known farmer and stockman of Grand 
River Township, Daviess County, was born May 28, 1855, in Princeton, 
111., a son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Boyd) Chamberlin. 

Ebenezer Chamberlin was born in Illinois in 1821. In 1869 he re- 
moved to Daviess County, and settled in Grand River Township, and 
farmed until his death, Nov. 18, 1897. He is buried in Bethel Cemetery. 
His wife was born Jan. 2, 1821, in Springfield, 111. To Ebenezer and 
Elizabeth (Boyd) Chamberlin si.x children were born as follows: Wil- 
liam, married Nancy Pugh ; Oscar, deceased, married Mattie Philips, 
who resides in Oklahoma City, Okla.; C. S., the subject of this sketch; 
John, married Alpha Yates, Gallatin ; Edward, deceased ; and James, 
married Lizzie Cole, Tipton, Mo. 

C. S. Chamberlin grew to manhood in Daviess County, and was ed- 
ucated in the district schools. During his entire life he has been engaged 
in farming and stock raising. He has lived on his farm of 80 acres in 
Grand River Town.ship for 14 years, and is a prominent breeder of high 
grade stock. 

Mr. Chamberlin married Olive A. Gosnell, a daughter of Daniel and 
Lucinda (Poor) Gosnell. Mr. Gosnell was born in 1816 in Huntington 
County, Pa., and was one of the pioneer settlers of Daviess County. 
He settled on a farm in 1855, which is now occupied by Mr. 
Chamberlin. Mrs. Gosnell was born Aug. 24, 1826, in Indiana, and died 
in 1905. Mr. Gosnell died in 1885. To C. S. and Olive A. (Gosnell) 
Chamberlin, four children were born as follows: Harry, deceased; 
Allen, married Minnie Harbord, living west of Jamesport; Launa Pearl, 
the wife of Sam A. Nichols, residing at home; and Ruby, living at home 
wifh her parents. 

Mr. Chamberlin is a substantial and reliable citizen of his commun- 
ity, one who merits the high esteem in which he is held. 

C. G. Yates, a successful and enterprising farmer and stockman of 
Grand River Township, was born May 29, 1869, in Daviess County. He 
is a son of H. L. and Margaret (Byrd) Yates, pioneer settlers of Mis- 
souri. 

H. L. Yates was born in Rappahannock County, Va. In 1848 
he came to Missouri from Virginia via steam boat and began breaking 
prairie with oxen near Mound City in Holt County. In a short time he 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 751 

came to Daviess County and met Margaret Byrd and was married here. 
He settled on the farm novi' occupied by his son, C. G. Yates. Here he 
was engaged in farming and stock raising until his death Nov. 14, 1915, 
aged 85 years. He is buried in the Brown Cemetery. His wife died in 
1875. To H. L. and Margaret (Byrd) Yates seven children were born: 
Nancy, deceased, was the wife of John Glascock; James A., married 
Ada Corroll, Harrison County, Mo.; Roma, the wife of H. Sparr, second 
marriage to James Hunter; John E., deceased, was married to Maude 
Malone; Alpha, the wife of John Chamberlin, Gallatin; C. G., the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; Howard, married Lulu Grimes, Gallatin. 

C. G. Yates was reared on his father's farm in Grand River Town- 
ship, and received his education in the district schools and the Gallatin 
High School. He then engaged in farming the home place, which he 
now owns. Mr. Yates owns 300 acres of good farm land and is a prom- 
inent breeder of high grade stock. 

C. G. Yates was married the first time to Aggie Drummond, a 
daughter of George and Caroline Drummond, and to this union two chil- 
dren were born: Mina Margaret, the wife of Albert Smith, residing in 
Grand River Township; and Paul, living at home. Mr. Yates' second 
marriage was to Mar>- Oram, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Oram, 
natives of Illinois. Mr. Oram died in 1909, and his wife died in 1875. 

Mr. Yates is a Democrat and is widely known in Daviess County. 
He is a substantial citizen and the Yates family stands high in the com- 
munity. 

A. W. Miller, a well known and successful farmer of Gallatin, was 
born April 15, 1862, in Civil Bend, Marion Township, Daviess County. 
He is a son of William Thomas and Charity (Wilmoth) Miller. 

William Thomas Miller was a native of Tennessee and his wife 
was born in Virginia. Mr. Miller died Aug. 9, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Mil- 
ler were the parents of ten children as follows: Ethelbert, deceased, 
married Betty Runnells; Charles Madison, married Winnie Creekmore ; 
Mary, deceased; A. W., the subject of this sketch; Davis Lee, married 
Ida Long, Jamesport; Lucy L., the wife of R. L. Patton, Spokane, Wash.; 
Conley J., married Annie James, Marion Township; Bob H., married 
Alma James, Gallatin, Mo.; Josie ; and Gustavus T., married Belle Oxley 
and they now live at Marion, Iowa. 

A. W. Miller was reared on a farm and received his education in 
the district schools of Daviess County. He worked on his father's farm 
for two years, after which he rented the land for three years. In 1897 
Mr. Miller purchased his first farm, and now owns 160 acres of land in 



752 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Marion Township, Daviess County, and 120 acres in Jefferson Town- 
ship, Daviess County. In 1903 Mr. Miller worked for a time in Spokane, 
Wash. He also worked on a farm in Colville Valley, Wash., for his father. 
In January, 1905, he returned to Daviess County where he located on 
his farm in Jefferson Township. August, 1915, he moved to Gallatin, 
Mo., in the southwest part of town, but also operates both of his farms, 
and is a well known breeder of high grade stock. 

Mr. Miller married Jennie B. Jones, a daughter of Simon and Ma- 
linda (Creason) Jones, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of 
Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were the parents of six children as fol- 
lows: Sampson Franklin; David; Margaret Ann; Jennie B., the wife of 
A. W. Miller; Emma; and Addie. To A. W. and Jennie B. (Jones) Mil- 
ler four children have been born as follows: Okley Adline; Orman 
Leslie; William Simon, deceased; Laura May. 

Mr. Miller is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Rebekah Lodge. He belongs to 
the Baptist Church. Mr. Miller is a progi-essive and enterprising citizen 
and he and his family rank high as representative people of Daviess 
County. 

George H. Pogue, a well known retired farmer of Jamesport, and 
owner of 300 acres of land in Grand River Township, Daviess County, was 
born March 22, 1852, in Mason County, Ky., the son of W. J., and Sallie 
(Pickett) Pogue. 

W. T. Pogue was born in Greenup County, Ky., and came to Missouri 
in the early forties, where he purchased a great deal of land at $1.25 an 
acre. His brother, George Pogue, was a lawyer at Gallatin, who also 
became wealthy as a land owner. Mr. Pogue never made his home in 
Missouri, as he became ill while here and sent for his son, George H., to 
come to Missouri and take care of his affairs. Mr. Pogue returned to Ken- 
tucky where he died, in 1881. At the time of his death, Mr. Pogue owned 
a great deal of cattle and a saw mill in Missouri, besides his land. Sallie 
(Pickett) Pogue was born in Mason County, Ky., where she also died. To 
W. T. and Sallie (Pickett) Pogue six children were born, of whom three 
are now living, as follows: George H., the subject of this sketch; Sallie P., 
the wife of James C. Darnell, Mason County, Ky. ; and William C, Gallatin. 

George H. Pogue spent his entire life on the farm. He was educated 
in the district schools of Kentucky, and on Jan. 21, 1880, came to Jameson 
to take charge of his father's affairs. At the time of his father's death, 
Mr. Pogue became heir to a great deal of land, to which was added his own 
land purchases. In 1915, Mr. Pogue retired from active farming, in which 




;k<iI!GK II. I'or.rK 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 753 

he was very successful, and during the following year erected his fine 
modern bungalow at Jamesport. 

On March 15, 1882, Mr. Pogue was married to Mary E. Callison, a 
native of Jamesport Township, and a daughter of James and Rebecca 
(Gillian) Callison, natives of Virginia, who came to Missouri in the early 
days. They are both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Pogue four child- 
ren were born, two of whom are now living: Forrest C, Grand River Town- 
ship; and Myrtie, the wife of R. R. Wilson, Grand River Township. Mrs. 
Pogue died Feb. 1, 1904, at the age of 52 years. 

George H. Pogue was married the second time in Feb. 22, 1907, to 
Minnie Johnson, a native of Grand River Township, and daughter of 
Hezekiah Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a native of the New England States 
and Mrs. Pogue was reared on a farm. No children have been born to 
this union. 

Mr. Pogue is a Democrat. During the World War he was treasurer 
of the Red Cross and chairman of two bond drives. He is a member of 
the Presbyterian church. Mr. Pogue is the vice president and a stock- 
holder in the Commercial Bank of Jamesport. He is a substantial citizen 
and stands high in the community and Daviess County. 

Mrs. James A. Chambers, the well known and efficient postmistress 
of Coffey, is a native of Daviess County. She was born four miles east of 
Coffey, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah A. (Netherton) Poe. 

Benjamin Poe was a native of Franklin County, Ind., and came to Mis- 
souri in 1835, settling in Daviess County. He became a well known farmer 
and stockman, and was the owner of 200 acres of land. During the Civil 
War, he enlisted in Company A, 1st Missouri Cavalry, and was in active 
service for over three years. For a number of years, he served as a justice 
of the peace. Mr. Poe was a Republican and a member of the Baptist 
Church. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried in the Union 
Grove Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children : Flor- 
ence the wife of J. T. Price, Kansas City, Mo.; C. W. Greeley, Colo.; 
Myrtle A., the wife of John D. Glaze, Platteville, Colo. ; Norah, the wife 
of C. W. Woltz, Jameson, Mo.; and Mrs. James A. Chambers, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

On Nov. 13, 1892, Maggie Poe, the subject of this sketch, was married 
to James A. Chambers, a native of Harrison County, and a son of John and 
Elizabeth (Cochran) Chambers. John Chambers was a native of Decatur 
County, Ind., and came to Harrison County in the early days, where he be- 
came a prominent farmer and stockman. He owned a large tract of land 
and was an extensive sheep dealer. John and Elizabeth (Cochran) Cham- 



754 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

bers were the parents of four children, as follows : John, deceased ; James ; 
I. R., farmer and stockman, Ridgeway; and Minnie, the wife of Mildred 
Allen, Burlington Junction. 

James A. Chambers was reared in Harrison County, and received his 
education in the public and high schools. For several years he was engaged 
in farming and stock raising, but is now associated with the Delco Lighting 
Company, as a salesman. Mr. Chambers has served as justice of the peace 
and county assessor. In politics he is a Republican and he is a member of 
the Baptist Church, having been superintendent of the Sunday school for 
16 years. Mr. Chambers belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows. 

To James A. and Maggie (Poe) Chambers five children have been 
born, as follows : Clyde Ray, a graduate of the University of Missouri, and 
will receive a degree at Harvard University in May, 1922 ; Bernice Rhea, 
the wife of Garvin Gunn, Bethany; Benjamin Poe, further mention of whom 
is made later; Gladys F., the widow of Dr. Robert Eads, now residing with 
her parents; and Minnie Myrtle, Jefferson City. Benjamin Poe Chambers 
enlisted during the World War in the Navy June 1, 1917, and was in service 
for 27 months. He made several trips to France. He is now attending the 
University of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have two grandchildren, 
James Robert Eads, born Feb. 15, 1922, and C. G. Gunn, Jr. 

Mrs. Chambers was reared in Daviess County, and attended the public 
and high schools. For several years she taught school. On Aug. 1, 1909, she 
was appointed postmistress of Coffey, which position she now holds. She 
is a Republican. Mrs. Chambers is public spirited and one of the interest- 
ing and progressive women of Daviess County. 

S. H. Everly, a prominent farmer and stockman of Daviess County, 
County, and owner of 754 acres of well improved land, is now living retired 
in Coffey. He was born in Daviess County, Sept. 17, 1842, a son of John J. 
and Phena (Seat) Everly. 

John J. Everly was born March 6, 1817, in Pennsylvania, and came to 
Missouri when a young man, settling in Pilot Grove. He was one of the 
earliest settlers of Missouri and became a successful farmer and breeder of 
Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. At one time Mr. Everly owned 
900 acres of land in Daviess County. He served as justice of the peace for 
several years and was also road overseer of Grand River Township. Mr. 
Everly was a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. Both he and 
his wife are deceased, and are buried in the Everly Cemetery. They were 
the parents of nine children, as follows : James, deceased ; Oscar, deceased ; 
John, deceased ; Martha, deceased ; William, deceased ; Mary, the widow of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 755 

J. T. Meadows, Daviess County ; Hannah, the wife of Dr. George T. Nether- 
ton, St. Joseph ; Jane, the wife of Delbert Netherton, Gilman City ; John K., 
living retired, Jameson ; and S. H., the subject of this sketch. 

S. H. Everly was reared in Daviess County and received his education 
in the district schools. He taught school for two terms in Daviess County, 
and then engaged in farming and stock raising. He began farming on 80 
acres of land, and now owns 754 acres. Mr. Everly became a very success- 
ful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He specialized in 
the breeding of mules, and during his sales, would have 150 mules at one 
time. During the Civil War, Mr. Everly enlisted in Company A, 1st Regi- 
ment, Missouri Cavalry, and served under Major McGee for 10 months. 

On Oct. 6, 1864, Mr. Everly was married the first time to Laura Har- 
bord, a native of Illinois, and to this union two children were born : J. B., 
farmer and stockman, Daviess County; James M., deceased. Mrs. Everly 
died March 5, 1868, and is buried in the Coffey Cemetery. On Feb. 23, 1871, 
Mr. Everly married Julia A. Meadows, a native of Tazewell County, Va., 
and daughter of Ayres and Evelyn (Wynne) Meadows. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Meadows are deceased. To S. H. and Julia A. (Meadows) Everly five 
children were born, as follows : Phena, deceased ; Mollie, deceased ; Vir- 
ginia E., a teacher for two terms, now the wife of Ira Maltsbarger, retired, 
Coffey ; Ida, teacher for several years, now the wife of B. A. Dunbar, pro- 
fessor of chemistry in the Dakota Agricultural College; and Edgar B., 
resides in Billings, Mont. 

Mr. Everly is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. He 
has always been connected with the prominent banks of Daviess County, 
and is now a stock holder in the bank of Coffey. Mr. Everly is nearly 80 
years of age and his wife is 75 years old. They attribute thir success in life 
to honesty, industry, and thrift. Mr. Everly is a substantial citizen and 
stands high in the community and county. 

William Dowell, popular garage owner of Coffey, and county en 
gineer, was born Dec. 16, 1866, in Daviess County, a son of Lindsey C. and 
Sarah (Watson) Dowell. 

Lindsey C. Dowell was born in Surry County, N. C, and came to Mis- 
souri in 1837, making the trip with oxen and covered wagon. He was one 
of the earliest settlers of Daviess County, and became a widely known stock- 
man. During the Civil War, Mr. Dowell enlisted in the Missouri State 
Militia and .served for two years. He owned 220 acres of land at the time of 
his death. Mr. Dowell was a Republican and a member of the Christian 
Church. He is buried in Coffey, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Dowell were the par- 
ents of five children, as follows: Martin, deceased; Louis, deceased; John, 



756 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Hutchinson, Kan. ; and Emeline, the widow of J. M. O'Daniel, resides in 
Denver, Colo. ; and William, the subject of this sketch. 

William Dowell was reared in Daviess County and attended the public 
schools and Kirksville College. After completing his education, Mr. Dowell 
became engaged in the harness making business at Coffey, he remained in 
this work until 1913 when he opened a garage there. Mr. Dowell has been 
very successful with his garage business and is well known throughout the 
county. He is now serving as county engineer and surveyor, this being his 
third term. 

On Jan. 4, 1898, Mr. Dowell was married to Clara House, a daughter 
of John D. and Sarah (Butcher) House, natives of Hai-rison County. Mr. 
and Mrs. House were the parents of the following children: Andrew B., 
deceased ; Jane, the wife of W. D. Alder, Harrison County ; Edwin, Harri- 
son County; Frank, Coffey, Mo., Lena, living at home; Henry, Daviess 
County; Rosie, the wife of W. A. Merritt, Daviess County; Lucinda, the 
wife of Charles Timmons, Barton County ; Fannie, the wife of H. H. Mulen- 
nax, Coffey ; Wiley H., Harrison County ; and Mrs. Dowell. Mr. House was 
a veteran of the Civil War and owned 600 acres of land in Harrison County. 

To William and Clara (House) Dowell four children were born, as 
follows : Louis, deceased ; John L., deceased ; Viola, teacher in the public 
schools; Clarence W., associated with his father in the garage business. 

In politics Mr. Dowell is a Republican, and he belongs to the Masonic 
Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter. Mr. Dowell is an enterprising citizen, and 
deserving of the success he is enjoying. 

James R. Faulkner, the enterprising and well known druggist of 
Coffey, was born Oct. 23, 1855, in Jamesport. He is a son of Isaac 0. and 
Mary (Gillihan) Faulkner. 

Isaac 0. Faulkner settled in Jamesport, where he became engaged in 
the general merchandise business. He later moved to Albany, where he 
went into the same business with his brother. During his entire life Mr. 
Faulkner was a merchant. He is deceased and is buried in Albany. Mr. 
Faulkner was a member of the Ma.sonic Lodge. His widow is now 84 years 
of age and resides in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner were the 
parents of three children, as follows: Emma deceased; Laura, deceased; 
and James, the subject of this sketch. 

James R. Faulkner was reared by his grandparents. He began life on 
a farm near Jamesport, Mo., where he remained for a number of years. In 
1874 he went to Texas and in 1878 he returned to Jamesport, and engaged 
in the drug business. At the end of two years he went to California. He 



H ISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 757 

then traveled for some time, after which he came to Coffey, where he estab- 
lished a drug store. He does an extensive business. 

In politics, Mr. Faulkner is a Democrat. He belongs to the Masonic 
Lodge. He is one of the dependable citizens of Daviess County and is wide- 
ly and favorably known. 

J. C. Scott, deceased, was a prominent farmer and stockman of 
Daviess County for many years. He was born in Lafayette, Ind., and came 
to Missouri in 1860, settling in Daviess County. He was a son of Gustaveus 
and Elizabeth (Daniels) Scott. 

Gustaveus Scott was a native of Alexandria, Va., and moved to Indiana 
when he was a young man. Later, in 1860, he moved with his family to 
Daviess County, where he practiced law for many years. Mr. Scott was 
prosecuting attorney for several years and was a large land owner. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gustaveus Scott were the parents of the following children : Anna, 
resides with her sister, Mrs. J. F. Henderson ; Charles, Jamesport ; Henry, 
deceased ; Mary, the widow of John F. Henderson, Gallatin ; William, de- 
ceased; George, deceased; and William D., Enid, Okla. ; and J. C. Scott. 

J. C. Scott was reared in Missouri. At the age of 13 years, he was 
forced to leave school, his father having died, he had to help the mother. He 
worked on a farm for ten dollars per month until he was able to purchase 
160 acres of land. Mr. Mr. Scott became a prosperous farmer and stockman, 
owning several farms which he improved, buying and selling in different 
parts of the county. He was widely known as a successful breeder of Short- 
horn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

Mr. Scott married Mary Alice Hughes, a daughter of T. M. and Mary 
A. (Mitchell) Hughes. Mrs. Scott was born in Daviess County, where she 
has lived during her entire life. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were natives of Boone 
County, who came to Daviess County in 1858, where Mr. Hughes became a 
well known farmer and stockman. He owned 600 acres of land. In politics 
Mr. Hughes was a Democrat, and he was a member of the Baptist Church. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were the parents of the following children : T. M., 
fruit dealer, California; Mrs. Mary Alice Scott; Eliza, the wife of A. C. 
Brown, Hagler, Kan. ; Elizabeth, the wife of J. H. Flint, Kansas City, Mo. ; 
S. E., real estate dealer, Gallatin. 

Mr. Hughes died Aug. 13, 1868, and his wife died Oct. 2, 1907. They 
are buried in Crab Orchard Cemetery, Daviess County. To J. C. and Mary 
Alice (Hughes) Scott five children were born, as follows: John C, de- 
ceased; Cora Lee, the wife of Claude H. Galpin, merchant, Gallatin ; Gussie 
H., deceased ; Roy Thomas, farmer and stockman, Winston ; Mary Ethel, the 
wife of Herman G. Vogler, merchant, San Francisco, Calif. 



758 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

In Politics, Mr. Scott was a Democrat. He was a member of the Metho- 
dist Church, having been trustee for 32 years. Mr. Scott died Dec. 8, 1921, 
and is buried in Brown Cemetery. Mrs. Scott is now residing in Gallatin, 
where she owns a fine home. Mr. Scott was an industrious and sincere 
citizen. He merited the high regard in which he was held by the commu- 
nity. 

William G. Welden, one of the highly respected citizens of Daviess 
County, who is now living retired in Coffey, was bom in Hart County, 
Kentucky. He is a son of Jonathan and Sarah (Burch) Welden. 

Jonathan Welden was a native of Virginia. In 1856 he came to 
Missouri, settling in Harrison County, where he engaged in farming and 
stock raising, owning 100 acres of well improved land. His farm was 
located three miles northeast of Coffey. Mr. Welden was a prominent 
breeder of sheep, hogs and mules. For a number of years he was dea- 
con of the Baptist Church. He was a Democrat. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Welden are deceased and are buried in Blue Ridge Cemetery, Harrison 
County. They were the parents of six children, as follows: William G., 
the subject of this sketch; Nancy, the wife of R. W. Handy, both de- 
ceased ; C. H., retired merchant, Gallatin ; James I., deceased ; Mary, the 
wife of James Hamaker, both deceased; John R., Gallatin. 

William G. Welden came to Missouri in 1856 with his parents. 
They made the trip with oxen and wagon from Kentucky, which re- 
quired a month. Mr Welden was educated in the district schools. He 
began life teaching school, and was also deputy surveyor of both Harri- 
son and Daviess Counties for several years. He has served as township 
assessor and a member of the townhip board. Mr. Welden engaged in 
the general mercantile business in New Castle, Gentry County, where he 
remained for five years. He then moved to Pattonsburg, where he had 
a general store for ten years. Mr. Welden is now living retired, having 
sold his business ten years ago. During the Civil War, Mr. Welden en- 
listed in Company E, 43rd Missouri Infantry. He was in service for two 
years and was engaged in many important battles and skirmishes and 
was Orderly Sergeant. After the war Mr. Welden returned to the mer- 
cantile business. At one time he owned 300 acres of land. Mr. Welden mar- 
ried Mary J. Hardin, a native of Putnam County, Ind., and a daughter of 
John and Elizabeth (Grantham) Hardin, natives of Kentucky. To Wil- 
liam G. and Mary J. (Hardin) Welden seven children were born as fol- 
lows: Emma, the wife of Curtis Ford, retired farmer, California; James, 
deceased; C. J., resides in Nebraska; James I., deceased; Charles R., 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 759 

real estate, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Sarah, the wife of Dr. W. D. Fulkerson, 
California; W. Guy, merchant, Coffey. 

Mr. Welden is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, 
the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been a deacon 
for a number of years. Mr. Welden is a well known and well liked citi- 
zen. He is highly esteemed throughout Daviess County. 

Dr. J. A. Burtch, a well known physician and surgeon, and promi- 
nent business man of Coffey, is a native of Kansas. He was born Aug. 
17, 1871, in Bourbon County, Kan., the son of George W. and Theresa 
(Greer) Burtch. , 

George W. Burtch was a native of Ohio. He settled in Grundy 
County in 1855. Mr. Burtch settled in Bourbon County, Kan., after 
the Civil War and became a leading farmer and stockman of the county, 
owning 200 acres of good farm land. In 1878 George W. Burtch re- 
turned to Grundy County, Mo. In 1895 he moved to Kansas City 
Kan., where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a breeder of 
cattle and hogs. During the Civil War, Mr. Burtch enlisted from Mis- 
souri, in Company K, Missouri Infantry. He served for 18 months and 
was badly wounded, being crippled for life. He was a Republican and 
a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Burtch died Jan. 13, 1913, and 
his wife died May 5, 1920. They both died in Kansas City, Kan., and 
are buried at Alpha, Mo., Cemetery. They were the parents of six chil- 
dren as follows: Emma, the wife of Frank G. Robertson, merchant, Hu- 
mansville; J. H., Laredo, Mo.; Dr. J. A., the subject of this sketch; and 
Delbert, deceased, and two died in infancy. 

Dr. J. A. Burtch was educated in the public and high schools, and 
attended the Chillicothe Normal School in 1890 and in March, 1895, 
graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Keokuk, Iowa. 
Dr. Burtch then began practicing medicine in Lucern, Putnam County, 
Mo., and remained there until the following year, when he came to 
Coffey. He has a very fine practice built up in Coffey, and is also in the 
garage business there, having opened a garage in 1915. It is the second 
largest garage in the county, and Dr. Burtch has the agency for Ford 
automobiles and supplies. 

On July 11, 1895, at Gallatin, Mo., Dr. Burtch married Milisia Kil- 
burn, a native of Laredo, Mo., and a daughter of David and Betty (Jack- 
son) Kilburn. Mr. Kilburn was a prominent farmer and stockman of 
Grundy County for many years, owning 640 acres of land, and breeding 
Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He was a Democrat and a 



760 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Kilburn died in 1899, and his wife 
died in 1898. They are buried in the Stucker Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kilburn were the parents of six children as follows; Sterling, Nebraska; 
Nettie, deceased; Ira, farmer, Laredo; Mrs. Burtch ; Mary, deceased; 
Emeline, the wife of W. E^ McFarland, California. 

Dr. Burtch served for 16 years on the United States Board of Pen- 
sion Examiners and was township trustee for six years. He has also 
served as president of the school board. Dr. Burtch acted as mayor of 
Coffey for 30 days. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Modern 
Woodmen of America, W. 0. W., the Knights of Pythias, and the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics. Dr. Burtch is a staunch 
Republican. During the World War, he volunteered his services, but 
was not called upon. Dr. Burtch was also in the drug business at Coffey 
from 1909 until 1920, when he sold out. Dr. Burtch has always been a 
progressive citizen with high standards of civic pride. 

James Birge, a leading business man of Coffey, was born in Mon- 
roe County, Ky., May 24, 1850. He is a son of John and Liddie (Head- 
rick) Birge. 

John Birge was a native of Kentucky, and during his entire life he 
carried on farming and stock raising. John Birge and wife were the 
parents of the following children : Thomas, deceased ; James, the sub- 
ject of this sketch; Elizabeth, deceased; Isaac, California; Thebert, de- 
ceased, was the wife of David Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Birge died when 
their children were very young, and left them in the care of their grand- 
father, Isaac Hedrick. 

James Birge was educated in the district schools. He then began 
work on a farm, working for $10 a month. Later, he purchased 195 
acres of land, and became a breeder of Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Birge 
shipped about two cars of cattle per year, and was very successful in 
this line of work. His farm was located in Adams Township, Harrison 
County. He later sold it to his son-in-law, and is now engaged in the 
real estate and loan business in Coffey. He also has an insurance busi- 
ness. 

On Sept. 16, 1880, Mr. Birge married Nancy Terry, a daughter of 
Louis and Cynthia (Hall) Terry, natives of Indiana, and pioneer settlers 
of Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. Terry were the pai-ents of 11 children 
as follows; Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel Glaze, Daviess County; 
Ruth, the wife of John Glaze, Daviess County; Levicia, married Thomas 
Allen, both are deceased; James, deceased; John, deceased; Isabel, the 
widow of Andrew Sweeney; Thomas, deceased; Louisa, the wife of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 761 

Frank Feurt, Daviess County; Martha, the wife of Fred Jerome, Colo- 
rado ; Mrs. Birge ; Jacob, deceased. Mr. Terry was a veteran of the Civil 
War, and a prominent farmer and stockman. He owned 160 acres of 
land, and was a breeder of high grade cattle. He died April 16, 1888, 
and his wife died Nov. 27, 1879. 

To James and Nancy (Terry) Birge five children were born as fol- 
lows: Three died in infancy; Nellie, the wife of Thurman Thompson, 
farmer and stockman, Harrison County ; Boyd, resides in Seattle, Wash. 

Mr. Birge is a veteran of the Civil War, having run away from home 
to enlist at the age of 15 years. He has served as tax collector and has 
served as mayor of Coffey for six terms. Mr. Birge is a member of the 
Masonic Lodge, and has been Master of Lodge No. 285' of Coffey. He 
has a fine residence in Coffey, where he now resides. Mr. Birge is a Re- 
publican. He has an excellent standing in the town of Coffey and is highly 
esteemed. 

John A. Pate, a retired farmer and stockman and the owner of 330 
acres of land in Johnson County, Mo., is one of the men who, by hard 
work, good management and unceasing perseverance, has achieved 
marked success in life. He was born in Platte County, March 16, 1841, a 
son of Gordon and Melissa (Sharp) Pate. 

Gordon Pate was a native of Tennessee. In 1840 he came to Mis- 
souri, settling in Platte County. He became a well known farmer and 
stockman, owning 160 acres of land. His first home in Missouri was a 
log cabin. Mr. and Mrs. Pate were the parents of eight children as fol- 
lows: Lucinda, deceased, was the wife of William McGlemery; Paulina 
Ellen, deceased; John A., the subject of this sketch; Alfred M., de- 
ceasd ; Susan, the wife of L. Corum, resides in California ; George B., de- 
ceased ; James W., retired farmer, resides in California; and Charles 
W., retired, living in California. Gordon Pate was a Democrat, and was 
a believer of the Baptist Church. He died in 1880, and his wife died in 
1895. 

John A. Pate was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- 
cation in the district schools of Platte and Caldwell Counties. After com- 
pleting his education, Mr. Pate worked for five years on farms, earning 
$13 a month. He then purchased 50 acres of land, and engaged in 
farming and stock raising. Mr. Pate was a successful breeder of Short- 
horn cattle and Poland China hogs. He was one of the leading live stock 
shippers of the county for many years. During the Civil War, Mr. Pate 
enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, and was in service for three months. 

Mr. Pate was married the first time to Julia A. Pollard, a native ol 



762 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Tennessee, and a daughter of Stephen W. and Mary Lee Pollard. To 
this union five children were born as follows: Mary E., the wife of M. 
P. Thompson, farmer and stockman, Caldwell County; Stephen G., 
farmer and stockman, Caldwell County; Lura A., the wife of Smith 
Webb, farmer and stockman, Caldwell County; Flora A., the wife of 
Robert L. Bryant, farmer and stockman, Johnson County; and Charles 
W., Caldwell County. Stephan G. Pate married Etta Carr, who is now 
deceased. They had one son, Goldie Myril Pate, who has been reared 
by his grandfather, John A. Pate. During the World War he enlisted in 
Battery B, 35th Division. He was sent to France and served for nearly 
two years, taking part in many important battles. He was slightly 
gassed. He was discharged from service April 23, 1919, now lives in 
Kingston, Mo. 

John A. Pate's first wife died May 15, 1909, and is buried in Prairie 
Ridge Cemetery, Caldwell County. On April 9, 1913, Mr. Pate married 
Martha C. Bowen Oliphant, a native of Daviess County, and a daughter 
of Thomas P. and Drucilla Jane (Yates) Bowen. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen 
were the parents of 11 children as follows: Amanda, the wife of W. C. 
Wynne, Daviess County ; Comoro E., deceased ; Cora Alice, deceased ; Emma 
Bell, deceased; William G., deceased; Mary F., deceased; James S., retired, 
Coffey ; Howard A., deceased ; Martha Cordelia Pate ; Margaret C, twin 
sister of Martha, and the widow of J. W. Singleton ; she now lives at Bart- 
lett, Kan. ; Thomas B., farmer and stockman, Daviess County. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Bowen ai'e deceased. Mrs. Pate taught school for a number of years in 
Daviess County. She was the widow of Elder R. A. Oliphant, a minister of 
the Primitive Baptist Church, Stanberry. Mrs. Pate was first married to 
Elder R. A. Oliphant Jan. 9, 1907. He died Dec. 3, 1910. 

Mr. Pate is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He 
is now living retired in Coffey. Mr. Pate is a substantial and well known 
citizen. He has lived at Coffey since September, 1918, coming from Polo, 
Caldwell County. 

James Stith, a well known business man of Coffey, is a native of 
Daviess County. He was born April 26, 1873, a son of Henry and Mary 
(Brown) Stith. 

Henry Stith was born in Tennessee, and came to Missouri in 1861, 
settling in Grand River Township, Daviess County. He carried on gen- 
eral farming and stock raising, and owned 140 acres of good farm land. 
Mr. Stith was a breeder of high grade cattle and sheep. He died Feb. 
14, 1922, and his wife died Dec. 3, 1917. They are buried in Union 
Grove Cemetery. Mr. Stith was a Republican and a member of the Bap- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 763 

tist Church, having been deacon for 50 years. Mr. and Mrs. Stith were 
the parents of 12 children as follows: Maggie, the wife of J. Odell, Kan- 
sas City, Mo.; James, the subject of this sketch; Syrus, Coffey; Grace, 
deceased ; Stella, the wife of Frank Carter, at minister, Kansas City, 
Mo. ; Eunice, the wife of Everett Shuler, Washington Township, Daviess 
County; Belle, the wife of John Bowman, Coffey; Harry, Lincoln Town- 
ship; Jacob, resides in Adrain, Mo.; Ora, died at the age of 14 years, 
and two died in infancy. 

James Stith was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County and 
attended the district schools. He then began farming on rented land. 
Later, he was able to purchase 40 acres of land. After several years, 
Mr. Stith sold his farm and came to Coffey, where he became engaged in 
the livery business. He has been in business in Coffey for 12 years, and 
has been very successful. 

On Sept. 7, 1915, Mr. Stith married Pearl Smith, a native of Albany, 
and a daughter of William and Margie (Butrick) Smith, natives of Gen- 
try and Daviess Counties, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents 
of eight children as follows: Mrs. Stith; Eddie, Daviess County; Annie, 
the wife of R. Cole, Jamesport; George, Lincoln Township; Jesse, Lin- 
coln Township, Daviess County; Ruth, the wife of H. Shuler, Lincoln 
Township; Lellah, the wife of Louis Ward, Lincoln Township; Loran, 
living at home. Mr. Smith owns 285 acres of land in Gentry County, 
and is a well known farmer and stockman. 

To James and Pearl (Smith) Stith two children have been born: 
Brooks, in business with his father; and Eileen, at home. 

Mr. Stith is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. 
Mrs. Stith is engaged in the millinery business in Coffey and has been 
unusually successful. In politics Mrs. Stith is Democrat. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Stith are progressive and enterprising citizens and are well and 
favorably known in Daviess County. 

Elcania McClure, a well known and highly respected citizen of 
Washington Township, who is now living retired, was born June 20, 
1844, in Van Buren County, Iowa. He is a son of Jacob B. and Martha 
(Williams) McClure, natives of Ohio and Virginia. 

Jacob B. McClure was born in Ohio, and moved to Iowa when a 
young man. He later came to Missouri, settling in Scotland County, 
where he became engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. McClure 
owned a great deal of land in Grundy County, and built the first grist 
and saw mill in the county. For a number of years he served as justice 
of the peace. During the Civil War, Mr. McClure enlisted in Company 



764 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

K, Missouri State Cavalry, and served as second lieutenant. He was a 
Republican and belonged to the Baptist Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
McClure are deceased and are buried in the Bethany Cemetery. They 
were the parents of 11 children as follows: Alexander, deceased; Mary 
Jane, deceased; John, deceased; Joseph, deceased; Andy, deceased; 
Sparks, deceased; Cain, the subject of this sketch; Ruth, deceased; 
Lizzie, deceased; Matilda, deceased; and Frank, deceased. 

Caine McClure, as he is known to his friends and neighbors, was 
reared on his father's farm in Grundy County, and received his educa- 
tion in the district schools. He began farming in Grundy County, and 
became a successful farmer and stockman, owning 160 acres of well im- 
proved land. Aug. 25, 1861, Mr. McClure enlisted in Company H, 23rd 
Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years. He was taken 
prisoner. He was in the following battles: Shiloh, Peach Tree, Ga., At- 
lanta, Ga., and Jonesboro. He was discharged at Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 
22, 1864. At the close of the war, he returned to his farm. He is now 
living retired in Washington Township, Daviess County. 

On Oct. 21, 1866, Mr. McClure married Mary J. Ward, a native of 
Morgan County, 111., and a daughter of Emerson and Hanna (Willis) 
Ward. Mr. Ward was a native of England. He came to this country, 
settling in Illinois, where he remained for several years. Later, he re- 
moved to Missouri, and became the owner of 500 acres of land in 
Grundy County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ward are deceased, and they are 
buried in Willis Chapel Cemetery, Grundy County. They were the par- 
ents of seven children as follows: Alice, married Charles Knight arid 
both are deceased ; Margaret, deceased ; John, residing in California ; 
Mrs. McClure; Rebecca, deceased; Lottie, the wife of Jesse Taylor, both 
deceased ; Hattie, the widow of Nathan Shepard, Grundy County. To 
Cain and Mary J. (Ward) McClure seven children have been born as fol- 
lows: Frank, farmer, Oklahoma; Hannah, Jefferson City; Myrtle, the 
wife of Charles Conaway, Jefferson City; Lottie, the wife of Henry 
Maxie, farmer, Harrison County; Emerson, farmer and stockman, Harri- 
son County; Daisy, the wife of Charles Hansell, farmer, Harrison 
County ; and John, farmer, Idaho. 

Mr. McClure is a Republican. He has served as constable of Harri- 
son and Grundy Counties. He is a member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic and is well known in his community, where he has always been 
held in high esteem. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 765 

John Galbreath, an enterprising farmer and stockman of Washing- 
ton Township, and the owner of 195 acres of well improved land in Da- 
viess County, was born in Daviess County, Feb. 14, 1862, the son of 
Squire and Martha Jane (Brown) Galbreath. 

Squire Galbreath is a native of Franklin County, Ky. He is 
one of the pioneer settlers of Daviess County, and his brother, William, 
built the first log cabin in Coffey. Squire Galbreath has lived in Daviess 
County for many years and has been a leading farmer an stockman. 
He is now 90 years of age and resides in Coffey. His wife died Dec. 19, 
1914, and is buried in the cemetery at Coffey. Mr. ahd Mrs. Galbreath 
were the parents of eight children as follows: Lizzie, the widow of Jo- 
seph Gotshall, resides in Nevada, Mo.; William, deceased; John, the 
subject of this sketch ; James, deceased ; Dr. J. W., now practicing in 
Henry County ; Ellen, the wife of Sterling Creighton, veterinary surgeon, 
Coffey; David, deceased; Gertrude, the wife of Claude Yarbrough, as- 
sistant cashier of the Coffey Bank. Mr. Galbi-eath is a veteran of the 
Civil War, having served for three years with the Missouri Volunteer 
Cavalry, under Colonel McFeran. 

John Galbreath was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, 
and attended the district schools. He has been engaged in farming and 
stock raising all his life. When he began farming, Mr. Galbreath worked 
for $18 a month, but was soon able to purchase his first 80 acres of land. 
He now owns 195 acres in Washington Township, Daviess County, and 
is a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and spotted Poland China 
hogs. He has a fine two-story residence, and his farm is modern in 
every respect. 

On Dec. 10, 1884, Mr. Galbreath married Birdie McPhetridge, a 
native of Texas, and a daughter of Paris and Mary (Robertson) Mc- 
Phetridge was a native of Indiana, and an early settler of Salem Town- 
ship, Daviess County. Both Mr. and Mrs. McPhetridge are deceased 
and are buried in California. To John and Birdie (McPhetridge) Gal- 
breath five children have been born, as follows: Mack, a graduate of 
Columbia University, and now employed as a civil engineer for the 
government, residing in Frankfort, Ky.; Grace, a graduate of Columbia 
University, now teaching school at Hannibal ; Hazel, educated in the 
schools of Coffey, and the Kansas City Hospital's Nurse's School; Lucy, 
the wife of Reed' Netherton, farmer and stockman, Washington Town- 
ship, Daviess County; Mildred, attending Columbia Univei-sity, taking 
a teacher's course. 

Mr. Galbreath is identified with the Republican party in politics, 



766 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is a reliable and efficient member 
of the community and has the esteem of his fellow citizens. 

W. L. Thompson, a retired farmer of Washington Township, 
Daviess County, has lived on his present farm for 55 years. He was 
born in Adams County, 111., on Sept. 22, 1847, a son of Morgan and Jane 
(Potter) Thompson. 

Morgan Thompson was born in Athens County, Ohio, and moved 
to Illinois when a very young man, where he remained for 21 years. He 
then came to Missouri, settling in Washington Township, Daviess County. 
Mr. Thompson came to Missouri in 1856, and became a prosperous 
farmer and stockman, owning 1,000 acres of well improved land. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are deceased. Mr. Thompson was a Democrat, 
and a member of the Methodist Church, his father having been a mini- 
ster. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were the parents of seven children, as 
follows: Emily, the wife of Frank Hendricks, both deceased; Theodore, 
deceased; W. L., the subject of this sketch; Mary Ann, the wife of 
Pierce Dye, both deceased; Frank, deceased; Nancy, the wife of Clark 
Welborn, farmer, Nebraska ; and George, farmer, resides in Carroll 
County. 

W. L. Thompson was reared on his father's farm in Illinois, and 
attended the district schools. He has always been a farmer. During the 
Civil War, he enlisted in Company F, 43rd Missouri Infantry, from 
Daviess County, and served for 11 months, taking part in many im- 
portant battles and skirmishes. Mr. Thompson owns 160 acres of good 
farm land in Washington Township, and was a successful breeder of 
high grade cattle and hogs. 

On Sept. 22, 1869, Mr. Thompson married Josephine Wilborn, a 
native of Indiana, and a daughter of Siras and Virena (Henshaw) Wil- 
born. To this union one child was born, Clarence Emerson Thompson, 
who now resides in Red Lodge, Mont. , and is county clerk and recorder. 
Mrs. W. L. Thompson died in 1875, and is buried in Iowa. On July 4, 
1877, Mr. Thompson was married the second time to Rose Palmer, a 
native of Sullivan County, and to this union five children were born, as 
follows: Annie, the wife of Clarence Henderson, farmer, residing with 
father; Willow, the widow of Charles Whitley, Washington Township, 
Daviess County; Delilah, deceased; Mabel, deceased; Carroll, resides in 
Billings, Mont. Carroll Thompson enlisted during the World War. and 
was with the air service for one and one-half years. He was discharged 
after the armistice was signed. 

W. L. Thompson is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 767 

His wife died April 2, 1905, and is buried in Hills Cemetery. Mr. 
Thompson is highly esteemed citizen of Daviess County. 

Clem P. Mann, a well known and successful farmer of Jamesport 
Township, Daviess County, is a native of Daviess County, having been 
born on the farm he now owns. He was born Dec. 22, 1878, a son of 
Alexander Robinson and Sarah (Cutshall) Mann. 

Alexander Robinson Mann was the son of Major John and Elizabeth 
(Conner) Mann, and was born in Greenbrier County, Va., Sept. 17, 1831. 
His father was a major in the war of 1812 and his grandfather, John 
Mann, was a major in the American Revolution. When he was a small 
child, his parents moved to Missouri, settling in Daviess County, near 
Blake, where he grew to manhood. Alexander Robinson Mann was one 
of 10 children, only two of whom died under 80 years of age. To 
Alexander Robinson and Sarah (Cutshall) Mann three children were 
born, as follows: J. W., Jamesport; Clem P., the subject of this sketch; 
and Celia M., the wife of Frank Dixon, Jamesport. Mr. Mann died May 
1, 1922, and is buried in Pilot Grove Cemetery. His wife died Feb. 14, 
1914. Mr. Mann was a prominent farmer and stockman of Daviess 
County, and a successful breeder of high grade stock. He owned 160 
acres of land. Mr. Mann was a member of the Baptist Church and be- 
longed to the Masonic Lodge. He was one of the highly respected 
citizens of Daviess County. The Mann family has in their possession a 
letter which the father wrote to his son in 1898, which ably sets forth 
his high ideals of life and his Christian character. 

Clem P. Mann was reared on his father's farm in Jamesport Town- 
ship, and received his education in the public schools. He began farming 
on rented land, and is now operating the old home farm in Jamesport 
Township, Daviess County. Mr. Mann is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle 
and Spotted Poland China hogs. 

On Oct. 19, 1898, Mr. Mann married Delia A. Pryor, a native of 
Daviess County, and a daughter of C. D. and Helen (Jefferson) Pryor. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pryor are the parents of the following children : Lurah, 
deceased; Mrs. Mann; Hattie, the wife of William Gay, a widow, St 
Joseph; Wesley G., deceased; Charles C, farmer and stockman, Lincoln 
Township; William, decea.sed ; Frankie, the wife of Walter Lockridge, 
farmer, Davie.ss County; Stella Pearl, deceased; Fred, St. Joseph; and 
Paul, farmer and .stockman, Lincoln Township. Paul Pryor was drafted 
during the World War and was sent to France with the 47th Infantry, 
Ambulance Company No. 21. He took part in many important battles, 
and was also with the army of occupation in Germany after the signing 



768 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of the armistice. Mr. C. D. Pryor is now living in Daviess County with 
his son, Paul. Mrs. Pryor died June 25, 1920, and is buried in Pilot Grove 
Cemetery. To Clem and Delia (Pryor) Mann two children have been 
born, as follows: Letha Marie, graduated at Professor Earnest's School 
of Music and Art in Trenton, Dec. 30, 1919, residing at home; and 
Malana Roemayne, attending high school in Jamesport, and residing 
at home. 

In politics, Mr. Mann is a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church. During the Civil War, Mr. Mann's father, Alexander Robinson 
Mann, enlisted in the Confederate army, and served throughout the 
war. The Mann family is well known in Daviess County and are highly 
regarded among their many friends and acquaintances. 

Will S. Gould, proprietor of Sunnyside Farm near Winston in Jeffer- 
son Township, Daviess County, was born in DeKalb County, 111., Oct. 27, 
1861, the son of B. S. and Rachel (Hines) Gould. 

B. S. Gould was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and died in DeKalb 
County, 111., in 1875. In 1878, his widow went to Kansas with her family, 
and settled in Lincoln County, where she died in 1916 at the age of 83 
years. The children of B. S. and Rachel (Hines) Gould were: Ida, dead, 
was Mrs. Duryee; Ella, now Mrs. Hudson of Colfax Township; Will S., the 
subject of this review; Marquis D., last heard of in San Francisco, Calif.; 
Everett N., living at Fairview, Okla. ; Truman L., deceased ; Hattie May, 
now Mrs. Davison of Lincoln, Kans. ; and Ernest, of Henrietta, Okla. 

Will S. Gould attended the rural schools of Illinois, and wem lo xjhi- 
coln County, Kans., in 1878. He was a farmer and stockraiser there until 
1902. when he came to Jefferson Township, Daviess County. He bought 
225 acres of his present home from J. S. Stevens. The 80 acres, where 
the house now stands, was entered in 1839 by Mr. Dunning, who sold it in 
1843 to Olden Cole, for $165. The farm has had a historical interest since 
the exploits of the James Boys in 1880. They had their horses tied on 
the Gould farm, ready for flight. They boarded the train at Winston, 
stopped it just out of town, and after the killing of Conductor Westfall, 
the robbers escaped on the horses, which were hidden in the woods on the 
Gould farm. The Rock Island Railway runs through the farm. The 
place is well watered. Mr. Gould keeps 115 acres in pasture, and raises 
Percheron horses. Shorthorn cattle, and Duroc Jersey hogs. 

Will S. Gould was married in 1885 to Mattie E. Hayden, a daughter of 
Eli and Mary (Poor) Hayden. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hayden died in Lane 
County, Oregon. Mrs. Gould was born in Kosciusko County, Ind., and 
was educated in Ellsworth County, Kans. Besides Mrs. Gould, Mr. and 
Mrs. Hayden had the following children: Angeline, now Mrs. Chapman of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 769 

Washington ; Ella, living in Lane County, Ore. ; Huldah, now Mrs. Conley, 
of Lane County, Ore. ; and C. C, also a resident of Lane County, Ore. 

To the union of Will S. and Mattie E. (Hayden) Gould the following 
children were born: Oda, a graduate of the Kansas City Veterinary Col- 
lege, now living in St. Joseph; Glenn, living in DeKalb County; Floy, a 
graduate of Baker University, Baldwin, Kans., now a teacher of home 
economics at Alta Vista, Kans. ; Effie, a graduate nurse of Kansas City ; 
Clem on the home farm ; Veva, the wife of Arthur Pyle of Nebraska City, 
Neb. ; Wirt, a student in Kidder Institute ; and Esther, a student in the 
Winston High School. She has not been tardy or absent in the seven years 
that she has attended school. Mr. and Mrs. Gould have six grandchildren, 
Willie, Wilhelmina, Ruth, Emery, Hazel Gould, and Keith Pyle. 

Mr. Gould is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He 
held the offices of trustee, clerk and treasurer of Golden Belt Township, in 
Lincoln County, Kans., where he also served as justice of the peace. He 
is now a member of the township board of Jefferson Township, having been 
appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of H. L. Johnson. 
Mr. Gould is a progressive farmer and a citizen of material worth to the 
community. The Gould family is highly respected in the county. 

George P. Watkins, deceased, who was one of the successful and 
enterprising farmers of Jamesport Township, was born in Illinois, Nov. 
4, 1870, a son of George and Laura Ann (Lashley) Watkins. 

George Watkins, Sr., was a native of Indiana. He moved to Illinois 
and several years later came to Missouri, where he settled in Lincoln 
Township, Daviess County. Mr. Watkins became a prominent farmer 
and stockman of Missouri, and owned 120 acres of well improved land. 
For a number of years he served as a constable in Illinois. Both George 
Sr., and his wife are deceased and are buried in Grundy County. They 
were the parents of 12 children, as follows: Lorton, deceased; J. P., 
deceased; Lucy, deceased; Cynthia, the wife of Charles E. Howard, a 
farmer in Kansas; George P., the subject of this sketch; Sarah May, the 
wife of Frank P. Wells, retired farmer, Cameron ; Walter Scott, a farmer 
near Melborn ; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Earnest Worley, Jamesport; 
William Jasper, deceased ; James Garfield, a farmer, resides in Fish- 
trap, Wash.; Bessie Jane, the wife of W. O. Rosenbaum, Henry County; 
and one child died in infancy. 

George P. Watkins was educated in the district schools, and spent 
his entire life on a farm. He was the owner of 160 acres of land in 
Daviess County, and a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep, 



770 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and hogs. During the last 10 years of his life he operated a threshing 
machine. He died Dec. 14, 1917, and is buried in Grundy County. 

George P. Watkins married Alice Knight Jan. 31, 1894. She is a 
daughter of William A. and Angelina (Nipper) Knight, natives of West 
Virginia and Illinois. . To this union six children were born, as follows: 
O. v., deceased ; Laura Angeline, the wife of James C. Critten, a farmer; 
George A., farmer and stockman, residing on the old home place, 
Lincoln Township; Thelma, living with her mother; Hugh Palmer, at 
home ; one child died in infancy. Mrs. Watkins is now living on a farm 
of 80 acres in Jamesport Township, and owns 80 acres in Lincoln 
Township. She raises Shorthorn cattle and other high grade stock. Mrs. 
Watkins is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. 

George P. Watkins served as school director for a number of years. 
He belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Watkins was a 
Republican. He was an industrious, energetic man, who held the high 
esteem of his neighbors. 

Charles L. Scott is an enterprising and practical farmer and stock- 
man, living in Lincoln Township. He was born in Crawfordsville, Ind., 
Dec. 22, 1852, a son of Gustavus and Elizabeth (Daniels) Scott. 

Gustavus Scott was a native of Culpeper County, Va. In 1840 he 
came to Ohio, and five years later moved to Indiana. In 1866 Mr. Scott 
moved to Missouri, settling in Daviess County, five miles west of Gal- 
latin. Mr. Scott was an attorney, and practiced law in Ohio, Indiana and 
Missouri, where he owned 480 acres of good farm land. Mr. Scott died 
in 1867 and his wife died May 2, 1889. They are buried in Creekmore 
Cemetery, Gallatin. Mr. and Mrs. Scott were the parents of seven 
children, as follows: William, deceased; Anna, resides with Mrs. J. F. 
Henderson, Gallatin; John, deceased; Charles L., the subject of this 
sketch; William, resides in Oklahoma; Henry, deceased; George, 
deceased. 

Charles L. Scott was reared on a farm and attended the district 
schools. He began farming on the home farm, west of Gallatin, but 
later rented land with his brother, John C, south of Winston. He re- 
mained there for four years, after which he purchased his present farm 
of 360 acres in Lincoln Township. Mr. Scott has been located on this 
farm for the past 35 years. He is a widely known breeder of Hereford 
cattle and black Poland China hogs. His farm is well improved with a 
fine residence and other modern buildings. 

On Sept. 24, 1879, Mr. Scott jnarried Mary Witten, a daughter of 
William and Permelia (Gillespie) Witten, pioneer settlers of Lincoln 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 771 

Township, Daviess County. To Charles L. and Mary (Witten) Scott the 
following children were born: William, Spokane, Wash.; Charles H., 
farmer, Daviess County; Thomas, railway postal clerk, Spokane, Wash.; 
Gustavus, ranchman, Idaho; Elizabeth, the wife of Bert Fulkerson, 
farmer, Edinburgh ; Rena, the wife of Boyle Fulkerson, farmer, Brimson ; 
James, who was inducted into the army from Gallatin during the World 
War, and sent to Camp Funston, Kan. He was in service for six months, 
serving with a machine gun company in the 10th Division. He was dis- 
charged after the armistice was signed and is now engaged in farming 
and stock raising with his father. 

Charles L. Scott is a Democrat and is a member of the Methodist 
Church. 

James M. Ray, a substantial farmer and stockman of Lincoln Town- 
ship, and the owner of 155 acres of well improved land, is a native of 
Illinois. He was born April 30, 1863, a son of John and Cornelia 
(Moore) Ray. 

John Ray was born in Illinois and came to Missouri in 1867, settling 
in Lincoln Township, where he became a leading farmer and stockman. 
Mr. Ray owned 160 acres of land and was a breeder of cattle, sheep and 
hogs. He was a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. John Ray were the parents of 
11 children, as follows: John, retired farmer, Gilman City; Charles, 
deceased ; Lizzie, deceased, was the wife of Joseph Witt ; Docia, the wife 
of Volina Mote, farmer, Oklahoma; George, farmer, Harrison County; 
James M., the subject of this sketch; William, deceased; Katie married 
George Hull, farmer, in Arkansas ; Frank, when last heard of he had started 
for the Alaska gold fields; Lena, the wife of Frank Boyer, farmer, re- 
sides in Kansas; Esther, was the wife of John McGown, deceased. John 
Ray died in 1916, and his wife died in 1892 and they are buried in 
Oklahoma. 

James M. Ray was reared on a farm and has been connected with 
farm affairs all of his life. He obtained his education in the rural 
schools. In 1900, Mr. Ray bought his present farm and has made ex- 
tensive improvements. He has been interested in the breeding of Short- 
horn and Red Pole cattle, and has been very successful. 

Mr. Ray was married on Nov. 4, 1886, to Nellie Sheetz, born in 
Freeport, 111., a daughter of William and Roxie (Snyder) Sheetz. Mr. 
Sheetz was a prominent stockman of Washington Township. To James 
M. and Nellie (Sheetz) Ray four children were born, as follows: Ivan, 
further mention of whom is made below ; Mabel, the wife of Vilas Dale, 
farmer, Washington Township; Ruth, attending college; Bessie, who 



772 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

graduated from Gilman City High School in May, 1922, and will teach 
in Boyd School in the fall term of 1922. During the World War, Ivan 
Ray entered the army from Gallatin and was sent to Camp Funston. He 
served in France for 22 months with Company H, 139 Infantry, 35th 
Division and was wounded during the Argonne Drive. He also took part 
in other important battles and was discharged May 8, 1919. He is now 
engaged in farming and stock raising with his father and also teaches 
school. 

James M. Ray is a Republican and has served as a member of the 
school board for 13 years. 

W. D. Smith, farmer and stockman of Lincoln Township, is the 
owner of 280 acres of well improved land and is well known in the town- 
ship as a man of integrity and industry. He was born in Gentry County 
Nov. 4, 1863, a son of R. L. and Martha J. (Vincent) Smith. 

R. L. Smith was born in Kentucky, Feb. 15, 1838, and came to 
Missouri with his parents when a small boy. They settled first in Harri- 
son County and later went to Gentry County. Mr. Smith became a 
prominent farmer and stockman of Gentry County, where he owned 120 
acres of land. To R. L. and Martha J. (Vincent) Smith six children were 
born, as follows: Bryan, farmer and stockman. Gentry County; W. D., 
the subject of this sketch; Edward, deceased; Tena, the wife of James 
Gribble, both deceased; Charles, resides in Kansas; and Frank, farmer 
and stockman, Gentry County. R. L. Smith died June 2, 1895, and his 
wife died Oct. 2, 1921. They are buried in Gentry County. 

W. D. Smith was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. 
He started farming on rented land, where he remained for two years, 
after which he purchased his present farm in Lincoln Township, Daviess 
County. Mr. Smith is well known as a successful breeder of high grade 
stock. 

Mr. Smith was married on Dec. 25, 1883, to Marjorie Butrick, a 
native of Daviess County, and a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth 
(Castor) Butrick. Mr. Butrick was a veteran of the Civil War, having 
served with Company D, Missouri Volunteer Infantry. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Butrick are deceased, having died in 1919. They are buried in 
Shepherd Cemetery, Gentry County. To W. D. and Marjorie (Butrick) 
Smith eight children have been born, as follows: Ella Pearl, the wife of 
James Stith, Coffey; Edward Earl, further mention of whom is made 
below ; Anna Dell, the wife of R. Cole, farmer and stockman, Jamesport; 
George Lee, farmer and stockman, resides in Lincoln Township, Daviess 
County; Jesse Frank, farmer and stockman, Jamesport; Mary Ruth, the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 773 

wife of L. Ward, farmer and stockman, Gilman City; and William L., 
farmer, living at home with his parents. 

Edward Earl Smith entered the army during the World War and 
was sent to Camp Funston, becoming a member of Company D, 356th 
Infantry. He was later transferred to Company L, 4th Infantry, and 
April 1918 sailed for overseas and served for 22 months. Mr. Smith was 
on the firing line for 23 days at one time. He took part in many impor- 
tant battles and drives. He was gassed five times and shell shocked. He 
was in a hospital for six weeks in France and later went to Germany 
with the Army of Occupation, where he remained for six months. Mr. 
Smith has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the United 
States for his service during the war. He is now living at home with his 
parents. 

W. D. Smith is a Democrat and his wife is a Republican. She is a 
member of Royal Neighbors. They are members of the BaptLst Church. 
Mr. Smith belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and has served 
as school director for a number of years. 

George W. Reed, a resident of Albany, has been well known in 
Gentry County for many years as a successful farmer, a county official, 
and the postmaster of Albany. Mr. Reed was born in Logan County, 111., 
Dec. 10, 1862, the son of George and Hannah (Devlin) Reed, both of 
whom died in Andrew County. 

George and Hannah (Devlin) Reed came to Fillmore, Andrew 
County when their son, George W., the subject of this review was only 
a lad. Their children were: Frank, now living at Lindsborg, Kan., with 
his son who is the cashier of a bank; Ida, married C. F. Dodge and died 
in Andrew County, leaving a daughter, Lulu B. who married Wardey 
Marsteller, and after his death, married Doctor W. H. Gundrum of 
Owensmonth, Calif. ; George W., the subject of this sketch ; Thomas 
Sherman, is now assistant tax commissioner for the Missouri Pacific 
Railway at St Louis; John, volunteered when only a boy for service in 
the Union Army during the Civil War and died two weeks after his 
return from service. His remains are buried at Savannah, Mo. Another 
son, Henry, also volunteered for service in the Union Army and died at 
Baton Rouge, La. 

George W. Reed was reared in Andrew County and at the age of 
13 years began to work on a farm for $10 a month. He retained this 
place for six years and at the time he left, was drawing a wage of $20 
a month, the highest wage paid a farm hand in the county at that time. 
He was married and moved to his farm on his return form New Orleans. 



774 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Reed moved to his farm eight miles east of Albany in the spring of 
1885. He continued to live on this farm for ten years. In the fall of 
1894, Mr. Reed was elected the sheriff of Gentry County on the Repub- 
lican ticket, the first person to be elected to this office on that ticket for 
25 years. He vv'as re-elected to the same office in 1896, although W. J. 
Bryan carried the county by more than 900 majority. At the expiration 
of his term of office in 1898, Mr. Reed built a nice home at Albany where 
he and his wife have made their residence ever since. The house is lo- 
cated at the corner of Clay and College avenues and is one of the pret- 
tiest places in Albany. From 1900 to 1906, Mr. Reed served on the Board 
of Education at Albany and in 1906 he was appointed Postmaster of Al- 
bany by President Roosevelt. He was reappointed to his office by Pres- 
dent Taft, serving in all nine years. During all of the time of his public 
service, Mr. Reed continued to operate his farm of 200 acres but in the 
fall of 1916 he sold the stock from his farm and rented the land. As a 
farmer his interest was especially in the breeding of Hereford cattle in 
which enterprise he was very successful. 

Mr. Reed was married on Feb. 4, 1885, to Mary E. Miller and that 
winter they visited the Cotton Exposition at New Orelans. 

On January 1, 1915, Mr. Reed began working for C. G. Comstock 
and Son as the superintendent of their farms and he continued this work 
after the death of C. G. Comstock in St. Joseph in May, 1917. Mr. Reed 
was with A. W. Hutchinson in the marble and granite business for sev- 
eral years and he has been a director of the Gentry County Bank for the 
past 12 years. 

Mr. Reed has made a marked success in his various lines of work. 
He was an excellent official and has always manifested a keen interest 
in the welfare of his community. 

John F. Patton, now deceased, had been the capable postmaster of 
Albany since May 8, 1915. He was a native Missourian. Bom at Rich- 
mond in Ray County, July 14, 1860, and has spent all of his life in this 
state. 

Mr. Patton's parents were R. W. and Lucetta Jane (Hale) Patton, 
both deceased. They were natives of Tennessee and were married in 
Ray County, Missouri. R. W. Patton's father, James E. Patton, was a na- 
tive of Tennessee and came to Missouri in 1844. He entered land in Ray 
County and lived on his farm there until his death in 1872 at the age of 
78 years. Lucetta Jane (Hale) Patton's father, Isaac Hale, was also a 
Tennesseean who came to Missouri about 1844 and entered land. His 
farm was near the Patton homestead. Mr. Hale did general farming and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 775 

raised stock. He died at Richmond, Ray County, at the age of 80 years. 

R. W. Patton was a veteran of the Mexican War in which he served 
under Colonel Doniphan. Mr. Patton was a successful farmer and stock- 
raiser of the county. He died at his farm north of Richmond in 1892 at 
the age of 67 years. His wife died in 1869. The remains of both are 
buried in the Patton family cemetery. Their children were: W. C, a 
farmer at Weston. He spent 40 years in the drug and book business at 
Richmond, Mo. ; W. R., now serving his third term as the presiding judge 
of Ray County and living at Richmond; John F., the subject of this 
sketch ; Ben R., living on the Patton farm in Ray County; E. W., operat 
ing a drug and book store at Richmond; a daughter, now Mrs. C. C. 
Powell of Richmond; and Jennie B., for 20 years a well known teacher 
of English in the Richmond High School, for three years a teacher at 
Albany, and now conducting a dry goods and ladies' furnishing store at 
Richmond. 

John F. Patton was educated in the schools at Richmond and at the 
age of 21 began clerking in the first drug store ever opened at Excelsior 
Springs. Later he clerked at Odessa and in 1883 went to Andrews 
County and opened a drug store at Savannah. He operated this business 
successfully until 1890 when he came to Albany and opened a drug and 
book store there. He ran this store with marked success for more than 
20 years and at the end of that time sold the business to W. D. O'Neal 
who had been a clerk in the store for some time. 

On May 8, 1915, Mr. Patton was appointed postmaster at Albany 
and was reappointed on Jan. 23, 1920. Mr. Patton made an accommo- 
dating and efficient official in the postoffice. 

John F. Patton and Ophelia S. Hutchison of Savannah were mar- 
ried on Dec. 30, 1886. Mrs. Patton is a daughter of Brazil and Keziah 
Hutchison. To the union of John F. and Ophelia S. (Hutchison) Patton 
the following children were born: Jean B., married to Captain Boyd L. 
Smith, in the regular army,- and a dental surgeon in charge of the hospi- 
tal at Camp Eustis, Va. ; Virgil C, a brief sketch of whom appears 
below; Lloyd H., in the S. A. T. C. at St. Louis for a while, and now the 
clerk in the postoffice at Albany; and John F.. Jr., a graduate of the Al- 
bany High School in 1920 and now a student in Palmer College. 

Virgil C. Patton enlisted for service in the World War at Kansas 
City, Mo., and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He 
was in Sousa's Great Lakes Band. He remained at the Training Station 
for eight months and then went with the band on a six weeks' tour for 
the Fourth Liberty Loan, visiting 85 towns during the tour. He was 



776 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

then sent to New York and was at Bay Ridge for five months, then made 
eight round trips on the United States Steamship, America, between Ho- 
boken. New Jersey, and Brest, France. On one trip the ship made Bos- 
ton, also. On one of the trips Mr. Patton was given a leave for a two 
weeks' sight-seeing trip to Paris. He was in service more than 17 months 
and during that time traveled more than 5,500 miles on water. Since re- 
turning to his home, Mr. Patton has been made the assistant postmaster 
and is the leader of the Albany Band. Young men of his stamina are 
the best assets of a town and community. 

John F. Patton was a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, having joined that lodge at Alton, Kan., 35 years ago when he 
owned a branch drug store at that town for two years. For 20 years he 
was the secretary of the lodge at Albany. Mr. Patton was a citizen of 
high ideals for his community, a man of energy and decision in his busi- 
ness relations. 

John F. Patton died March 19, 1922, survived by his widow, four 
children, four brothers and two sisters, mentioned above. Interment was 
in the Grandview Cemetery at Albany, Mo. At the time of his death, he 
was 61 years and eight months old. He died of bronchial pneumonia. 

He was a man worthy to be called a man. He possessed a sterling 
character and was loved by everyone who knew him. 

Frank L. Smith, for the past five years the lessee of the O. T. An- 
derson farm of 400 acres in Wilson Township, Gentry County and the 
owner of 40 acres of land in Athens Township which he rents out, is a 
member of a pioneer family of the county, the Smiths having settled 
here in the early frontier days of the state. Mr. Smith was born at New 
Hampton, Mo. Jan. 26, 1874, the son of Richard Lee and Martha J. 
(Vincent) Smith. 

Richard Lee Smith was born in Kentucky in 1838. His father, G. 
W. Smith, moved his family to Gentry County in 1843 and entered 160 
acres of land in Athens Township. He died in 1886 and his remains are 
buried in Bulla Cemetery. Richard Lee Smith grew up in Gentry County 
and became well known. He died in 1895. His wife, Martha J. (Vin- 
cent) Smith, was born in Kentucky, June 27, 1835, and died at the home 
of John G. Vincent near Girard, Kan., Oct. 1, 1921. The remains of both 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are buried in Shepherd Cemetery, a graveyard lo- 
cated on the old Smith homestead. To the union of Richard Lee and 
Martha J. (Vincent) Smith the following children were born: Bryan V., 
a farmer near Gentryville; W. D., a farmer near Oilman City; Eddie C, 
died in 1885; Tenie, died in 1894; Charlie F., address unknown; Frank 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 777 

L., the subject of this review. By a former marriage of Martha J. Vin- 
cent to David Ploughman she had one daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Grib- 
ble of Arkansas City, Kan. 

Frank L. Smith received his education in the school at Evona and 
remained at home with his parents until he was 23 years old when he 
went to Albany where he lived for seven years. Since that time he has 
been engaged in the occupation of farming and stock raising. He raises 
approximately 150 Duroc Jersey hogs each year and also raises and 
feeds at least two car loads of cattle during the same time. Mr. Smith 
is operating the farm he leases, and also looking after his own land. 

Frank L. Smith was married, April 11, 1897, to Nannie J. Thomp- 
son, a daughter of Alex Thompson of Athens Township. Her father is 
dead and her mother lives at Evona. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have six chil- 
dren as follows: Victor V., married Julia Linthacum of Wilson Town- 
ship, and lives in that community on a farm; Harry, clerk in J. P. Fergu- 
son's store at Evona; Claude R., at home; Grace M., Eddie Carl, and 
Charles Marvin all at home. 

Mr. Smith is a Democrat in politics. He is a man of a wide acquain- 
tance in Gentry County where his family has been well and favorably 
known for many years. 

Silas Edgar Quigley, proprietor of Fairview Farm in Athens Town- 
ship, is a native of Gentry County, born near Mt. Zion Church in Miller 
Township, Nov. 6, 1868, the son of William and Nancy (Price) Quigley. 

Peter Price, the maternal grandfather of S. E. Quigley, was a Vir- 
ginian who was in service during the War of 1812. He was one of the 
first settlers in the Platte Purchase where he located in Buchanan 
County in the early days and where he became a prominent citizen, 
serving as a justice of the peace and also as a member of the county 
court. He moved to Gentry County in 1846 and settled in Athens Town- 
ship. Here, too, he was a well known man in his community. He mar- 
ried Nancy Rector in Vigo County, Ind., in 1816. She was born in 
Claiborne County, Tenn., June 14, 1796, and died Oct. 25, 1872. 
Her husband died Nov. 5, 1872. The remains of both are buried in 
Brushy Cemetery. Their daughter, Nancy, was the mother of S. E. Quig- 
ley. 

William Quigley, father of S. E. Quigley, was born in Morgan 
County, Ind., Dec. 26, 1838. His father was John Quigley, a native 
of Ireland, and his mother was Mariah Rice of French descent. William 
Quigley came to Gentry County in 1858 and taught school for several 
years, farming at the same time. He owned a farm of 400 acres in 



778 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Athens Township. He enlisted for service during the Civil War and 
was placed in Company I, 21st Missouri Infantry in 1864. He served one 
year and at the close of the war returned to his farm. He married 
Nancy Price, who was born in Vigo County, Ind., March 29, 1834, in 
October, 1861, and to this union the following children were born: Hen- 
rietta, now the wife of R. H. Nicholson of Albany; John F., married Rosa 
Albin, daughter of John N. Albin, and died on the home place where his 
widow still lives on May 8, 1915, at the age of 48 years; Silas E., the 
subject of this sketch; Laura, wife of William Rigney of Albany; Nancy 
M., now the wife of Isaac G. Patton of Miller Township; and W. H., a 
graduate of the Department of Journalism of the Missouri State Univer- 
sity at Columbia, and now the editor-in-chief of the St. Louis Post Dis- 
patch at St. Louis. 

S. E. Quigley attended the public schools and farmed the home 
place for a while. He now owns 165 acres of the Quigley farm as well 
as his present home place of 125 acres which he bought in 1906, 40 
acres, purchased in the fall of 1915, and 120 acres, bought in May, 1920. 
Mr. Quigley built a new residence in 1911. He has excellent farm build- 
ings and has been successful in his operation of his holdings. He raises 
Duroc Jersey hogs and owns a registered male. 

Mr. Quigley was married Sept. 20, 1893, to Harriet E. Zentz, a 
daughter of Frank and Martha (Roney) Zentz, both living at Albany. 
Mrs. Quigley was born in Daviess County near Kidder, but has lived in 
Gentry County since 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley have the following 
children: Nancy Lela, teaching her home school and married to Fred 
Willet of Stanberry; Edgar F., born on the home place, graduated from 
the commercial course at Palmer College in 1916, entered the United 
States Army service on Oct. 23, 1918, was sent to Camp Bowie, Texas, 
where he remained until April, 1919, when he was sent to Camp Pike, 
Arkansas and discharged, April 17, 1919, is a member of the Donald 
Holden Post No. 106, American Legion, and is now farming with his 
father; Laura, the wife of George Redd of Albany; Pearl Marie and 
Daisy May, twins, attended Albany High School ; Richard O., a gradu- 
ate of Albany High School ; Grace Ellen, a graduate of the Albany High 
School and now teaching the Quigley District School; Ruth, now a senior 
in the Albany High School ; Thelma, a freshman in the Albany High 
School ; and Martha Helen. 

Mr. Quigley is a Republican in his political views. He is one of the 
reliable men and substantial citizens of the county. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 779 

Samuel R. McConkey, a well known farmer of Athens Township 
where he owns 200 acres of land about six miles southeast of Albany, 
is a native of Gentry County where his family has been favorably known 
for many years. Mr. McConkey's parents, Allen G. and Mag-dalen 
(Spessard) McConkey, lived on a farm just two miles west of Mr. Mc- 
Conkey's present home and there he was born on Dec. 1, 1858. 

Allen McConkey was born in Roanoke County, Va., Sept. 7, 1820. 
He was one of the pioneer settlers of Gentry County where he came 
in 1845 and entered land in Athens Township. He became a prom- 
inent farmer and stockman and at the time of his death owned 1,400 
acres of land. The old house, built of frame and filled in with brick, 
erected by Mr. McConkey just after the Civil War, was only recently 
torn down. Allen McConkey was a member of the Presbyterian Church 
and of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He died May 22, 1876, 
and his remains are buried in the Brushy Cemetery. His wife, Magda- 
len (Spessard) McConkey, was born Aug. 3, 1826, and died Feb. 6, 
1901. Her remains also are buried in Brushy Cemetery. 

To the union of Allen and Magdalen (Spessard) McConkey the fol- 
lowing children were born: Susan, now the widow of J. W. Power of St. 
Joseph; Virginia, the widow of J. R. Cunningham of Bethany; Mary 
Etta, living at Albany ; Betty, a teacher in the schools here who died 
after reaching womanhood ; Laura F., now Mrs. G. W. Talcott of St. Jo- 
seph ; George, a farmer at Shawnee, Okla. ; Samuel R., the subject of this 
review ; John, a farmer in Athens Township ; Blanche, died when a 
young woman in 1882; Irsken, deceased, married Alice Edmundson who 
now lives in Albany; Lilly, a teacher, died in young womanhood; and 
Allen G., a physician, a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons, died at Modesta, 111. His remains are buried in Brushy Cemetery. 

Samuel R. McConkey attended first the Dorsey District School and 
later was a student in the Albany school. He moved to his present farm 
in 1900 and built his present residence in 1918, the old house having 
been destroyed by fire. Mr. McConkey has a well operated farm, good 
farm buildings, and excellent water supply. He has been successful in 
his work and ranks among the progressive farmers of the community. 

On Oct. 9, 1899, Samuel R. McConkey was married to Grace Eas- 
terly, a daughter of Philip and Alpha L. (Pennington) Easterly. Mr. 
and Mrs. McConkey have four children : Ruth, a graduate of the Albany 
High School now attending the State Teachers College at Maryville; 
Mary, a member of the graduating class of the Albany High School for 
1922; and Samuel and Philip. 



780 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. McConkey is a Democrat in politics. He is a man who has been 
efficient in his business of conducting a farm and is a reliable citizen of 
his township. 

Joho T. Hager operates a farm of 160 acres of land 4i miles south- 
west of Darlington in Miller Township, Gentry County, with his son, C. 
E. Hager, as the joint owner and manager of the land. J. T. Hager was 
born in Ripley County, Ind., Nov. 22, 1852. 

Charles and Adaline (Hutson) Hager, the parents of John T. Ha- 
ger, both died in Indiana, the former in 1865, and the latter in 1863. 
Their children were: Hannah E., later Mrs. Jenkins, now dead; Anna, 
the wife of T. J. Conover of Holton, Ind. ; John T., the subject of this 
sketch; W. I., now living at Gentryville; Thursa Jane, the wife of Earl 
Fink of Indianapolis, Ind.; Sarah Amelia, married Henry Fite ; and S. 
H., married Elva Law, and lives in Oklahoma. 

John T. Hager came to Missouri in December, 1881, and located at 
Jameson, Daviess County, where he remained until 1887, when he 
moved to a farm south of Gentryville in Miller Township, Geiatry 
County. He moved to this present farm four miles south of Darlington 
in 1912, rebuilt the house, erected a new barn, and improved the place. 
His son, Charles E. Hager, born in Daviess County, May 9, 1882, is a 
partner in the farm, and the two have proved themselves capable and 
enterprising business men. They not only do general farming, but raise 
cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs, and White Leghorn poultry. 

John T. Hager was married in January, 1877, to Almeda Smith of 
New Salem, Ind., a daughter of Hiram and Mary Smith. Mrs. Hager 
died on July 29, 1921, at the age of 64 years. To her union with John 
T. Hager the following children were born: Fannie, now Mrs. A. McMil- 
len of Cooper Township ; Charles E., married Etta Elliott of Albany, Mo., 
who is a relative of Abraham Lincoln, her great-grandmother, whose 
maiden name was Nancy Hanks being a cousin of the former president; 
Edith, married James McMillen of Miller Township; Grace A., the wife 
of J. F. Gregory of Miller Township ; Luther, mentioned later in this 
sketch; Jess E., married Rowena Myrick, and lives at Gentryville; and 
Mary Leona, living at Albany. Mr. Hager has the following grandchil- 
dren ; Charles, Winford, Wanda, Ruhl, Thorwald, John Nelson, Minnie, 
and Gunetha McMillen, Blanche, Vernon, and Almeda Gregory, and 
Charles Elliott Hager. 

Luther Hager is a veteran of the World War. He enlisted at Al- 
bany and was sent to Camp Funston for training. He was sent overseas, 
and participated in the Battle of Chateau Thierry, was gassed, and after 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 781 

18 months in service, was mustered out in February, 1919. He was mar- 
ried to Eva Frost of Gentry County, and they now live at Albany. 

John T. Hager and C. E. Hager are both efficient farmers and stock- 
men, who are meeting with marked success in their work. 

Harrison M. Duncan, well known farmer and stockman of Miller 
Township in Gentry County, was born near Darlington, Jan. 3, 1862. 
His parents were William and Martha (Boaz) Duncan, both now de- 
ceased. 

William Duncan was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, and came 
to Missouri in 1858. He settled near Gentryville and later moved to Ne- 
braska returning, however, to Missouri where he died at Fillmore in 
1867. Martha (Boaz) Duncan died in 1869 at the home of her parents 
near Gentryville. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan had two children: Harrison M., 
the subject of this sketch; and Edmond C, married to Ida Weeks, and 
now living in Los Angeles, Calif. 

Harrison M. Duncan attended the public schools of Gentry County. 
His first teacher was Mr. Bray, who taught the Gartin School. Mr. Dun- 
can was reared by his grandparents, and since early boyhood has made 
his own way in the world. In 1886, he bought his home place of 80 
acres from John Harsel and has added to the original holding until he 
now owns 290 acres of land, all of it in Miller Township except 40 acres 
in Wyandotte County, near Kansas City, Kan. Mr. Duncan has added 
all the improvements to his place, and has conducted his farm in a 
highly successful manner. In 1917 he built a new residence and has 
built excellent farm buildings at various times as he needed them. He 
raises Duroc Jersey hogs and Red Durham cattle. 

Mr. Duncan has been married twice; the first time on March 23, 
1884, to Mary Gartin, a daughter of Wellington Gartin. Mrs. Duncan 
died on Jan. 3, 1886, leaving a son, William W., now living near Mt. 
Zion Church. On March 1, 1890, Mr. Duncan was married to Addie V. 
Owen, a daughter of Charles and Mary Owen, living near Mt. Zion 
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are both dead and their remains are buried 
in Brushy Cemetery. To the union of Harrison M. and Addie V. Owen 
Duncan the following children were born: Ross O., living at Ford City, 
married to Blondina Clark, to which union a daughter, Kathleen, was 
born ; Una May, now the wife of Emmett Nicholson of Albany ; and 
Charles H., a veteran of the World War, served in the Balloon Corps at 
Ft. Omaha, Neb. He is married to Ruth Rager of Omaha and they have 
one son, Eugene Rager. 



782 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Harrison M. Duncan is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge 
at Gentryville, and of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Darlington. He is one of the reliable 
men of his cummunity who is accounted a substantial citizen as well as 
a progressive farmer. 

Charles R. Whitton, prominent in Gentry County as a farmer and 
stockman, and formerly the president of the Bank of Albany, was born 
on the farm and in the house where he now lives, Sept. 2, 1880. His par- 
ents were Rufus and Mary J. (Lowe) Whitton, the latter now living at 
Albany. 

Rufus Whitton was born in Miller Township and was widely known as 
a successful stockman and the owner of 1200 acres of well improved farm 
land. The town of Whitton was named for him. He died Oct. 15, 1913, and 
his remains are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. His wife, also, was born 
in Miller Township and grew up in Gentry County. Their children were: 
Alvin, living at Whitton Station; Charles R., the subject of this review; 
and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Tipton of Albany. 

C. R. Whitton attended the public schools and later was a student 
in the Normal at Chillicothe for two years. He farmed at home until 
1903 when he accepted a position in the Bank of Albany for two years. 
At the end of that period he went to Hopkins and became the cashier of 
a bank there, remaining for two years. He then returned to Albany 
where he was the efficient president of the Bank of Albany until 1916 
when he moved to the home farm of which he owns 200 acres. He also 
owns 240 acres of land south of Albany and superintends the manage- 
ment of the 600 acres of his mother's estate. Mr. Whitton is an exten- 
sive feeder and shipper and has about 200 pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs 
on his place. 

C. R. Whitton was married March 22, 1916, to Lois Golden, born in 
Benton County, Mo., the daughter of Samuel F. and Sarah Golden, 
now living in Osage County, Okla. Mrs. Whitton received her ed- 
ucation in the public schools and the State Teachers College at Warrens- 
burg and, prior to her marriage, was one of the well known teachers of 
the state. 

C. R. Whitton is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons of Albany and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 
at Maryville. He is a capable and energetic man, known for his effi- 
ciency in the management of his business interests and for his loyalty to 
high civic ideals. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 783 

Don C. Dougan, the efficient cashier of the Bank of Darlington, at 
Darlington, Gentry County, Mo., was born at Bolckow in Andrew 
County, Feb. 23, 1894. His parents are James O. and Jennie M. (Hough- 
taling) Dougan. 

James O. Dougan was born in Indiana and has been in the drug 
business at Bolckow since 1880 where he is the proprietor of the Dougan 
Pharmacy, with his sons, H. Clifford, as a partner, and J. Bennett, an 
assistant in the store. Mrs. Dougan was born and reared in Missouri. To 
her union with James O. Dougan the following children were born: 
Don C, the subject of this sketch; H. Clifford, in partenership with his 
father; J. Bennett, also with his father in the drug business; and James 
Woodrow, at home. 

Don C. Dougan attended school at Bolckow and graduated from the 
Savannah High School in the class of 1912. He spent two years with the 
Bolckow State Bank at Bolckow, and in May, 1914, he organized the 
Ford City State Bank at Ford City. He erected the bank building, and 
incorporated the organization on June 1, 1914, but sold his interest in 
the institution in 1919, in order to come to Darlington. He took up his 
work in Darlington, Jan. 1, 1920, and has been the capable cashier of 
the Bank of Darlington ever since. 

The Bank of Darlington was incorporated in 189.5 as the successor 
of a private banking enterprise. The bank owns the building in which 
the business is done. J. B. Sager was the first cashier, and was with the 
bank until the beginning of Mr. Dougan's incumbency in office. The 
present officers are: Oliver H. Owings, President; Mark King, Vice- 
President; Don C. Dougan, Cashier; the officers named above. Lark 
King and Louise M. Goodman, Directors. The capital stock of the bank 
has always been $10,000.00; the surplus is $10,000.00; the undivided 
profits, $7,500.00; and the deposits, $125,000.00. The Bank of Darling- 
ton has been a thriving institution, well meriting the success that has 
been its achievement. 

Don C. Dougan was married July 14, 1914, to Osea M. Strickler, a 
daughter of David and Mary (Johnson) Strickler both dead. Mrs. Dou- 
gan was born in Andrew County, graduated from the Bolckow High 
School, and was later a student in the State Teachers College at Mary- 
ville. Mr. and Mrs. Dougan have three children; Don C, Jr., J. Luther, 
and Prather Max. 

Mr. Dougan is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of 



784 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

America Lodges at Darlington. He is one of the industrious, ambitious, 
and progressive young men of the town and community. 

Thomas J. Jefferies, the oldest citizen in the neighborhood of Winston, 
Daviess County, is more than 90 years old, but is actively interested in all 
of the news of the day and reads the daily papers with regularity. His 
recollections cover a period of 50 years in Daviess County. 

Mr. Jefferies was born in Somersetshire, England, Nov. 9, 1831. 
When he was eight years old he left his home and came to the United States 
using money which his grandmother had given him to pay for the trip. 
He made his home with Reuben Reynolds, in Herkimer County, N. Y., for 
many years. In June, 1851, he went to Europe with Captain Boyer and 
visited Germany, Italy, Spain and Ireland. He came back to the United 
States in 1852 and remained with Mr. Reynolds until 1870. That year 
he came to Missouri and located at Kidder, where he conducted an imple- 
ment house with A. W. Rice. Two years later he came to Winston and 
became station agent for the Rock Island and Pacific Railway. He pur- 
chased a farm, now the site of Winston, from James Ethington and his 
mother, and later assisted in laying out the town of Winston. Mr. Jef- 
feries now owns a cottage in Winston, where he and his wife have lived 
for almost 45 years. 

During the Civil War Mr. Jefferies served in the secret service depart- 
ment of the government. His reports were made out to the governors 
of Illinois and Indiana, and to President Lincoln. Mr. Jefferies helped 
to organize the first bank ever instituted at Winston, and was one of the 
directors. He is a Democrat in politics and has always maintained a lively 
interest in political happenings. He has served as postmaster at Winston 
and has filled the office of mayor, alderman and justice of the peace. 

Thomas J. Jefferies was married March 16, 1877, in Cameron to Helen 
Orr, a daughter of William Orr. Mrs. Jefferies was born in Boone County 
and later lived in Maysville, De Kalb County. Her mother died when 
Mrs. Jefferson was only a little child. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferies had one son, 
Wilham, who died in infancy. His remains are buried at Winston. 

Mr. Jefferies is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
the Royal Arch, Chapter, the Knights Templar Lodges at Cameron, and 
the Shrine at St. Joseph. He also belongs to the Order of the Eastern 
Star. He and Dr. Claggett are the two oldest inhabitants of their com- 
munity. Mr. Jefferies is one of the highly respected citizens of the 
county, a man well known throughout the community for his long career 
of public service, his uprightness and integrity, and for his willingness to 
take part in any movement for the public welfare. The name of such a 




THOMAS J. JEFFERIES 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 785 

man rightly belongs in this volume which commemorates the public ser- 
vices of those who built up the county. 

William Calvin Canaday has been a well known farmer in Huggins 
Township, Gentry County, since he was 19 years old, when he bought 
his first tract of land, a 40-acre farm, which he purchased for $350.00, 
and which he still owns. He has since that time, bought 318 acres more 
in Huggins Township, and has his home 6'j miles northwest of Albany. 

W. C. Canaday was born near Stanberry one-half mile east of his 
present home, July 16, 1867, the son of Daniel and Charlotta (David) 
Canaday, the former born in Worth County, and died in Gentry County 
on March 26, 1919; and the latter born in Gasconade County, and died 
in Gentry County, Aug. 9, 1899. The remains of both are buried in the 
Brick Church Cemetery. Daniel Canaday was the owner of 100 acres 
of land at the time of his death. He served in the Missouri State Militia 
during the Civil War. 

W. C. Canaday attended the school in David Distict, and has been 
a farmer and stockman all of his life. He keeps the acreage of his land 
divided among several crops, for the past year he had 75 acres in corn; 
30 acres in oats, 20 in wheat, and 20 in alfalfa. He raises Whiteface 
cattle, Shropshire sheep, Berkshire hogs, and Plymouth Rock poultry. 
Mr. Canaday cleared more than 160 acres of his farm, and says that he 
has hauled many loads of wood to Stanberry, a distance of 10 miles, re- 
ceiving in payment $2.50 or $3.00. 

Mr. Canaday was married on March 8, 1891, to Anna E. Quigley, 
a daughter of James and Eva Quigley of Athens Township, Gentry 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley are both dead and the remains of both 
are buried in the Quigley Cemetery. Their children were: B. T., a phy- 
sician at St. Joseph; Anna E., now Mrs. Canaday; Jennie, of Albany; 
Hattie, now Mrs. Weaver of Van Buren, Ark. ; and by a first marriage 
of Mr. Quigley, he had two daughters, Mattie, now Mrs. T. R. Shockley 
of Albany, Sara, deceased wife of Dennis McCoy, and a son, W. F., de- 
ceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Canaday have four children: Woodson, graduated 
from Missouri State University at Columbia, and is now in newspaper 
work in St. Louis; Edith, married to Victor Sexton of Athens Township ; 
and Guy and Gladys, twins, both at home. Gladys attended the Northwest 
Missouri State Tearchers College and graduated from the secondary 
division in 1921. 

Mr. Canaday is a progressive and capable man, who nas achieved 
a marked success in his business undertakings. 



786 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Paul J. Uhliyjj the secretary and general manager of the Worth 
Mutual Telephone Company at Gentry, Mo., has held his present posi- 
tion since 1914. He was a shareholder in the company prior to assuming 
his duties as an officer, and has been one of the strong factors in the 
development of the efficiently operated business of the company. 

Mr. Uhlig was born in Germany, Aug. 28, 1878, the son of Ernest 
H. and Helen B. Uhlig. Mr. Uhlig came to the United States when he 
was 17 years old, and for the two years following his arrival in this 
country, he worked on a farm by the month. In the spring of 1898, he 
settled on a farm one mile northwest of Gentry, where he now lives. He 
owns 167 acres of well improved land, and operates his farm and raises 
stock in addition to his other work. 

The Worth Mutual Telephone Company was organized in 1900 by 
the farmers of Worth and Gentry Counties, and the office was originally 
located in Worth, Mo. There were only 75 telephones at first; this has 
been increased, however, until there are now 1,820 telephones and 
eight exchanges, located at Worth, Gentry, Darlington, Ravenwood, 
Parnell, Alanthus, Lone Star, and Denver. The company also operates 
two exchanges in connection with other companies; these are located 
at New Hampton and Washington Center. The company has 300 miles 
of commercial wire ; one of the interesting features of the business is 
that each subscrber owns his own telephone, and pays only 60 cents a 
month for its use. There are 1,485 stockholders in the company, and 
the capital stock is $15,000.00. The Worth Mutual Telephone Company 
is one of the well managed and successful enterprises of Gentry County. 

Paul J. Uhlig was married on March 2, 1898, to Opal D. Adams, a 
daughter of John G. and Mary F. Adams of Buchanan Co.unty, where 
Mrs. Uhlig was born and reared. Her parents are both dead. Mr. and 
Mrs. Uhlig have the following children: John, graduated from the Al- 
bany High School, enlisted in the army for service in the World War 
June, 1918, and was in training at Columbia until the armistice was 
signed, is now a teacher in the public schools ; Robert E., attended the 
Albany High School, and is now in the produce business at Skidmore, 
Mo.; Allen Paul and Theodore B., both students in the Albany High 
School ; and Francis J., Elsie Mary, and Juanita K., at home. 

Mr. Uhling is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 
and of the Independent Order of Fellows. He is a man of sound busi- 
ness judgment, a close observer of man and events, and a citizen of ex- 
cellent standing. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 787 

Charles E. Hopkins, born in Huggins Township, Gentry County, is 
a member of a pioneer family of the county. His parents, Joseph and Eliza 
C. (Helk) Hopkins, were reared in Gentry County in the midst of pioneer 
privations and hardships. It was a time when the number of school days for 
each child was limited, when nieghbors were few, and when the unbroken 
prairie stretched in every direction. Deer and wild turkeys abounded, how- 
ever, and the few social gatherings made a compensating feature for the 
grimness of ordinary daily life. 

Joseph Hopkins was born in Huggins Township, Gentry County, March 
26, 1851, the son of Frederick and Catherine (Ames) Hopkins; the former 
was born in Tennessee and the latter in Ohio. Frederick Hopkins entered 
land in Huggins Township, and improved it. He died in St. Joseph, and his 
wife died in Albany. The reamins of both are buried in the Brick Church 
Cemetery. Their children were : Joseph, mentioned later in this sketch ; 
Peter, living in Iowa ; Jane, now dead, was Mrs. Chappell ; Jefferson ; a res- 
ident of St. Joseph ; Harriet, married Mr. Summa and is now dead ; Monroe, 
living in Huggins Township ; and by a former marriage of Frederick Hop- 
kins ; Alexander, now living at Albany ; and Margaret, now Mrs. Summa of 
Albany. 

Jo.seph Hopkins attended the public school, and on July 16, 1876, was 
married to Eliza C. Heck, a daughter of John and Susan Heck, who entered 
land in Gentry County. John Heck enlisted for service in the Civil War in 
Illinois in 1862, and served three years with the 116th Illinois Infantry. He 
came to Huggins Township in 1865, and died on May 26, 1908 in Leaven- 
worth, Kan., where his remains are buried. His wife, Susan (Malson) 
Heck, was born in Ohio, March 18, 1827, and died on Sept. 24, 1899. Their 
children were : Frances, died in infancy ; Mary Jane, died at the age of 12 
years; Eliza C, now Mrs. Hopkins; Sarah D., married C. E. Best, and is 
now dead ; and Daniel P., who lives in Welston, Okla. To the union of 
Joseph and Eliza C. (Heck) Hopkins, two children were born: Charles E., 
the subject of this sketch ; and Oscar C, living at home. 

Charles E. Hopkins owns land in Huggins Township, and has his resi- 
dence six miles northwest of Albany. His house is only one-fourth mile 
from his father's farm. He does general farming, and stock raising. His 
farm comprises 56 acres of the land entered in the early days by his mater- 
nal grandfather, John Heck. 

Chauncey Folgate, a prominent farmer and stockman of Huggins 
Township, Gentry County, has lived in this county since his early child- 
hood. He was born in Winneshiek County, Iowa, Oct. 26, 1859, the son of 
William and Mary (Afflerbauch) Folgate, early settlers in Missouri. 



788 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

William Folgate was a minister in the Evangelical church for 14 years, 
and was a veteran of the Civil War in which he served three years in the 
Union Army. He saw much active service and was shot through the foot. 
He was married at Shueyville, Wis., later settled in Iowa, and moved to 
Missouri in the spring of 1865. He located first in the Glendenning neigh- 
borhood, near New Hampton, and a year later moved to Kansas, where he 
remained for two years. At the end of that time, he came back to Missouri, 
and settled in Daviess County, where he remained for two years. He then 
moved his family to Gentry County, and located on his old place. His 
ministerial work called him to Cedar County, for two years, and to Hickory 
County for another period of two years. He came back to Gentry County 
for another four years, sold his farm, and for the next three years, lived 
just west of the present site of Gentry. At the end of that time he moved to 
Hugginsville, where he died in 1911. His remains are buried in the Hug- 
ginsville Cemetery, as are the remains of his wife, who died in 1912. Their 
children were : Charlotta, Chauncey, the suject of this sketch ; Isabell, was 
Mrs. Carter, and is now dead ; Flora, the wife of Henry Knoup of Stephen- 
son County, 111. ; Minnie the widow of Fred Barnhart, now living at Simi; 
Calif. ; Delia, the wife of M. H. Jordan, a Methodist minister at Columbia, 
Iowa ; and Orra, a resident of Wilsonia, Calif. 

The name of Reverend William Folgate is connected with some of the 
interesting recollections of the pioneer days of this part of Missouri. Chaun- 
cey Folgate was a child of five or six years when his parents came to Mis- 
souri, and he well remembers the exciting days of the first years in the new 
western land. William Folgate brought to Gentry County a wagon of the 
Peter Schuttler make, the first of its kind in the County. He also brought a 
dog, Nero, that was afterwards well known in the community. Nero had the 
distinction of having killed a deer in Illinois, and one in Missouri. The 
Missouri episode happened in this wise. Chauncey Folgate, then a small 
boy, playing outside with his dog, espied some deer in a plum thicket. They 
immediately gave chase to the deer, and the dog caught one deer, which 
however got away. When the boy went back to the house, his mother told 
him that one deer was still in the thicket, whereupon the boy and dog set 
out again and this time, Nero caught and killed the deer. His mother and 
some neighbor boys came in response to the boy's call and dragged the slain 
deer to the house, where the meat made a welcome addition to the scanty 
food of the day. One of the griefs of the Folgate family was the loss of Nero 
while they were in Kansas, where the dog was stolen by Indians. 

Chauncey Folgate attended the district school until he was 12 years of 
age. His first school was at the Glendenning school house, a log building 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY (BOUNTIES 789 

with a puncheon floor, and a daubed stick fireplace. On the north side of 
the structure, a log was cut out to let in light, and the log could be turned 
down and used as a desk. Mr. Folgate farmed in Howard Township for a 
time and came to Huggins Township in 1881, where he has lived ever since. 
He owns 220 acres of land, has an excellent residence, a large barn, and 
good improvements on the farm. He raises registered Duroc hogs, Short- 
horn cattle, and Golden Wyandotte poultry. 

Chauncey Folgate was married in 1896 to Becky Ruch, a daughter of 
John and Jane Ruch of Wilson Township. Mrs. Folgate was born, reared, 
and educated in Wilson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Folgate have six living 
children : Ward, at home ; Kenneth, at home ; Stella, married to Isaac 
Pierce ; and Jay, Willie, and Eldon all living at home. 

Mr. Folgate is a Republican, and is identified with the Methodist 
church. The first Methodist church in this community was oi'ganized at 
the home of B. F. Sale, and the first edifice was built in 1854. Among the 
members of the first organization were ; Mr. and Mrs. John Huggins, Mr. 
and Mrs. John Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Ross, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. 
Robert Morris, and Mr. and Mrs. William Poole. Rev. Merrit Shockely and 
Rev. Harold Johnson were among the first ministers. Mr. Folgate is one 
of the interesting talkers of the community, and recalls quite vividly and 
clearly the details of the early history of the county. He is one of the sub- 
stantial and reliable men of Huggins Township, and he and his family are 
assets to the community. 

Joab P. Neal was born on Jan. 7, 1854, on the farm near Stanberry 
in Huggins Township, Gentry County, which is now his home. With the 
excepting of three years spent in Colorado, Gentry County has been Mr. 
Neal's home all of his life. He was born in a log cabin, which was his par- 
ents' home in those early days; and in his boyhood, he and his brother 
cleared most of the farm of timber. His recollections cover the strenuous 
period of the Civil War, and Mr. Neal recalls very vividly the days that the 
neighborhood boys went to Albany to enlist for service in the srife between 
the states. 

Mr. Neal's parents were Joab and Luvina (Sale) Neal. Joab Neal was 
born on July 1, 1815, and died on Feb. 10, 1854. His remains are buried in 
Hall Cemetery. He married Luvina Sale in Gentry County in 1847. She 
was born, July 27, 1828, a daughter of Samuel Sale of Michigan. Mr. Sale 
died in Michigan and his widow came to Gentry County in 1840, driving a 
team of oxen from her home state to the new country. She settled on a farm 
adjoining the Neal farm, where she spent the remainder of her life. Joab 
Neal and his wife entered land in Gentry County during the forties and 



790 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

improved it. Joab Neal was a veteran of the Black Hawk War of 1832, and 
was a teacher of prominence. He taught several schools after he came to 
Gentry County, and was a member of one of the early legislatures of the 
State of Missouri. After his death his widow continued to live on the farm, 
where she died in the ninety second year of her age on Nov. 25, 1920. Her 
remains are buried in Hall Cemetery. To her union with Joab Neal the 
following children were born: J. W., living in Oklahoma; W. R., died at 
Hugginsville on Oct. 23, 1920 ; Ruhama, died in infancy ; and Joab P., the 
subject of this sketch. By a second marriage of Luvina (Sale) Neal to 
Robert M. Kier, she had the following children : Jasper Newton, a resident 
of Stanberry; Sarah Eliza, now Mrs. Galentine of Stanberry; Robert H., 
living at St. Joseph ; Leander, deceased ; and Floyd T., a resident of Brown- 
lee, Neb. 

Joab P. Neal attended the rural schools in Gentry County and has been 
a farmer all of his life. He owns 105 aci^es of land on which he has a good 
residence, built in 1917, excellent farm buildings, and where he does gen- 
eral farming and stock raising in a thoroughly competent way. 

Joab P. Neal was married, Nov. 3, 1881 to Caroline Alexander, a 
daughter of Francis and Margaret (Edie) Alexander, early settlers of Hug- 
gins Township. Mr. Alexander died in 1885, and his wife died in 1878. The 
remains of both are buried in Hall Cemetery. Their children were : W. B.., 
John F., Littleton E., Preston, Clarence S. ; Mrs. Josephine James, Sarah, 
and Delle, all deceased ; and Louisa, now Mrs. Parker and living in Mon- 
tana ; and Caroline, now Mrs. Neal. Mr. and Mrs. Neal had the following 
children: Sylvia A., died at the age of two years; Olera L., married Eliza 
James, has a daughter, Opal, and is a farmer in Huggins Township ; and 
Otto P., at home. 

Mr. Neal was the first collector of Huggins Township. Both he and his 
wife grew up in the county, and both experienced the privations and hard- 
ships of pioneering. The Neal family has been well and favorably known in 
the community for many years, and Mr. Neal is highly esteemed as an effi- 
cient farmer, and an excellent citizen. 

Aaron Gregg, pioneer farmer of Huggins Township in Gentry 
County, was born in Noble County. Ohio, March 21, 1842, the son of George 
and Sarah TTriplett) Gregg. 

George Gregg was a native of Virginia, and went to Pennsylvania 
when he was 12 years of age. After he reached manhood he moved to Ohio, 
where he settled in Noble County. He died in Ohio at the age of 80 years, 
and his wife died at the same place at the age of 78 years. Their remains 
are buried in the Beaver Cemetery in Noble County, Ohio. Aaron Gregg is 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 791 

the youngest, and the only livinjr child. Those deceased are: Ruth, who 
married Ben Stockdale; Thomas, died at the age of 21 years; William; 
John; Martha Ann, was the wife of Sylvester Hathaway; Isaac; and Jane, 
who was married to David Cline. 

Aaron Gregg came to Gentry County in 1869. He came down the Ohio 
River, up the Missouri River to St. Joseph, and by wagon to Gentry County. 
Six months after his arrival in Missouri he settled on his present farm. He 
bought 40 acres of land form Stephen Garton and added to it until he now 
owns 205 acres, 120 acres of which is in section 19, and the remainder, 
which comprises the home place, in section 14. The former is now operated 
by Mr. Gregg's son, Melvin. It is well improved and has a good residence, 
three barns, and two silos. The home place is also kept in excellent condi- 
tion and both farms show the effect of Mr. Gregg's efficient managemient. 
The house into which Mr. Gregg moved when he came to Gentry County is 
still standing and makes an interesting bit of family history. 

Aaron Gregg was married on Jan. 5, 1865 to Mary Catherine EUett, a 
daughter of John and Catherine (Kinsey) Ellett, both of whom died before 
Mrs. Gregg's marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg found life in the unsettled 
country very trying for a time, but they were uncomplaining in meeting the 
privations, and ultimately made a success of the farm. They kept out of 
debt, but sometimes found it difficult in those days of the scarcity of money 
to even buy stamps to write to relatives. The best tribute to Mrs. Gregg's 
ability is to be found in the family which she reared under difficulties, but 
with marked success. Mrs. Gregg died, Jan. 23, 1921 at the age of 79 years. 
Her children were : Elma, married Frank Lawrence of Gentry, and had the 
following children, Ethel, deceased; Claud, married Eva Canady; Melvin, 
who married Mabel Woolen ; and Charlie ; Melvin, married Myrtle Wilson 
and has two children ; Cleo, married Hazel Wallace ; Fay, the wife of Fred 
O'Banion; and Guy who married Gladys Liggett. Mr. Gregg has several 
great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Gregg is a member of the Methodist Church. He and his family 
are highly esteemed in the twonship and are valuable members of the com- 
munity. Mr. Gregg is one of the interesting pioneers of the county, a man 
who wrested success from a new and untried county, and a citizen of the 
type that built up this part of the state of Missouri. 

G. M. Dallas Morrison, proprietor of the Elm Grove Farm 61 miles 
west of Albany in Huggins Township, Gentry County, was born in Penn- 
sylvania, Oct. 30, 1845, the son of Joseph and Eliza (McClure) Morri- 
son. 

Joseph Morrison and his wife moved to Lee County, Iowa, where 



792 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mrs. Morrison died in 1852. Joseph Morrison died in Warren County, 
Ohio, more than 30 years ago. He was a prominent farmer and stock- 
man of his time. To his union with Eliza (McClure) Morrison the fol- 
lowing children were born: Robert McClure, a resident of Kansas City, 
Mo. ; G. M. D., the subject of this review ; and James, died in Lee County, 
Iowa, when he was 21 years old; Amzy, died at Ft. Madison, Iowa; W. 
J., died at Kahoka; and Minerva J., who married Mr. Spencer and died 
in Nebraska. 

G. M. D. Morrison attended the schools of Lee County, Iowa, and 
enlisted for service in the Civil War when he was 18 years old. He 
served in Company D, 8th Iowa Cavalry from August, 1863. until the 
close of the war. He participated in the battles of Atlanta and Kenesaw 
Mountain and was taken prisoner while in a raid before the fall of At- 
lanta. He was taken to Andersonville prison on August 3, 1864. In 
September of the same year he was transfered to Macon, Ga., being 
there only a short time he was taken on to Millen prison then to Savan- 
nah. On Dec. 25, 1864, he was again taken down the coast and across 
to Andersonville prison. He was retained there until the close of the 
war, when he returned to his home in Iowa, but for many years felt the 
effects of his experience in prison. In June, 1866, Mr. Morrison came to 
Gentry County and bought 40 acres of land in Huggins Township three 
years later. Soon afterwards he bought 20 acres adjoining the first tract. 
He later sold this 60 acres, and bought 80 acres of the farm which he now 
owns. That was in 1872 and Mr. Morrison now owns 215 acres of well im- 
poved land. His holdings were at one time 305 acres, but he recently 
disposed of part of the land. The farm is well located, there is an excellent 
residence, and good farm buildings. The yard is especially pretty ; there are 
several cedar trees in it and a beautiful elm grove. The farm gets its name 
from this grove which has been on the place since the early days. 

Mr. Morrison was married on April 11, 1869, to Sarah J. Pettit, a 
native of Decatur County, Ind., and a daughter of Joseph and Eliza- 
beth (Call) Pettit. Mr. and Mrs. Pettit were both born in Indiana, were 
married there, and later settled in Benton County, Iowa. They after- 
wards moved to Gentry County, and finally located in Daviess County, 
where they both died. Their children were: Joseph, of Oklahoma ; Isaac, 
living in Oklahoma; Charles, of Dade County; Columbus, living at Mc- 
Fall; John, address unknown; Ollie, married to John Pettit of Benton 
County, Iowa; Sarah J., the wife of G. M. D. Morrison; William, died 
at St. Joseph; Jacob died in Dade County; Mary, died in Benton County, 
Iowa ; and Stella and Ella, twins, died in girlhood. 



i 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 793 

Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have six children living: F. L., of Phoenix, 
Ariz., married Effie Hughs and has the following children, Everett, 
Rachel, a teacher in the Floyd District, Gertrude, Blondina, a teacher at 
Center Grove, and Alice; A. A., a farmer in Huggins Township, married 
Louzetta Straley, and has the following children, Mabel, married Leon- 
ard Pittsenbarger, and has two children, Marcel and Lettie Lou, Cecil, 
who married Earl Walker; Clarence; Blanche, now the wife of Glenn 
Hathaway ; Dallas, Leland, and Doris ; Oliver, a farmer in Harrison 
County, married Marguerite Hunsicker, and has three children, Claude, 
Carl, and Gaylord ; Rosa, the wife of Howard Adams of Kansas City, 
with four children; Oliver, married Clinton Wheeler; Marion, the wife of 
Stanley Waters; Elva and Junior; Ona, married to W. O. Herald of Al- 
bany, with one son, Virgil; and Jesse, a resident of Sterling, Col., mar- 
ried to Grace Wilson,, and has three children, Mildred, Olive and Loretta. 

Mr. Morrison was formerly a member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic at Stanberry. He served on the Board of Directors of the 
Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Gentry County for several years. 
Mr. Morrison is one of the highly esteemed citizens of his community 
where he is regarded as a substantial and reliable citizen. 

Dr. A. W. Coppersmith, an efficient and popular dentist of Stan- 
berry, Gentry County, has his office on North Locust Street where he has 
a large practice. He was born at Stanberry, Nov. 13, 1877, the son of 
Anthony and Catherine Coppersmith. 

Anthony Coppersmith was born in Wurtenberg, Germany, Aug. 5, 
1829, the son of Matthias and Catherine Coppersmith. Anthony Cop- 
persmith attended school in his native country and came to the United 
States in 1854. He landed in New York, and in 1857 he went to Dutchess 
County, N. Y., where he worked for 18 months. In 1858 he came 
to Warren County, 111., where he farmed for 16 years. On Nov. 7, 
1871, Anthony Coppersmith was married to Catherine Doub, bom in 
Germany, June 13, 1841, the daughter of Henry Doub. In the fall of 
1874 Anthony Coppersmith moved to Gentry County and settled on a 
farm just north of Stanberry. Mr. Coppersmith was a successful farmer 
and improved his holding of 180 acres of land. He and his wife were 
both members of the Baptist Church and were highly esteemed mem- 
bers of the community. Mr. Coppersmith died. May 3, 1903, and Mrs. 
Coppersmith died, Dec. 14, 1921. The remains of both are buried in 
High Ridge Cemetery. Their children were: Emma; A. W., the subject 
of this sketch; Leo, a dentist at Pierce, Neb.; and Nellie M., the wife of 
A. M. Schubert of Des Moines, Iowa. 



794 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY vIOUNTIES 

Dr. Coppersmith attended the public shcools of Gentry County and 
the Stanberry Normal School. He then became a student in the Western 
Dental College at Kansas City, Mo., and graduated from that institution 
in 1902. He began the practice of his profession at Stanberry, where he 
has followed dentistry with marked success ever since. 

Dr. Coppersmith is identified with the Baptist Church. He is a 
highly esteemed citizen of Stanberry. 

W. F. Sager is the present mayor of Stanberry and has been a resi- 
dent of Gentry County for the past 57 years. During this time he has 
seen the country develop from the crude, sparsely populated community 
which it was when he first knew it to the present well organized and 
highly developed county. Long before the town of. Stanberry was laid 
out, Mr. Sager, then in his early youth, helped break the prairie land 
with ox teams. The county prospered, and Mr. Sager's name was con- 
nected with many public enterprises. He was the vice president of the 
Bank of Stanberry from 1889 until 1896, when the bank was merged 
with the Farmers and Mechanics Bank. From that date until 1909 he 
was connected with the real estate and fire insurance business, and he 
is now the local agent for the New York Life Insurance Company. 

W. F. Sager was born in Cedar County, Iowa, April 13, 1863. His 
father, Edward Sager, was born Oct. 26, 1838, the sixth son born to his 
parents. Christian Sager and his wife. Edward Sager died at Boynton, 
Okla., June 18, 1919, and his remains are buried in High Ridge Ceme- 
tery, Gentry County. His wife Elizabeth (Gearhart) Sager, died at the 
age of 47 years. To her union with Edward Sager the following chil- 
dren were born: W. F., the subject of this sketch; Mary C, now Mrs. 
Lewis of Ft. Lupton, Col. ; James C, a prominent commission man living 
in St. Joseph; Rachel, now Mrs. Taylor of Quincy, 111.; J. B., connected 
with a bank at Darlington; Emily J., deceased; E. W., a resident of St. 
Joseph ; a sister, now Mrs. Bert Myers of Los Angeles, Calif. ; and Al- 
bert, living in St. Joseph. 

W. F. Sager was a student in the Stanberry Normal School from 
which he graduated in the class of 1885. He then located at Colby, Kan., 
where he organized the first bank ever established there. He remained 
in that work until he came to Stanberry in 1889. He was elected the 
mayor of Stanberry in April, 1920, and has made an efficient official. 
He has kept the details of the office in such excellent shape that it would 
be possible for another incumbent to take over the work with practically 
no difficulty. Throughout his term of office, Mr. Sager has been pains- 
taking and has exhibited excellent executive ability. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 795 

Mr. Sager was married on March 16, 1887, to Amanda Cain, a 
daughter of Charles L. and Sarah J. Cain, early settlers of Nodaway 
County, and both now deceased. To the union of W. F. and Amanda 
(Cain) Sager the following children were born: Edna, a teacher in the 
Manual Training High School of Kansas City, Mo.; Raymond D,. men- 
tion of whom appears later; Sylvia S., the cashier of the Lee Live Stock 
and Corn Company at St. Joseph; Edward, Jr., at home; and W. F., Jr., 
at home. 

Raymond D. Sager was born on Jan. 24, 1889, at Stanberry, where 
he was reared. He was in service during the World War and was 
wounded on Oct. 6, 1918, during the Argonne Drive in France. He died 
on Oct. 21st of that year and his remains are buried in the American 
Ceryetery in France. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge 
at Stanberry. 

W. F. Sager is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and dur- 
ing the 2.5 years of his membership, he has filled all of the chairs. He 
has been the Deputy Grand Chancellor for several years. Mayor Sager 
has one of the beautiful residences of Stanberry, and is one of the lead- 
ing citizens of the town. 

J. Clark Powers, a prominent farmer and stockman of Cooper 
Township, Gentry County, is known throughout his community as a man 
of progressive ideas. He is the .son of a well known farmer, Harvey Pow- 
ers, and was born .I'ust northeast of Union Grove, Gentry County, March 
13, 1880. His mother, Cynthia T. (Clark) Powers came of pioneer stock, 
her parents having been early settlers in Gentry County. Mr. and Mrs. 
Clark, sketches of whose lives appear in this volume, live in Bogle Town- 
shfp. 

J. Clark Powers attended the Burnett District school in his child- 
hood, and later was a student in the Albany High School. He farmed at 
home with his father for several years, and in the meantime, became in- 
terested in the buying and selling of farms. At the present time, Mr. 
Powers owns 290 acres of well improved land four miles northwest of 
Stanberry in Cooper Township. For the past 10 years, Mr. Powers has 
been breeding and raising Poland China hogs. Mr. Powers had his last 
annual sale of hogs on Nov. 17, 1921. He keeps his herd pure bred, and 
is justly proud of the animals he raises. He also raises pure bred Perch- 
eron horses, and high class Jersey cattle. Mrs. Powers breeds pure bred 
Buff Leghorn chickens and both Mr. and Mrs. Powers have established 
a reputation for success in their work. 



796 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

J. Clark Powers was married on June 11, 1899, to Bettie Kerfoot, 
a daughter of John T. and M. E. (Williams) Kerfoot. Mrs. Kerfoot is 
dead, and her husband now lives at Garden City, Kan. Mrs. Powers was 
born, reared and educated near Gentry. To her union with J. Clark 
Powers two children were born: Curtis, married Estella J. Cook, and is 
farming on the home place; and Esther Ellen, now a student in the Stan- 
berry High School. 

By inheritance, training, and because of his innate ability, J. Clark 
Powers is a man of strong business acumen, one who has achieved prom- 
inence in his work as a stockman because he is both capable and ener- 
getic. 

Harvey Powers, one of the well known farmers and stockmen of 
Bogle Township, Gentry County, is a native of "Virginia, born in Taze- 
well County, Oct. 18, 1861, the son of J. B. and Rebecca (Whitton) Pow- 
ers. 

J. B. Powers was born in Smith County, Virginia, and was a vet- 
eran of the Civil War, in which he served for four years in the Confed- 
erate army. He came to Missouri in 1869 and settled first at Albany, 
later at Union Grove and at Alanthus, all in Gentry County. At all of 
those towns he followed his occupation of blacksmithing. In 1887 he 
went to Hickory County, where he remained for two years, and then 
moved to Sheridan, Wyo. He died in Wyoming at the age of 59 years. 
His wife, also a native of Virginia, died in Wyoming at the age of 68 
years. Their children were : Harvey, the subject of this sketch ; Charles, 
living at Moline, Kan. ; John, a resident of Sheridan, Wyo. ; Edward, 
living in Washington; Alex, now living in Wyoming; and Mollie, mar- 
ried Bud Jenney, and died at Sheridan, Wyo., Aug. 25, 1921. 

Harvey Powers attended the public schools, and has made his own 
way in the world since he was 18 years old. He lived on a farm three 
miles north of Union Grove until 1899, when he bought his present farm 
of 220 acres. He has a good residence, a silo, excellent farm buildings, 
and the place has fine water facilities. Mr. Powers raises Duroc Jersey 
hogs and has registered males. He also raises cattle, and is accounted 
one of the successful men of the community in this line of work. 

Mr. Powers was married, Nov. 15, 1878, to Cynthia T. Clark, a 
daughter of James and Mary (Orr) Clark. James Clark was born in 
Paisley, Scotland in 1809, and came to the United States "with his par- 
ents in 1816. They settled near New Lisbon, Ohio, and there James 
Clark was reared. He and his younger brother, David, were among the 
earliest settlers in the Union community in Gentry County. They entered 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 797 

land five miles northwest of Gentry in 1857. The brother, David, en- 
listed for service in the Civil War, and died in Virginia while serving in 
the Union army. James Clark married Mary E. Orr, born near New 
Lisbon, Ohio, in 1817, and she had come with him to the new country. 
He died in 1868, and his z-emains are buried in the Smithton Cemetery. 
His widow was left with a child of only six months, to face the hardships 
and privations of early pioneer life. Mrs. Clark died at the home of her 
daughter, Cynthia T. (Clark) Powers, in 1900 at the age of 83 years. To 
the pioneer women of her type the county owes much. 

To the union of Harvey and Cynthia T. (Clark) Powers the follow- 
ing children were born : Clark, a sketch of whose life appears in this 
volume; Cecil, married Miss Lucy Barnes, and is a farmer in Bogle 
Township ; and Harvey, Jr., now operating the home farm. 

Harvey Powers is a man who is accounted capable and reliable in 
his community. His farm is located on the Air Line between Gentry and 
Worth and its appearance shows the effects of Mr. Powers' efficient 
management. The Powers family are an asset to Bogle Township. 

William J. Milligan, Civil War veteran and member of a pioneer 
family of Wilson Township, Gentry County, was born 1\ miles east of 
Alanthus Grove, Aug. 20, 1845, the son of Templeton and Elizabeth 
(Thompson) Milligan. 

Both Templeton Milligan and his wife were born in Tennessee 
where they were also married. They came to Clinton County, Missouri, 
in 1840, and located in Gentry County shortly afterwards. Mr. Milligan 
entered land comprising 120 acres, which he improved. Mrs. Milligan 
died in 1848 and Mr. Milligan in 1851. The remains of both are buried 
in Jennings Cemetery. William J. Milligan is the only child of his par- 
ents, but by a second marriage of the father, he had two children : Mary 
Merissa, now Mrs. Judd of Benton County; and Isabell, living in Okla- 
homa. Mr. Milligan's widow, now Mrs. Watkins, is living at Worth. 

William J. Milligan was educated in the public schools of Wilson 
Township and farmed until a little more than 20 years ago. For more 
than 24 years he lived on his farm near Enyart, but traded that land for 
some property in Stanberry, which he later sold and bought 160 acres 
east of Alanthus Grove. Mr. Milligan served in the Missouri State Mili- 
tia for two years during the Civil War, and was one year in the 15th 
Missouri Infantry, Fourth Army Corps. He was mustered out of service 
on Dec. 2, 1865, at Victoria, Texas. 

William J. Milligan was married, April 19, 1866, to Joan Chapman, 
a daughter of E. G. and Elizabeth (Grooms) Chapman, early settlers of 



798 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Wilson Township. They came here from Platte County, where Mrs. 
Milligan was born in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman had the following 
children: John H., a resident of St. Joseph; Mary, now Mrs. Prather of 
Gentry; William, died at Enyart; Emma, was Mrs. Williamson and died 
at Stanberry; Catherine, married Mr. Oglesby, and died in Idaho. 

Mr. Milligan is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows. He and Mrs. Milligan have been living in Alanthus Grove for more 
than 20 years, and are well known and higly respected througout the 
community. Mr. Milligan recalls much interesting data in connection with 
the early history of Alanthus Grove. The first post office of the community 
was established at Enyart with Abraham Enyart as postmaster. The office 
was later moved farther east and Samuel Bryson was the acting post- 
master ; and still later Alanthus Grove was made the site of the office with 
William Garrett, postmaster. Those changes were all made prior to the Civ- 
il War, and the postoffice was discontinued almost 20 years ago. The first 
merchant of the town was Jerry Wright, who came to the county in pioneer 
days and entered several hundred acres of land. He enlisted in the Confed- 
erate Army during the Civil War, and never returned to Gentry County. 

Thomas Kerwin, one of the prominent farmers and stockmen of 
Gentry County, is a native of Iowa, born in Cedar County, Feb. 23, 1866. 

•Mr. Kerwin's parents, Philip and Johanna (Long) Kerwin, came to 
Missouri in 1875, arriving in Gentry County on May 25th of that year. 
Philip Kerwin bought 360 acres of land to which he later added until he 
owned 520 acres at the time of his death on July 1, 1887. He became one 
of the well known farmers and stockmen of the community, and was a man 
highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. His wife died on Nov. 21, 1901. Her 
remains and those of her husband are buried in Dolbra Cemetery. Their 
children were: Mary, the wife of J. P. Morris of Worth County; Thomas 
the subject of this sketch ; and Elizabeth, married to Elmer Bressler of Los 
Angeles, Calif. 

Thomas Kerwin attended school in Iowa, and was a student in the 
Grantham District in Wilson Township, Gentry County, where he has spent 
all of his life. He has extensive land holdings comprising 1840 acres in 
Worth and Gentry counties, and including the Kerwin home place. More 
than 500 acres of land is in the Grand River bottom, and 350 acres is in the 
Drainage District. Mr. Kerwin has one of the best improved stock farms 
of the county ; the house is situated on an elevation overlooking the beauti- 
ful Grand River Valley, and there are commodious buildings for the stock. 
Mr. Kerwin had corn on 200 acres of land in 1921, and the yeild averaged 
50 bushels an acre. He fed three car loads of hogs and three car loads of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 799 

cattle during the past year, and is one of the prominent feeders of Wilson 
Township. 

Mr. Kerwin was married in 1892 to Delia Morris. Mrs. Kerwin died 
in 1893, and Mr. Kerwin was married on Sept. 3, 1906 to Josephine 
Straussmyer, a daughter of Andrew and Anna (Bremer) Straussmyer 
of Wilson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Straussmyer came to Gentry County 
in 1880, and now live in Wilson Township on the farm where Mrs. Ker- 
win was born. Mr. and Mrs. Kerwin had the following children : Philip 
Andrew, James Elmer, Anna Johanna, Thomas Frederick, and Mary 
Elizabeth, who was born on May 2, 1920 and died on Nov. 15, 1920. 

Mr. Kerwin and his family are members of the Dolora Catholic 
church. This church, which stands on the Kerwin farm, was established 
by Father Powers in 1868, and he was the pastor for five years. The old 
church building was replaced in 1892 by the present edifice. The Dolora 
Ceinetery located by the church is also on a part of the Kerwin farm. 

Mr. Kerwin is known throughout noi'thwest Missouri as a reliable 
and substantial stockman who has achieved marked success in his work. 
The Kerwin family is highly esteemed in the community. Mr. Kerwin 
has served as the assessor of Wilson Township, and at present is serving 
as president of the Board of Supervisors of the Gentry County Drainage 
District. 

T. H. McElroy, Secretary-Treasurer and General Superintendent of 
the Electric Light Company at King City is a native of Pennsylviana. He 
was born April 26, 1876 and is the son of Winfield Scott and Rosetta 
(Wheeler) McElroy. Winfield Scott McElroy was for many years en- 
gaged in teaching in New York and Pennsylviana. He is a Republican 
and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife is deceased; 
he is at the present engaged in the flour and feed business. 

T. H. McElroy is one of the following children born to his parents: 
T. H., the subject of this sketch; Stephen, died in 1908 and is buried at 
Wellsburg, Pa. ; Nettie, married Orlando Richards, who is a car inspec- 
tor in the employ of the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad and resides at 
Cranesville, Pa.; Mamie, married Charles Anderson, Erie, Pa. A step- 
sister, Orril Wood is now the wife of Ed Sterrett, Erie, Pa. 

T. H. McElroy received a good comuon school education, after which 
he took an engineering course and worked at stationary engineering until 
1915. He then took a course in electrical engineering at the International 
Correspondence School of Scranton, Pa., and shortly afterwards took 
charge of the electrical plant at Girard, Pa. He served as superintendent 
of that plant for 11 years. In January, 1916, he came to King City and 



800 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

took charge of the electric plant there as superintendent and also owns 
one-half interest in this institution. Mr. McElroy has had an extensive 
experience in electrical engineering and is thouroughly competent in that 
line of work. 

Mr. McElroy was married to Miss Zena May Suchland, daughter of 
August and Louise (Bax) Suchland. August Suchland was born in Meck- 
lenburg, Schwerin, Germany and came to America at the age of 14 years. 
He was successfully engaged in farming in Erie County, Pa., until about 
the time of his death. His widow now lives at Girard, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. 
McElroy has been born one child, Mildred, who was born in Pennsylvania 
and is a student in the King City High School, a member of the class of 
1924. 

Mr. McElroy takes a commendable interest in public affairs; he is a 
member of the King City school board and secretary of the King City 
Commercial Club. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Indepen- 
dent Odd Fellows, the Eastern Star and is a Republican. He is a member 
of the Methodist Church and one of the representivve men of affairs in 
King City and Gentry County. 

Richard Hudson, deceased, was one of Daviess County's most suc- 
cessful farmers and stockmen. He was born in Ontario, Canada, July 
31, 1849, the son of William and Elizabeth (Brewster) Hudson. Mr. and 
Mrs. William Hudson settled in Illinois in about 1855, where they both 
died. 

Richard Hudson was married on Oct. 17, 1878, in DeKalb County, to 
Ella Gould, the daughter of Benjamin S., and Rachel (Hines) Gould. Mr. 
Gould was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and his wife was a native of 
Bradford County, Pa. Mr. Gould died in 1875 in Illinois and his wife died 
in 1916 in Kansas. 

Richard Hudson and his wife lived for 16 years in Lincoln County, 
Kans., where he carried on farming and stock raising. In 1894 he remov- 
ed to Daviess County, and settled in Colfax Township, where he lived until 
his death in May, 1916. He owned 200 acres of well improved land two 
miles south of Winston, and since his death, his wife and sons have pur- 
chased 233 acres, making a total of 433 acres. It is one of the finest stock 
farms in Daviess County, and is now operated by Mr. Hudson's sons. It 
is called "Maple Stock Farm," on account of the large maples which are 
located in front of the residence. Mrs. Hudson has a very attractive 
home, nicely located. Mr. Hudson's sons have been carrying on their 
father's business successfully since his death, and are well known as 
feeders of cattle and hogs. 




.Mi;. AXij MRS. uu'ii.vni.) ni'DSON 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 801 

To Richard and Ella (Gould) Hudson six children were born, as fol- 
lows: Mabel, the wife of 0. P. Painter, residing on the old Hudson farm 
near Malta, 111. They have a daughter, Ella Virginia Painter; William 
S., living on the home place ; Geroge, born June 8, 1886, now deceased. He 
was selected for service during the World War, and sent to Camp Funston, 
with Ambulance Company No. 41, and later overseas with the 32nd Ambu- 
lance Company, He died at Bordeaux, France, Dec. 31, 1918, from pneu- 
monia. His body was returned to the United States for burial at Winston ; 
Arthur, living at the home place ; Florence, the wife of Morgan Jones, 
Dawn, Mo. ; and Lester G., at home. He enlisted in the army during the 
World War while attending school at Manhattan, Kans., and was sent 
to Camp Lee, near Petersburg, Va., and later to Camp Beauregard, La. 

Mr. Hudson was vice-president of the Winston Bank at the time of 
his death. He was a progressive and substantial citizen and possessed 
excellent judgment in all matters. He was valuable in his community 
as a man willing at all times to advise and counsel with his fellow men. In 
his business affairs he was ever upright and fair and in his work as a 
citizen he was the upholder of high standards. 

Lincoln O. Grantham, one of the progressive farmers and stockmen 
of Wilson Township, Gentry County, was born on a farm just one fourth 
of a mile south of his present residence on July 1, 1866, the son of James 
L. and Mary (Knye) Grantham. 

James L. Grantham was born in Kentucky in 1836. His parents 
moved to Hillsboro, 111., where James L. was reared. In 1856 he came 
with his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Grantham, to Missouri and 
settled in Wilson Township on a farm adjoining the one now owned by 
Lincoln O. Grantham. Thomas and Elizabeth both died on their farm, 
and their remains are buried in the Grantham Cemetery. James L. 
Grantham enlisted for service in the Union Army during the Civil War, 
and served during the years 1863 and 1864. He married Mary E. Knye, 
who was born in Germany in 1838. Her parents came to the United 
States in 1844 and settled at Portsmouth, Ohio. A few years later they 
came to St. Joseph, Mo., and from there to Wilson Township, Gentry 
County. James L. Grantham died in 1875, and his widow makes her 
home with her son, Lincoln O. To the union of James L. and Mary E. 
(Knye) Grantham the following children were born : Naoma C, married 
Mr. Winslow, and died at the age of 20 years; Harriett C, became Mrs. 
Winslow, and died in 1898; Dora, died in infancy; L. O., the subject of 
this sketch; Thomas W., now the owner of the home place; Oliver P., a 



802 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

farmer in Oklahoma; James L., a farmer living east of Stanberry; and 
Elizabeth, died in March, 1919, at the age of 50 years. 

L. O. Grantham has land holdings of 380 acres in his home place 
and 60 acres near Enyart. The land is all well improved; the present 
residence was built in 1907, and the farm is equipped with excellen't 
farm buildings, and facilities for caring for the stock. Mr. Grantham 
raises Shorthorn cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs. He feeds two 
or three car loads of each during a year. 

L. O. Grantham was married in 1890 to Maggie Wharton, a 
daughter of R. M. and S. F. (Yost) Wharton. Mrs. Grantham was born 
near Mar.shalltown, Iowa, and came to Gentry County with her parents 
in 1870. Mr. Wharton died in California in 1889, and Mrs. Wharton 
now lives in Billings, Mont. Mr. and Mrs. Grantham had the following 
children: Blanch, the wife of Fred Richardson of Wilson Township; 
Roy, married Goldie Liggett, and lives on the home farm ; Neva, married 
Leland Fryar, cashier of the Farmers Bank at Ravenwood ; Everett, a 
farmer living three miles east of Alanthus Grove ; Earl, accidentally 
killed when he was six years old ; Marcella, a sudent in the Stanberry 
High School; and Bernard, at home. 

Mr. Grantham is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons at Alanthus Grove, the Chapter at Stanberry, and the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows at Ravenwood. He has served twice as a 
member of the township board, and in 1914 made the race for circuit 
clerk of Gentry County on the Republican ticket. He is a member of the 
Gentry County Fire Insurance Company, and is at present serving on 
the board of that company. Mr. Grantham is one of the substantial 
citizens of Wilson Township, a man known for his ability in business, 
and for his high ideals of civic progress. 

Andrew J. Goodwine, a farmer of Wilson Township, Gentry County, 
lives on the farm where he was born, July 29, 1882. The land has been 
in the Goodwine family for 73 years, having been entered from the 
government by Wash Goodwine, father of Andrew J. Goodwine. 

Wash Goodwine was born in Yorkshire, England, and came to the 
United States when he was four years old. He settled in Indiana and in 
18.53 moved to Missouri, where he took up land near Alanthus Grove in 
Wilson Township, Gentry County. He became an extensive feeder of 
cattle and hogs, and raised cattle, hogs and mules, buying the corn used 
for feeding from the farmers near by. At one time he owned 700 acres 
of land in the county. He married Harriett Cunningham, who was born 
in Ireland and came to the United States with her parents wlien she was 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 803 

10 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwine were married in Indiana in 1853. 
Mr. Goodwine died on Dec. 13, 1902 at the age of 86 years, and Mrs. 
Goodwine died on June 16, 1916 at the age of 87 years. The re- 
mains of both are buried in Monroe Cemetery. Their children were: 
Seth, a farmer living near Stanberry; Amanda, married Aaron Ball and 
died at Ebntonville, Ark., Oct. 8, 1907 ; John, a farmer at Greeley, Colo. ; 
Abner, a poultry dealer at Ravenwood; Enretta, the wife of J. A. Star- 
wait of Stanberry ; Lucy, married to W. R. Cogdell, a farmer near Clyde ; 
George, deceased; Sherwin, deceased; Stilwell, a farmer near Grover, 
Col. ; Raleigh, farming at Grover, Col. ; A. J., the subject of this sketch ; 
and Frank, living at Hereford, Col. 

A. J. Goodwine attended the rural schools of Gentry County, and 
has been a farmer all of his life. He owns 80 acres of the home farm, 
where he does general farming and raises stock. Mrs. Goodwine raises 
Columbian Wyandotte poultry, and has a market for the eggs and fowls 
at home. 

A. J. Goodwine was married, Sept. 5, 1917 to Edelle Tatum, a 
daughter of James L. and Laura (Stevens) Tatum. Mrs. Tatum, born 
in Indiana, in 1873, died at Franklin, Ind., May 26, 1906. Mr. Tatum, 
born in Indiana in 1875, now lives in Cooper Township, Gentry County. 
Mrs. Goodwine was born and reared at Ninevah, Johnson County, Ind., 
and came to Gentry County in 1912. To her union with A. J. Goodwine 
two children have been born, Ruth Harriett, and Laura Edith. 

Mr. Goodwine is a Republican. He is an industrious and energetic 
farmer, highly esteemed in his neighborhood. 

William Thomas, one of the capable and excellent citizens of Stan- 
berry, Gentry County, is a retired farmer. He came to Stanberry in 1919, 
from his farm of 240 acres three miles south of Stanberry, and has been 
known in the community for his spirit of fairness and justice during the 
reconstruction period in the agriculture of the county. 

William Thomas was born in Germany, May 17, 1853, the son of 
Peter and Eve (Boquet) Thomas, who came to the United States in 
1854. and settled in Marshall County, 111. They both died there, and 
their remains are buried at Henry, 111. Their children were: Gertrude, 
was Mrs. Newhelfen, and died at Henry, 111. ; Margaret, now Mrs. Zieg- 
ler of Henry, 111.; Kate, now Mrs. Ziegler of Henry, 111.; and William, 
the subject of this review. 

Mr. Thomas attended school at Henry, 111., and at the age of 25 
years, went to Shelby County, Iowa, where he lived until 1902. He came 
to Gentry County that year, and bought his farm near Stanberry. He did 



804 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

general farming and stockraising. The farm is located on the Jefferson 
Highway and is equipped with excellent improvements. Mr. Thomas's 
residence in Stanberry is located on the corner of Alanthus and First 
streets. 

William Thomas was married on Oct. 27, 1874 at Henry, 111., to 
Elizabeth Roth, born, Oct. 21, 1855 in Ontario, Canada. Her parents 
were Joseph and Eva (Friese) Roth. They are both dead and their 
remains are buried at Henry, HI. Their children were : Elizabeth, now 
Mrs. Thomas; Sophronia, and Mrs. Bartels of Hesper, Canada; Upaloma, 
now Mrs. Weyler of New Germany, Canada ; Joseph, living at Peoria, 
111. ; Henry, a resident of Henry, 111. ; Mrs. Coomradt Merdian, of Henry, 
111.; Frances, now Mrs. Troendly, living at Lincoln, 111.; Peter and 
Andrew, both dead ; and Mary, married Mr. Kramer, and died at Chi- 
cago, 111. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had the following children: William, married 
Angie Harkenrath, and lives at Neola, Iowa and they have one daughter, 
Frances; Henry, now dead, had married Madeline Leuchen, and left two 
children, Benedict and Henrietta ; Frank, married Annie Heyde, and 
lives at Stanberry; Leo, at home; Matilda, the wife of Jacob Doges of 
Portsmouth, Iowa; and Joseph, married Dora Heyde, and is a resident 
of Neola, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have the following grandchil- 
dren; William, Lena, Louis, Frances, Elizabeth, Marie, Anna, Bernadine, 
Pauline, and Michael Jacob Doges; Carl, the son of Frank Thomas; and 
Benedict and Henrietta, mentioned above. 

Mr. Thomas is a man of alert intellect and broad sympathies. He 
well merits the high esteem in which he is held. 

John H. Barnes, a well known and successful farmer and stockman, 
living near Albany, Mo. He was born near Denver, Mo., April 9, 1852, 
his parents having settled in Worth County at a very early date. 

John H. Barnes was reared on a farm and received his education in 
such schools as the times and conditions afforded. After attaining man- 
hood he engaged in farming and stockraising in Worth County which he 
successfully pursued until 1919 when he removed to Gentry County and 
since that time has been engaged in farming near Albany. 

In 1888, John H. Barnes was married to Miss Mary E. Maxwell and 
to them the following children have been born: Leona, married J. D. 
Castin of Worth County; Myrtle, married Charles Korn, Grant City; 
Wesley, married Bessie Kater, Worth County; Elmer, further mention 
of whom is made below, married Bessie Wallace and they live two miles 
south of Albany; Emery, married Esta Lewis and they live at Havelock, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 805 

Neb. ; Alvie, married Dorma Smith and they live at Salt Creek, Wyo. ; 
Sadie, married William Murphy, Fleming, Colo.; Olive, married John 
Beauchamps, Rodunda Beach, Calif. ; Phoebe, married Alex Conon and 
they live near Denver, Mo. ; Walter, married Georgia Pickering, Lincoln, 
Neb. ; Elsie, who is specializing in music at Palmer College, having 
graduated from the academic department in the class of 1922 ; Howard, 
graduated from the commercial department of Palmer College in the 
class of 1920; Kay, a student in Albany High School and a member of 
the class of 1923, and J. Edgar Barnes. 

J. Edgar Barnes was one of the promising young men whose career 
was marked with success and who made the supreme sacrifice in the 
World War. He was born Feb. 6, 1892 and after attending the public 
schools took a business course at Grand Island, Neb. He then went to 
Colorado and took up a government claim, becoming the owner of .310 
acres of land. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising when 
the United States entered the World War. He entered the service under 
the selective draft in 1917, becoming a membr of D Company, 354th 
Infantry, 89th Division. After a period of training at Camp Funston, 
Kan., he went to France with his division and was in a number of the 
important engagements in which the 89th Division participated. He was 
killed in battle Nov. 1, 1918. 

Elmer Barnes enlisted at Bakersfield, Calif., in March, 1918 and 
served in the Quartermaster Department. 

John H. Barnes has a distinct recollection of pioneer conditions as 
they existed in Worth County during his early boyhood days. Settlers 
were few, their nearest neighbor on the west being five miles distant. 
Methods of farming were crude and conveniences few. There were no 
tion schools, 
school houses and the only schools at that time were known as subscrip- 

Mr. Barnes has seen much of the development which has talcen 
place in this part of Missouri and has contributed his part to the up- 
building and betterment of this section. He is progressive and public 
spirited and one of the substantial men of Gentry County. 

Edward Adams, a successful contractor of Albany, Mo., who has 
been engaged in business for a number of years, is a native of Indiana. 
He was born in Scott County, that state, Sept. 10, 1855. a son of Morgan 
and Catherine (Lynch) Adams, the former a native of Kentucky and 
the latter of Virginia. 

Morgan and Catherine (Lynch) Adams were the parents of seven 
children as follows: George, deceased; John, deceased; Rebecca, de- 



806 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ceased; Hannah, married George Tennant; W. T., who is engaged in 
farming and stock raising in Gentry County ; Louis, who owns and oper- 
ates a large ranch of 1700 acres in Cherry County, Neb., and Edward, 
the subject of this sketch. 

The Adams family settled in Missouri at an early day, having located 
in Harrison County in 1868. Edward Adams attended the public schools 
and .grew to manhood in Harrison County. In 1881 he went to Nebraska 
and homesteaded government land. After remaining there about two years 
he sold out and returned to Missouri, settling in Gentry County. Here he 
learned the plaster's and mason trade and has since devoted himself to thai 
line of work. For a number of years he has operated in that field as a 
contractor. He is now engaged in the manufacture of cement blocks and 
brick, his plant being located at the corner of Chicago and Orton streets. 
He carries on an extensive business which is one of the important enter- 
prises of Albany. 

Edward Adams was married Dec. 25, 1878 to Miss Jane Lunsford and 
to them have been born four children, three of whom died in infancy, the 
only surviving child being Lora who is the wife of Charles E. Littlewood. 

Mr. Adams is progressive and one of the enterprising citizens of 
Gentry County. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
having been a member of that order for 25 years. 

John W. Kerlin, now living retired at Albany, has had a successful 
career in Gentry County and for many years has been identified with 
the best interests of the community. He is a native of Kentucky, born in 
Henry County in 1852, a son of Thomas and Nancy Jane (Jeffries) 
Kerlin, both natives of Kentucky and members of pioneer Kentucky 
families. 

John W. Kerlin came to Gentry County with his parents in 1857 
and was here reared and educated. He was engaged in farming and 
stock raising for 30 years; he then engaged in the hardware and im- 
plement business which he successfully conducted until 1919 when he 
retired and since that time has devoted himself to looking after his vari- 
ous interests. He owns a farm of 360 acres, four miles east of Albany 
besides several properties in town. 

John W. Kerlin is one of ten children born to his parents, the others 
being as follows: Josephus, died in infancy; William J., a farmer and 
stock raiser, New Hampton ; Maggie Lee, married J. D. Allison, Whiting, 
Iowa; Jennie Cordelia, who is now a widow and now resides at Liberty, 
Mo.; Charles D., decased; Dr. J. D., a practicing physician and surgeon 
at Shenandoah, Iowa; Rev. R. T., a graduate of Fayette College, Johns 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 807 

Hopkins University, Yale College, was a Professof in Harvard College, 
later a student in Berlin, Germany, is an ordained minister and during the 
World War served for 18 months in France in connection with the Y. M. 
C. A. work, made seven trips across to Europe during the World War 
and is now a resident lecturer in the University of Virginia; and M. R., 
who is engaged in the mercantile business in South Dakota and also an 
extensive land owner in that state. 

J. W. Kerlin was married to Miss Mary Bell Stockwell. She is a 
daughter of S. M. and Amanda (Ellis) Stockwell, natives of Bourbon 
County, Ky. Mrs Kerlin is one of -the following children now living who 
were born to her parents: J. A., a farmer and stock man; Mrs. Kerlin; 
Margaret, married Charles McCoy, lives near New Hampton; Alice M., 
married William Claytor, Bethany ; Lizzie, who is no wa widow and lives 
at Bethany; Jennie, married J. B. Rhodus, a farmer and stockman, Beth- 
any; and Robert, a farmer and stockman near Bethany, married Sadie 
Sutton. S. M. Stockwell, Mrs. Kerlin's father served in the Civil War and 
was a life long Republican. He was the owner of 400 acres of land. Her 
mother was a member of a prominent old Kentuckky family, being re- 
lated to the Todds and Breckenridges. 

To John Kerlin and wife have been born two children, as follows: 
Worth, born in Gentry County, July 13, 1879, was educated in the Albany 
High School and Christian College, is now engaged in the clothing busi- 
ness and owns a farm East of town, married Lena Smith and has four 
children, Lucille, Mary, Pauline and J. W.; and Eva A., was educated 
in the Albany High School, Christian College and married Dr. William 
Lester, Ridgeway, Mo., and has two children John A. and Mary Belle. 

Mr. Kerlin is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. 
He is widely known and one of the leading citizens of Gentry County. 

L. E. Washburn, a reliable and successful business man of King City, 
was born in Gentry County. He is a son of John and Nettie (Howe) 
Washburn. 

John Washburn is a native of Gentry County, and a prominent dairy 
farmer. His wife is a daughter of Samuel and Mary Howe. Mr. and Mrs. 
John Washburn live in Kansas and are engeged in the poultry and pro- 
duce business there. John Washburn is a Republicon and a member of 
the Modern Woodmen of the World. He belongs to the Christian Church. 
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Howe are the parents of the following chil- 
dren : Mary, deceased ; Samuel, deceased : Lizzie ; Kate ; Joseph ; Charlie. 
L. E. Washburn was reared in Gentry County, and received his education 
in the public schools. He was graduated from the Illinois College of 



808 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Photography on Feb. 1, 1921, and is now engaged in business in King City. 

Mr. Washburn is a Republican and a member of the Christian 
Church. He is a promising young man, whose business success seems 
almost certain. 

Thomas Brown, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County is a native son of Gentry County. He was born 
June 19, 1857, a son of Thomas J. and Rebecca (Tucker) Brown. 
Thomas J. Brown was born in Tazewell County, Va. and came to Mis- 
souri at a very early date, some years prior to the Civil War. He drove 
through from Virginia with an ox team and covered wagon, a vehicle 
known in the pioneer days as a "prairie schooner." Before coming to 
Missouri the Brown family lived in Illinois for a number of years. 
Thomas J. Brown, the father, served in the Union Army during the Civil 
War and after the war, was prominent in the affairs of Gentry County. 
He served as one of the judges of the county court for eight years. He 
was a member of the Baptist Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge 
at Albany. He and his wife are both deceased and their remains are 
buried at the Berlin Cemetery. 

To Thomas J. Brown and wife were born the following children : 
Lillian, Margaret, and Louise all of whom are deceased ; Volney, a 
retired farmer and stockman living at Albany ; Margaret, married J. 
W. Barkley and they are both deceased; Rebecca, married Orlando But- 
ler, a farmer and stockman near Ford City ; Addie, married G. F. Sealey, a 
farmer and stockman of Gentry County; Alice M., married D. N. Fore, 
a farmer and stockman of Gentryville ; Dora, married Jesse F. Clark, 
Ford City ; Orville, a member of the county court of Gentry County ; and 
Thomas the subject of this sketch. 

Thomas Brown was reared on a farm and educated in the public 
schools. He began life for himself operating rented land and five years 
later bought his present farm in Jackson Township. He is the owner of 
240 acres of valuable land and is recognized as a leading farmer and 
stockman of Gentry County. He raises Black Aberdeen cattle and Poland 
China hogs. 

Mr. Brown married Miss Susan Butler, a native of Iowa and a 
daughter of A. M. S. and Susan (Statton) Butler. A. M. S. Butler was a 
native of Kentucky and was engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. 
Brown is one of the following children born to her parents James, de- 
ceased ; Orlando, a farmer. Ford City; Clemmen lives in New Mexico; 
and Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Brown's parents are both deceased. To Thomas 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 809 

Brown and his wife have been born two children, Orville C, born April 
28, 1878, is associated with his father in operating the home place; and 
A. W., born Sept. 5, 1883 is also associated with his father. 

Mrs. Brown died Oct. 2, 1909 and her remains are buried at King 
City. 

Mr. Brown takes a commendable interest in public affairs and has 
served as a member of the township board for eight years. He and his 
two sons are members of the Masonic Lodge and are among the leading 
representive citizens of Gentry County. 

Fred Waltemath, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stock- 
man of Jackson Township, Gentry County is a native of Ilhnois. He was 
born in March 1891 and is a son of Henry and Louise (Wise) Waltemath. 
Henry Waltemath was a native of Germany and came to America when 
he was 14 years old. He settled in Illinois where he first bought 200 
acres of land and later bought more land until he became the owner of 
500 acres. He was extensivily engaged in farming and stock raising and 
also dealt extensively in cattle. 

To Henry and Louis Waltemath were born the following children : 
Charles, a farmer and stockman in Canada ; John, a farmer and stockman in 
Gentry County ; Rebecca, married Benjamin Fite, a farmer and stockman 
in Gentry County; Herman and George, twins; Herman is a farmer and 
stockman in Gentry County ; George, is a farmer and stockman in Worth 
County; and Fred the subject of this sketch; Edward, a farmer and 
stockman in Gentry County ; and Henry in Worth. 

Fred Waltemath was reared on his father's farm and receivevd his 
education in the district schools. He began his independent career farm- 
ing rented land and five years later he bought his present place of 240 
acres in Jackson Township. He has a well improved place with good 
farm buildings and a silo. He carries on general farming and is recog- 
nized as one of the successful stock raisers of Gentry County. He raises 
Duroc Jersey hogs and Shorthorn cattle. Mrs. Waltemath is interested in 
raising poultry quite extensively and has been very successful. 

Mr. Waltemath married Miss Belle Sweat, a native of DeKalb County 
and a daughter of John and Grace (Redman) Sweat. They are now living 
in Dekalb County. Mrs. Waltemath was one of the following children born 
to her parents: Nora, married Clem Heard, a farmer and stockman near 
Pattonsburg; Erma, married and resides in DeKalb County; Earl, resides 
at home ; Samuel, in DeKalb ; and Mrs. Waltemath of this review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Waltemath have been born two children, John 



810 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRT COUNTIES 

Fredrick born Dec. 1, 1917 and James born July 12, 1920 is deceased 
and is buried at King City. 

Benjamin Boley, an extensive farmer and stock raiser of Miller 
Township is a naive of Gentry County and a member of a pioneer family. 
He was born in 1854 on the place where he now lives and is a son of 
John and Delsenna (Licens) Boley the former a native of Tennessee and 
the latter of Kentucky. 

John Boley served in the Civil War, in the Missouri State Militia. He 
was a pioneer of Gentry County, coming here before there was any rail- 
roads and for a number of years lived in a log cabin. He was a Republi- 
can and a member of the Christian Church. 

Benjamin Boley is one of the following children born to his parents : 
Nancy Emiline, married William Rainey who is now deceased and his 
widow lives in Gentry County; Johanna, married Charles Pryor, a Gen- 
try County farmer and stockman; Sarah Margaret, married J. W. Brad- 
ford who is engaged in the electrical business in St. Joseph ; and Ben- 
jamin the subject of this review. 

Benjamin Boley was reared on the farm where he now lives and 
attended the district schools. He has always been engaged in farming 
on this place and is now the owner of 606 i acres, 50 of which is timber. 
The place is well improved with a good substantial residence, barns 
and other buildings. Mr. Boley carries on general farming and stock 
raising and Mrs. Boley is interested in the poultry business, making a 
specialty of Langshang chickens. 

Mr. Boley was married to Vadda Ulrich who was born near Cam- 
eron and is the daughter of Christopher and Mary (Ossman) Ulrich. 
Christopher Ulrich was born in Kentucky in 1844 and his wife is a native 
of the same state. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 
Union Army throughout that conflict. After the war he engaged in farm- 
ing in Clinton County and he and his wife now live in Cameron. He is a 
Republican and a member of the Methodist church. 

Mrs. Boley is one of the following children born to her parents: Liz- 
zie, married Christopher Case, a farmer and stockman; Rosa, married 
Stephen Clemenger, a farmer and stockman, Turney; Addie, married 
John Cummings, a farmer of Gentry County; Lena, married William 
Meyers, of Denver, Colo.; John, Cameron; Flossie, married Frank 
Meyers and lives near Cameron ; Fred, Cameron ; Christopher, Cameron ; 
and Mrs. Boley of this sketch. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Bolev have been born the following children : Jessie 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 811 

Lena, born Nov. 9, 1902 married James Potter, a farmer and stock raiser 
of Gentry County; Benjamin Tiieodore, born June 18, 1904, at home 
with his father; Vera Menda, born March 1, 1906, at home; Herbert 
Howard, born Feb. 28, 1908, at home; Vadda Beatrice, born Aug. 19, 
1909, at home; and Loretta Neola, born March 19, 1912, at home. 

Mr. Boley is a Republican and one of the substantial citizens of 
Gentry County. 

P. T. Quisenberry, the well known and efficient postmaster at Ford 
City, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Monree County, June 11, 
1863 and is a son of Dr. J. B. and Sai-ah (Burrus) Quisenberry. Dr. J. B. 
Quisenberry was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri when a young 
man. He settled near Middle Grove, Monroe County where he was en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine for a number of years. He was also 
interested in farming and stock raising and was the owner of 300 acres 
of land in the vicinity of Middle Grove. He was a Democrat, a member 
of the Deciples Church and was a Mason. He spent his life in Monroe 
County and he and his wife are buried at Middle Grove. They were 
the parents of the followng children: John E., Roger, O. B., and Monta 
who are deceased ; Verbina, married L. H. Stephens, a retired farmer 
and stock raiser living at Moberly; Margaret married P. O. Powell who 
is at the head of a large canning factory in Oregon and is a member of 
the State Legislature; and P. T., the subject of this sketch. 

P. T. Quisenberry was reared in Monroe County and attended the 
public schools there and graduated from high school and later attended 
college at Lexington, Ky. He began life as a contractor and builder and 
later came to Gentry County where he was also engaged in contracting 
and building for a number of years. Afterwards he was manager of a 
store at Ford City for L. H. Perry. He has been postmaster at Ford City 
since 1916 and has proved himself to be a capable and courteous public 
official and is well qualified for the position. 

Mr. Quisenberry was first maried to Nina Ownby who is deceased 
and her remains are buried at Middle Grove. He married Edith Hadley, 
a native of Gentry County and a daughter of L. F. and Lovina (Wicks) 
Hadley, both natives of New York. L. F. Hadley is engaged in farming 
and stock raising in Gentry County and is well and favorably known, 
having lived on his present farm for 53 years. He is a Republican and 
a member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Quisenberry has one brother 
living, Andrew W. Hadley, of El Paso, Texas. 

Mr. Quisenberry is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist 



812 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Church. He is a dependable citizen and is well known in Gentry County. 

Ray S. Gartin, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman 
of Miller Township is a native of Genry County and was born in 1888. 
He is a son of Andrew C. and Cassie (Ray) Gartin. Andrew C. Gartin 
is a Gentry County pioneer and has been prominently identified with 
the devlopment of this section. When he came here there was much 
open prairie and his first home was a log cabin. He was successfully en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising for many years and is now living re- 
tired at Albany. He is a Democrat and has served as a member of the 
county court; he is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Knights of 
Pythias and he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. They 
are the parents of the following children: Hattie, deceased; Mitchell, a 
farmer and stockman, living in Kansas; Minnie, married William Sals- 
bury, a farmer and stockman, Pharr, Tex. ; Lulu, married Samuel Ferguson, 
a salesman, San Bernardino, Calif. ; and Ray S. the subject of this sketch. 

Ray S. Gartin was reared on the home farm in Gentry County and 
attended the public schools. He remained on the farm with his father 
for some years and then began his independent career as a farmer and 
stockman. He is now the owner of a well improved farm of 80 acres and 
carries on general farming and stock raising. He raises Shorthorn 
cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and sheep and is also quite extensively inter- 
ested in raising poultry. His place is improved with a good residence, 
barns and is well fenced. 

Mr. Gartin was married to Miss Elizabeth Allenbrand, who was a 
successful teacher near King City and McFall prior to her marriage. She 
was born in Gentry County and is a daughter of Joseph and Minnie 
(Eberle) Allenbrand, the former a native of Canada and the latter of 
Lexington, Mo. Joseph Allenbrand came to the states with his parents 
when a child. He served in the Union Army for 2i years during the 
Civil War and was in a number of the principal battles of the war. For 
many years he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in 
Gentry County and met with success. He was a Republican, a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic and resided at King City at the time 
of his death, in January, 1922. Mrs. Gartin is one of the following chil- 
dren born to her parents : Harrison, deceased ; Lewis, a farmer and stock- 
man east of King City ; Dora, married John Fitzgerald, a hardware mer- 
chant, Hobert, Okla. ; Frank, a farmer and stockman, Dexter, Mo. ; Ross, 
a farmer and stockman living near Albany ; Hiram, a farmer and stock- 
man, near Berlin; Edna, married Bert McKay, a groceryman at Fort 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 813 

Morgan, Colo. ; Lottie, a former Gentry County teacher, now a bookkeeper 
in the Federal Reserve Bank, Kansas City; and Mrs. Gartln of this re- 
view. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Ray S. Gartin have been born the following chil- 
dren : Doris Oneta, deceased ; Dorothy, and A. C. 

Mr. Gartin is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in local 
affairs and institutions and has served as a member of the school board 
for three years. He is a member of the Presbyterian Churcn. 

John George Sutton, a progressive farmer and stockman of Miller 
Township, Gentry County is a native of West Virginia, born March 20, 
1865. He is a son of John W. and Mary Elizabeth (Penticost) Sutton. 
John W. Sutton was born in West Virginia in 1835. He was a veteran of 
the Civil War, having served in the Union Army and was stationed in 
the Barracks at Wheeling, W. Va. After the close of the war he remained 
in West Virginia until 1885 when he came to Missouri and was one of 
the pioneers of this section. He endured the hardships well known to 
the pioneers of the early days. His first home was was a log cabin. He 
plowed with a wooden mould-board plow driven with oxen. At one 
time when he had no feed for his cattle in the winter, he cut down elm 
trees in order that they might feed on the branches. He had been a life- 
long democrat and is a member of the Methodist Church. His wife is now 
deceased and is buried in Hopewell Cemetery in DeKalb County. 

To John W. Sutton and wife were born the following children: 
Mary Emma, Lorraina Mae, Maud Jeannette, and Eva Jennie, all of 
whom are deceased ; William J., a retired farmer and stockman living in 
Colorado; A. D., a farmer and stockman of DeKalb County; Leslie, a 
farmer and stockman in DeKalb County; Howard Earl, on the home 
place with his father; Walter, a fruit farmer. Orange Grove, Calif. 

John G. Sutton began farming on his own account on rented land 
and two years later bought 40 acres to which he has since added 40 acres 
and is now owner of a good farm of 80 acres. He has made substantial 
improvements on his place and has a good residence, barns, and the 
place is otherwise improved. He has accumulated his holdings by hard 
work and good management. He has paid as high as 10% interest and 
has sold corn for 16. \ cents per bushel and hogs for 3^\ cents per pound. 
But through all the periods of depression and adversity he was always 
ready to pay his notes when they were due. Mr. Sutton is well known 
as a successful breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle and registered spotted 
Poland China hogs. 



814 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Sutton married Catherine J. Palmer a native of DeKalb County. 
She is a daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Williams) Palmer, the former 
born Aug. 12, 1824 and the latter born April 9, 1828. Elias Palmer was 
a native of Halifax, Va. and was a prominent farmer and stockman in 
DeKalb County, Mo. where he settled at an early day. He settled there 
the first year of the Civil War and on the day before he moved there 
John Roundtree was killed by bushwhackers on his place. Mr. Palmer 
was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife was a 
member of the Christian Church. He died Dec. 17, 1898 and she departed 
this life June 3, 1913 and their remains are buried in Fairport Cemetery, 
DeKalb County. They were the parents of 12 children : Henry, Nancy, John 
W., Marcelus, Isabel, Elijah, Belinda, Charles, James, Catherine, Maggie. 
Maggie, died Sept. 17, 1898; Charles, died Feb. 10, 1900; Isabel, died 
March 9, 1900 ; Belinda, died ; Henry, died March 13, 1921. The living are 
John W., McFall ; Mary Malissa, Mocksville, Kan. ; Elijah, Shannon County, 
Mo. ; James A., lives in Colorado and Mrs. Catherine Sutton. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Sutton has been born one child, Chloe D., born Nov. 14, 
1892, married Harry Carpenter, a farmer and stockman in Gentry 
County. 

Mrs. Sutton was a successful teacher prior to her marriage, having 
taught four years in Andrew County, three years at Black Oak school 
and one at Franklin. She is interested in raising fancy poultry and has 
met with marked success in raising standard bred Narragansett turkeys. 
She and Mr. Sutton are Democrats and members of the Christian church 
of which Mr. Sutton has been a deacon for a number of years. 

Frank S. Jolly, a well known and successful farmer and stockman 
in Miller Township is a native of this county and a member of one of the 
well known early pioneer families of Gentry County. He was born Nov. 
24, 1879 and is a son of James Perry and May (Shaffer) Jolly. A more 
extensive history of the Jolly family appears in connection with the 
biography of James Perry Jolly elsewhere in this volume. 

Frank S. Jolly was reared on the farm and attended the public 
schools and began life as a farmer and stockman. He owns a well im- 
proved farm in Miller Township where he carries on general farming 
and stock raising and is meeting with success. Mr. Jolly is of an invent- 
ive turn of mind and has worked out some clever practical inventions, 
one of which is an electrical device for carrying mail from a rural mail 
box to the residence, after the mail has been deposited in the box by 
the carrier and another invention of his of a practical nature is a unique 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 815 

arrangement of tying or making fast a horse by an attachment on the 
harness. 

Mr. Jolly was married Nov. 24, 1904 to Miss Anna G. Ferguson, a 
daughter of John and Margaret A. (Marsh) Ferguson, the foi'mer a 
native of Indiana and the latter of Clay County, Mo. John Ferguson 
was a Baptist Minister and was also engaged in farming and stock 
raising. He was a Civil War veteran and a member of the Grand Army 
of the Republic. He is now deceased and his remains are buried in 
Gentry County at Berlin. Mrs. Jolly is one of the following children 
born to her parents: Isaiah and Jennie, both deceased; Emma Pitt lives 
in Nebraska ; Kate, married S. J. Rainey, lives in Gentry County; James, 
lives in Gentry County; Samuel, lives at San Bernardino, Calif.; Lydia, 
married Olie Rainey, Berlin; Dr. L. J., an eye, ear and nose specialist, 
St. Joseph ; and Mrs. Jolly. Mr. and Mrs. Jolly have two adopted chil- 
dren: Raymond James, and Roland William, twins, born Nov. 7, 1915. 

Mr. Jolly is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church and 
holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is 
progressive and public spirited and has served as school director for a 
number of years in the Manring School District and also director of the 
Consolidated School District No. 1 of Gentry County. 

J. J. Utz, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Miller i 
Gentry County is a native of Kentucky. He was born Nov. 24, 1850 and 
is a son of George M. and Mary (Stamper) Utz, both natives of Boone 
County, Ky. George M. Utz came to Missouri at an early day, driving 
through from Kentucky and settled in Daviess County. The family at 
first lived in a log cabin and endured the many hardships and incon- 
viences incident to pioneer life. The father followed farming and stock 
raising and became the owner of 300 acres of land. He w'as a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a highly respected 
citizen. He died in 1902 and his wife is also deceased. They were the 
parents of the following children: George, lives in Daviess County; Al, 
lives in Daviess County; Ellen, married James Royce who is now 
deceased and she lives in Pattonsburg; William L., Daviess County; 
Thomas M., and Anna, married John Akes; and J. J., the subject of this 
sketch. 

J. J. Utz attended the early day district schools and began life 
working out by the month. His first purchase consisted of 40 acres and 
he is now the owner of 225 acres. His place is well improved with a 



816 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

good farm residence, barns and other buildings and all conveniences 
suitabe for all modern and up to date farming and stock raising. 

Mr. Utz was married Nov. 15, 1877 to Prudie Ann Royston a native 
of McLean County, 111., and a daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca (Van- 
deventer) Royston, natives of Tennessee. The father was a farmer and 
stock raiser. He was a member of the Methodist Church and a Republi- 
can and he and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of 13 
children, all of whom are deceased except the following: Sarah, married 
Robert Deering who is deceased and she resides in Gentry County ; Mary 
married Archie McCasky a grocer in Kansas City ; Robert, living in 
Jamesport; and Mrs. J. J. Utz, of this sketch. 

To Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Utz have been born two children : Elbert, 
born Dec. 30, 1878 and died Aug. 16, 1902 and Bessie, born Oct. 24 1885, 
was educated in the public school and high school and the Chillicothe 
Business College, is now a bookkeeper in Kansas City, having held her 
present position for 13 years. Mr. Utz is a member of the Modern Wood- 
men of America and politically is a Democrat. He is well known and is 
one of the dependable citizens of Gentry County. 

Lewis R. Dunavan, since 1903 a well known farmer of Sheridan Town- 
ship, Daviess County, is a native of IlHnois, where he was born in LaSalle 
County on Sept. 26, 1856. His parents were Joseph A. and Nancy (Green) 
Dunavan. 

Joseph A. Dunavan and his wife went to Colorado and remained there 
for four years. Leaving Colorado, they located in Caldwell County, Mo., 
where Mr. Dunavan died in 1901, and Mrs. Dunavan a few years later. 
Their children were: Joseph, living near Seattle, Wash.; Jennie, now Mrs. 
Howe of Washington ; Catherine, deceased, was Mrs. Brandon ; Isaac, died 
in Canada ; David died in Kansas ; Alice, died in Caldwell County, Mo. ; 
Anna, died in Illinois in 1892 ; and John and Amanda, both died in infancy. 

Lewis D. Dunavan attended the public schools of Illinois and has been 
a farmer all of his life. He farmed first in Illinois, but in 1888, he went 
to Colorado, where he took up a claim near Sterling, in Logan County. In 
1893 he came to Missouri and for the next ten years lived on a farm near 
Hamilton, in Caldwell County. He sold that farm in 1903 and bought his 
present farm of 120 acres of land two miles east of Kidder. This land 
was formerly the Captain Emerson place. It is situated on the County 
Line road and has a good residence and farm buildings. Mr. Dunavan 
does general farming and is very successful in his work. 

In 1879 Mr. Dunavan was married in Sheridan, 111., to Jennie Mc- 
Michael, a daughter of James and Margaret (Furr) McMichael. James 



I 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 817 

McMichael was born in Scotland and came to the United States in his 
youth ; his wife was a native of Virginia. Both Mr. arid Mrs. McMichael 
died in LaSalle County, 111. Their children were, isettie, now Mrs. Gray 
of Ottawa, 111. ; Belle, now Mrs. DeBolt of Ottawa, 111. ; Jennie, now Mrs. 
Dunavan ; Maggie, now Mrs. Peddicord of Nevada, Iowa ; James, living at 
Heberling, Ind. ; Fred, living in Alaska ; William, living on the home place 
at Ottawa, 111. ; and Addie, married Mr. DeBolt, and is now dead. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dunavan are held in high regard in the community. Mr. 
Dunavan is an industrious and progressive farmer and a man of civic 
pride. 

F. L. Giles, a prominent pioneer who is a successful farmer and 
stockman of Miller Township, Gentry County, is a native of Tennessee. 
He was born Nov. 10, 1849 and is a son of Benjamin and Talitha (Hyten) 
Giles, both natives of Tennessee and early settlers in Genti-y County. 
Benjamin Giles came to Missouri in 1851 with his family and settled in 
Gentry County. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and after coming 
to Gentry County he took up land and proceeded to make a home in the 
then new and unsettled country. He was a man of exemplary habits and 
even at that time when liquor was almost as free as water he never took 
a drink nor never used profanity. He was killed by bushwhackers iat 
the close of the Civil War. The following children were born to Ben- 
jamin Giles and wife: Rebecca and John are both deceased; James, 
lives at Albany; Mary A., married J. O. Kendall; Robert, lives in Gentry 
County; Samantha, married William McFall ; Albert lives in Casper, 
Wyo. ; Caroline, married J. W. Chaney, and lives in McFall; and F. L., 
the subject of this sketch. 

F. L. Giles began life working out by the month and was thus en- 
gaged for a period of ten years. He then bought 90 acres of land and 
engaged in farming and stock raising and has met with very satisfactory 
success. 

Mr. Giles was married to Sallie Bell, a daughter of Robert of 
Tennessee and Bettie Bell of Indiana who settled in Gentry County 
shortly after the Civil War. They were the parents of the following 
children: Samuel, Jessie and Rebecca, deceased; Lizzie, married a 
Richard Etter, a contractor who lives in Iowa ; Edward, lives in Platte 
County, Mo.; Minta, lives in Omaha, Neb.; Buchanan, lives in Platte 
County, Mo. ; Walter, married James Bond and they live in Oklahoma. 

To F. L. Giles and wife have been born the following children : Cora 
Ethel, a teacher in Gentry County, resides at home with her parents; 
Stella, married William Williams who is engaged in poultry shipping at 



818 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

St. Joseph; Boyd, who is also engaged in shipping poultry, lives in St. 
Joseph. He is a veteran of the World War and spent one year in France 
in the service, being honorably discharged after the Armistice was 
signed. He married Miss Hazel Foster of Buffalo, N. Y. 

Mr. Giles is a Democrat and one of the highly respected and de- 
pendable pioneer citizens of Gentry County. 

J. J. Childers, a well known citizen of Miller Township who is 
engaged in farming and stock raising, is a native of Gentry County. He 
was born Oct. 9, 1867 and is a son of John A. and Sarah Ann (White) 
Childers, both natives of Ohio. John Childers was born in Gallia County, 
Feb. 25, 1838 and his wife was born in the same county. He served in the 
Commissary Department of the Union Army during the Civil War and 
after the close of the war he came to Gentry County with his wife and 
family, driving through with a team and covered wagon, the trip requiring 
45 days. When the Childers family settled in Gentry County this section 
of the country was sparsely settled and a large portion of it was unbroken. 
Here Mr. Childers made a home for himself and family and succeded to a 
satisfactory degree. He is one of the living pioneers in the county and one 
of the oldest Masons in the country, having been a member of the Masonic 
Lodge for 69 years. His wife died Sept. 8, 1907 and is buried in the McFall 
Cemetery and he now makes his home with his son J. J. Childers. 

To John A. Childers and wife were born the following children: 
Daniel, Lucy and Clara are deceased; Charles M., lives in Holt County; 
John W., Lincoln County, Ore.; William A., Twin Falls, Idaho; Joseph 
F., Gentry County; Edward L., lives near Berlin; Luke F., farm advisor 
in Fayette County; and J. J., the subject of this sketch. 

J. J. Childers was educated in the early day schools of Gentry 
County and began life farming rented land ; four years later he bought 
80 acres and is now the owner of 130 acres of well improved land in 
Miller Township and 114 acres in Arkansas. He carries on general farm- 
ing and stock raising and has been successful in his undertakings. 

Mr. Childers was married Sept. 17, 1891 to Dora Rush, a native of 
Montgomery County, Ind., and a daughter of A. B. and Annie Rush both 
natives of Indiana. A. B. Rush came to Missouri in 1878 and settled in 
Gentry County where he remained for some years when he returned to 
Indiana. Inl909 he went to Arkansas where he bought 300 acres of land 
and engaged in the dairy business. He was a Democrat and a member 
of the Baptist Church. He died Dec. 25, 1916 and is buried at Searcy, 
Ark., and his wife died in Gentry County in 1890. Mrs. Childers has 
two living sisters: Eunice, married W. M. Kennedy and they live in In- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 819 

diana; and Susie, married Bert Shaffer and they live in White County, 
Ark. 

To Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Childers have been born the following chil- 
dren : Nellie, Gladys, John Alexander, Harvey L., Russell R., Sallie E.,. 
Hazel E., Clarissa D., James Marion. 

Nellie Childers was educated in the State Teachers College at Kirks- 
ville and Simmons College and was a teacher of Domestic Science, mar- 
Chester A. Purdy. Mr. Purdy was also educated at the State Teachers 
College at Kirksville and was principal of the Braymer schools when the 
United States entered the war. He enlisted in the Radio department and 
was sent to the Great Lakes Training Station and from there to Harvard 
University as a Radio Lecturer. After the Armstice was signed he re- 
turned to Kirksville and taught Manuel Training. He then went to Chi- 
cago and bought a half interest in the bakery business which he con- 
ducted for one year when he sold out. He is the inventor of an automatic 
doughnut cutter and fryer which is considered one of the best devices of 
its kind. 

Gladys Pearl Childers was educated in the public schools and the 
Teachers College at Kirksville and was engaged in teaching before her 
marriage. She married Claude N. Dyer who was engaged in teaching at 
Macon when the United states entered the World War. He entered the 
army and went to France with the 89th Division. While in the army he 
attended the Officers Training School and was commissioned second 
lieutenant. After his discharge from the army he attended the Univer- 
sity of Chicago for one year and is now Superintendent of schools at Jef- 
ferson, Ore. 

John Alexander was educated in the public schools and the Teach- 
ers State College at Kirksville and was engaged in teaching when he 
entered the United States Army and served as a musician in the 89th 
Division and served about a year in France, participating in all engage- 
ments of this famous Division. After being discharged from the army 
he taught school for a time and is now engaged in farming and stock 
raising. 

Harvey L. Childers was educated in the public schools and the 
Teachers State College at Kirksville and is now leader of the Marine 
Band, 3rd Regiment and is stationed at Sant Domingo. 

Russell R., Sallie E., Hazel E., Clarissa D., and James Marion are 
students in the public schools. 

Mr. Childers is a Republican, a member of the Masonic Lodge and 



820 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a substantial citizen and the 
Childers family are highly respected. 

James J. Evans, a prominent citizen of Jackson Township who has 
had a successful career as a farmer and stockman is a native of Gentry 
County, born March 4, 18.55. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Miller) 
Evans both natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Gentry County. 
John Evans was engaged in farming and stock raising here in his life- 
time and was the owner of 80 acres of land. He was a Democrat and a 
member of the Methodist Church and a highly respected pioneer citizen. 
He died in 1860 and his wife died in 1856. They were the parents of six 
children : T. J. ; Emily and Mary deceased ; and Martha, married Thomas 
Ireland, Colorado Springs, Colo. ; Mahala Jane, married Thomas Hunter, 
Albany; and James J., whose name introduces this review. 

James J. Evans was reared on a farm and educated in the early 
day public schools. He began life for himself operating rented land and 
by hard work and strict economy he was soon able to buy a place of his 
own. He is the owner of 440 acres of valuable land which is well im- 
proved with a good residence and other farm buildings. He carries on 
general farming and stock raising and has met with well merited success. 

Mr. Evans was married Jan. 27,1876, to Miss Mary Ella Welch a 
native of Texas and a daughter of Frank and Mary (Wheeler) Welch, 
the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Indiana. The Welch fam- 
ily went to Texas at an early day and in 1865 came to Missouri and set- 
tled in Gentry County. Here the father owned and operated a farm of 
200 acres. He was a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. 
He and his wife are both deceased and their remains are buried in the 
old Brick Church Cemetery northwest of Albany. 

To Mr. and Mrs. James J. Evans have been born the following chil- 
dren : Jennie L., born Nov. 12, 1881 and died July 6, 1883, Thomas 
Marion, born Nov. 26, 1876 and died on Oct. 6, 1918; George F., born 
May 12, 1879, a farmer and stockman in Jackson Township ; Homer, 
born Nov. 22, 1883, also a farmer and stockman near Stanberry; Mary 
Ella, born Aug. 16, 1896 is a graduate of The Ernest Conservatory of 
Music at Stanberry and afterwards pursued her musical studies in 
Palmer College, is now the wife of Ray Birback; Walter, born Jan. 18, 
1901, resides at home. Mrs. Evans departed this life Jan. 6, 1917 and 
her remains are buried in the Stanberry Cemetery. 

Mr. Evans is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. 
He is a well known and substantial citizen of this county. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 821 

James A. Johnson, a Gentry County pioneer who has had much to 
do with the devlopment of this county has lived here since he was three 
years old. He was born in Iowa March 21, 1852, a son of James M. and 
Sarah (Thompson) Johnson, the former a native of Indiana and the latter 
of Virginia. James M. Johnson removed from Indiana to Iowa at a very 
early date and came to Missouri and settled in Gentry County about 
1856. He served in the Civil War and took part in a number of battles 
and skirmishes. After the close of the war he engaged in farming and 
stock raising and was the owner of 600 acres of land. When he came 
here his first home was a log cabin. He broke the prairie and improved 
his place, his first land being 160 acres which he entered from Govern- 
ment. He passed through all the hardships of pioneer days and even- 
tually became well-to-do. He died Feb. 1, 1915 at the age of 93 years 
and his wife died July 15, 1889 and their remains are buried in Lafayette 
Cemetery in Nodaway County. To James M. Johnson and Sarah 
(Thompson) Johnson were born the following children; Sarah Jane, is 
now the widow of William Paxton; John A., who is now living retired in 
Gentry County; G. L., a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; and 
James A., the subject of this review ; and Mary, Francis, Hiram, William 
and Laura, all of whom are deceased. 

James A. Johnson began life as a laborer and worked for $15.00 
per month. Later he operated rented land for two years and then bought 
80 acres for $11.50 per acre, going in debt for same and paying interest 
at the rate of 10 per cent. He bought more land from time to time and is 
now the owner of 200 acres of well improved land. He carries on general 
farming and stock falsing and is widley known as a mule raiser. He also 
raises cattle, horses and sheep. His place is well improved with a sub- 
tantial residence and other suitable buildings. In addition to his farm 
work Mr. Johnson is widely known as one of the pioneer threshermen of 
Gentry County and has operated a threshing machine for over 40 years. 

Mr. Johnson was married March 12, 1876 to Miss Cynthia Bailey 
a native of Decatur, 111. and a daughter of James and Esther (Morris) 
Bailey. James Bailey was a native of Indiana and his wife of Kentucky. 
They were early settlers in Missouri and he died here Jan. 24, 1893 and 
is buried in Lafyette Cemetery. He was a Democrat and a member of 
the Christian Church. His widow now lives at Stanberrby and is 78 years 
old. They were the parents of the following children now living: Mary, 
married James M.. Johnson and they live in Oklahoma; Viola, married 
Fred McGrew, Hebron, Neb.; George, Stanberry; Delila, married Daniel 



822 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

La Rue and they live in Kansas ; Florence, married Dade Johnson who 
is now deceased and she resides in Stanberry; and Josephine unmarried 
also living in Stanberry. 

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have no children of their own although they 
have one adopted daughter, Dora who is a graduate of the Stanberry 
Normal School and is now the wife of Clarence Daken of Stanberry. 

Mr. Johnson is a public spirited and enterprising citizen and has a 
wide acquaintancce in Gentry County. He is a Democrat and has served 
as school director for a number of years. He and Mrs. Johnson are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. 

M. L. Law, a well known farmer and stockman of Cooper Township 
was born Sept. 24, 1863. He is a son of Joseph and Nancy (Hayes) Law, 
the former a native of Pennsylviana and the later of Indiana. Joseph 
Law came west at an early day making the trip with horses and a cov- 
ered wagon. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War and 
after the war settled in Gentry County, Mo., later settled in Nebraska 
where he owned 160 acres of land. He was an extensive farmer and 
stockman. He was a Democrat and served as school commissionor for 
a number of years. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic. He died in February, 1899 and is buried near Wallace, Neb., and 
his wife died May 29, 1922 where she was laid to rest near Wallace, Neb. 

Joseph Law and wife were the parents of the following children : 
Anna, married Frank Radel who is now deceased and she lives in Per- 
kins County, Neb. ; Ervin a farmer and stockman in Lincoln County, 
Neb. ; David, a ranchman in Perkins County, Neb. ; Emma, married Miley 
Newell and they live in Stanberry; Nanna, is now a widow and lives in 
Hastings, Neb. ; Wallace, a carpenter, lives at Stanberry ; George, Lin- 
coln County, Neb. ; Cora, married John Poston and they live in Lincoln 
County, Neb. ; and M. L., the subject of this sketch. 

M. L. Law was educated in the public schools and since early man- 
hood has been engaged in farming and stock raising and has met with 
success. He is the owner of a valuable farm of 199 acres in Cooper Town- 
ship where he carries on general farming. His place is well improved 
and has a good two story residence and other farm buildings. 

Mr. Law was married March 27, 1887 to Miss Sadie Sheridan, a 
native of Indiana, a daughter of EH G. and Hattie D. (Rose) Sheridan. 
Eli G. Sheridn was born in Henry County, Ind., and at an early day came 
west and first settled in Iowa, later he came to Missouri and settled in 
Gentry County. He is now living retired at the age of 87 years. During 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 823 

his active career he was engaged in farming and stock raising and he 
was also widely known as an expert bee man and was very successful in 
the production of honey. He is a member of the Quaker Church and is 
a Republican. His wife was born Oct. 11, 1846 and died March 24. 1918. 
They wei-e the parents of the following childen : Malinda, married Mar- 
tin Miller who is now deceased and she lives in Gentry County; James, 
Conception, Mo.; William, farmer lives in Gentry County; Frank, lives 
in California; Ethelna, married Jake Emerson who is now deceased and 
she is the wife of George Doherty of Stanberry; Hettie Elizabeth, mar- 
ried U. S. Vooheries, Stanberry; Addie Belle, married Arch Wormel- 
skirchen, of Stanberry ; and Mrs. Law of this review. 

To Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Law have been born the following children: 
Latheta Sadie, born April 22, 1905 is deceased ; Vertie Mae born May 22, 
1888, married Edward Showen and they live in Missouri; Anora Nell, 
born Aug. 26, 1889, married E. C. Lockwood, an attorney at Stanberry ; 
Hettie Ethel, married John Walton, Gentry County; LeRoy, born Feb. 9, 
1894, enlisted in the United States Navy, Dec. 9, 1917 and after .serving 
for a time in the coast guards on the Atlantic Coast was transferred to 
the Pacific Coast on the U. S. S. Beaver and after the armstice was signed 
received his discharge, having been in the service 18 months, is now 
engaged in farming in Gentry County; Velma, born March 11, 1900, 
married Glen Stephenson, Stanberry ; Ruby, born June 25, 1903, married 
Loren Wood a farmer in Gentry County ; Wilbur E. G., born July 6, 1906, 
attending high school in Stanberry; and Ovid Beryl, born Jan. 10, 1912, 
a student in the public schools. 

Mr. Law is a Democrat and served as school commissioner for seven 
years while a resident of Nebraska. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church and one of the dependable citizens of Gentry County. 

Patrick Kirk, now living on his farm in the western part of Cooper 
Township is one of the early pioneers of this section and bears the dis- 
tinction of being one of the oldest men in Gentry County. He was born 
in Monaghan County. Ireland, March 17, 1827, a son of Patrick and 
Catherine (Coleman) Kirk, both natives of Monaghan County where the 
father was a farmer and both spent thier lives in their native land. 

Patrick Kirk came to America in 1863, making the trip on the 
"City of Washington" and landed in New York City after a voyage of 11 
days. In early life Mr. Kirk learned the bakers trade. After coming to 
this country he was employed by the United States Government in 
building a Fort on Long Island. He then worked in a woolen factory in 



824 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

New York for two years. He then went to Wisconsin where he worked 
on a farm a short time when he went to Chicago and worked in the James 
Kirk soap factory. Then he went to Louisiana where he was employed on 
levy construction for a time when he returned to Chicago where he re- 
mained for a short time then again went south. Later he returned to 
Illinois and afterwards went to Iowa where he was employed on railroad 
construction. He then came to Missouri and settled in Polk County 
where he bought 40 acres of land . In 1872 he came to Gentry County and 
bought 160 acres of land for which he paid $5.00 an acre and since 
that time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising and has met 
with success. For a time he lived at O'Neil City, Neb. He bought his 
present placeMarch 25, 1882. 

Mr. Kirk was married to Bridget Coleman a native of County 
Monaghan, Ireland and a daughter of John and Mary (Kelly) Coleman 
both natives of that county and spent their lives there. Only one of their 
children is now living, Anna, who is the widow of Bernard Callahan who 
resides in New York City. To Patrick Kirk and wife were born the fol- 
lowing children: Mary, married Robert E. Merigan and she is now 
deceased, leaving one child, Frances Merigan, born Nov. 24, 1906 who is 
being reared by his grandfather, Patrick Kirk; James M. Kirk, is now 
operating his father's farm ; John B. Kirk, is a clerk in Kansas City. 

Patrick Kirk, although past 95 years old is a man of remarkable physi- 
cal and mental vigor. He now has his second sight and reads without 
glasses. He has worked hard all his life and is one of the honored pioneers 
of this section who has seen this section of Missouri develop from its 
unimproved and sparsely settled state, half a century ago and he has done 
his part well. He has always supported the policies of the Democratic 
Party and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. His wife died Nov. 
12, 1919 at the age of 78 years and her remains are buried in the Catholic 
Cemetery at Conception. 

Joseph R. Pulsifer, a representative farmer and stockman of Athens 
Township, residing near Albany, Mo., is a native son of Gentry County. He 
is a son of Nero and Sarah A. (Potter) Pulsifer. Nero Pulsifer was born in 
Illinois and was a successful farmer all his life. 

Joseph R. Pulsifer is one of a family of eight children born to his 
parents, the others being as follows: Claric, married Samuel Christie, 
McFall, Mo. ; Bell, married Henry Peck, a barber, St. Joseph, Mo. ; Robert, 
married Ida Heath and is now deceased, having been killed in a raih-oad 
accident in Nebraska and his remains are buried at McFall ; John, a farmer 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 825 

and stock raiser near McFall, married Maud Gilds; Lou, married Samuel 
Baxter who is engaged in the barber business at Gentryville ; Virginia, 
deceased and is buried at Liberty Cemetery, at McFall ; and Grace, married 
Everet McFall a farmer and stock raiser in North Dakota and a veteran of 
the Civil War. 

Joseph R. Pulsifer was reared to manhood on a farm and received his 
education in the public schools. He has made farming the chief occupation 
of his life and has met with uniform success in his undertaking. He was 
married to Miss Lydia Burton and to them have been born three children 
as follows: Lawrence, born June 5, 1909; Margaret, born Feb. 17, 1911 
and Catherine, born April 30, 1916, all of whom are attending the public 
schools. 

Mrs. Pulsifer is a daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Pruett) Bur- 
ton, natives of Missouri, and is one of eight children born to them, the others 
being as follows : Arthur, a farmer and stock raiser ; Leota, a graduate of 
the State Teachers College at Kirksville and now a teacher of domestic 
science at Gallatin ; Dallas, assistant cashier of the bank of McFall, mar- 
ried Lena Christie ; Layman, a stock raiser near King City, married Flor- 
ence Mastis; Wynona, married Loren Salmon a farmer and stock raiser 
near McFall ; Edith died in infancy ; and Abraham, a farmer and stock 
raiser near McFall. 

Mr. Pulsifer is a member of the Modern Woodman of America and is 
a Democrat. He belongs to the Methodist Church and is a substantial and 
respected citizen. 

Jacob Jones, deceased, was one of the earliest settlers of Gentry 
County. He was born May 10, 1799, in Washington, Pa. Being left an 
orphan when a very small boy, he was forced to make his own way in the 
world. At the age of 16 years, he moved to Ohio, where he remained until 
1838, when he came to Gentry County. Mr. Jones became a prominent 
farmer and stockman and in 1865, he moved to Albany, where he engaged 
in the hotel business. Mr. Jones married Phoebe Flemming, a native of 
Virginia, and to this union five children were born, as follows: Elmira, 
Lydia, and Permelia, the other two being deceased. Mrs. Jones died in Ohio, 
and several years later Mr. Jones married Dorah Miller, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. To this union ten children were born, of whom nine are now 
living as follows : Ellis ; Hannah ; Mary ; Barney ; Lavina ; Matilda ; Jane E. ; 
Eugene ; Frank. 

Mr. Jones died May 29, 1892, and is buried in Hyland Cemetery, 
Gentry County. 



826 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Jane E. Jones, a daughter of Jacob Jones, married William B. Castor, 
a native of Ohio, born Aug. 5, 1837. He was a son of Sampson Castor. 

Sampson Castor with his son, William B., came to Missouri in 1843, 
settling in Gentry County, where Mr. Castor became a prosperous farmer 
and stockman, owning 240 acres of well improved land. William B. Castor 
was married for the first time to Minerva Stevens, a daughter of W. H. and 
Louis Stevens. Mrs. Castor died Nov. 30, 1870, leaving one son, James 
Alfred Castor. On Sept. 27, 1871, Mr. Castor married Jane E. Jones, a 
daughter of Jacob and Dora (Miller) Jones. To this union four children 
were born, as follows: Anna Laura; Eugene Ellsworth; Bessie D.; and 
Charles S. 

During the Civil War, Mr. Castor enlisted in the Missouri State Mili- 
tia, and served for one year as lieutenant, after which he was promoted to 
captain. Mr. Castor served in the army until 1870, when he retired to his 
farm in Gentry County, where he carried on farming and stock raising. 
His stock was the finest in the county, and he was widely known as a 
breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Castor died Jan. 
28, 1899, and is buried in Carter Cemetery. Mr. Castor had many friends 
in this county and was one of the most honored and respected citizens. 

Edward Steinman, general superintendent of the Albany Light, Wa- 
ter and Power plant, Albany, Mo. is a native of Gentry County. He was 
born Aug. 16, 1887 and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Hulett) Stineman. 
Samuel Steinman was born in Columbus, Ohio, and is now engaged in the 
meat business at Albany, Mo., where he conducts two markets and is also 
the owner of 160 acres of valuable land in Gentry County. 

Samuel and Mary (Hulett) Steinman are the parents of the following 
children : Lorain, who died at the age of 46 years and is buried in the Carter 
Cemetery in Gentry County ; Ralph, Beggs, Okla. ; Edward, the subject of 
this sketch ; Lilley, a teacher at Roundup, Mont. ; Arthur, died at the age 
of 22 years and is buried in Carter Cemetery. 

Edward Steinman received his education in the public schools and in 
early life worked at the brick layer's trade for three years. He then studied 
engineering at Wichita. He was then employed in the capacity of engineer 
in a mill at Miami, Fla. For the pa.st six years he has been general super- 
intendent of the Albany, Water, Light and Power Plant, having charge of 
both the power plants and also the outside work. In addition to supplying 
the town of Albany this plant also furnishes light to Darlington. This is 
one of the important industrial enterprises of Gentry County, and Mr. 
Steinman has thoroughly demonstrated his efficiency during the years that 
he was so capably directing the affairs of this enterprise. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 827 

Mr. Steinman was married to Cora Taylor, a daughter of William and 
Ellen (Stubbens) Taylor. Mrs. Steinman is one of the following children 
born to her parents : Cecil, married Frank Brown, Leadville, Colo. ; Mary, 
married Charles Jenkins, an electrician at Vancouver, Wash.; Cora, mar- 
ried Edward Stineman, the subject of this review ; Luther, a plumber and 
.steanif itter, Wichita, Kan. ; a daughter married Edgar McQuarry, Mel- 
borne, Mo. ; and Francis, a student in college. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Steinman have been born three children : Donald, 
Ethel and Samuel. 

Mr. Steinman is a Democrat and is recognized as one of the progres- 
sive and enterprising citizens of Albany and Gentry County. 

James W. McKnight, a well known and successful attorney of Al- 
bany is a native of Indiana. He was born Jan. 1, 1876, a son of Joseph 
and Elizabeth (Jones) McKnight. 

Joseph McKnight was a successful farmer and stockman and spent 
his life in the State of Indiana. During the Civil War he enli.sted in the 
Union Army, becoming a member of the 38th Regiment, Indiana Vol- 
unteer Infantry and served for four years. He was a Democrat and a 
member of the Methodist Church. Both he and his wife are now de- 
ceased and their remains are buried at Orleans, Ind. They were the par- 
ents of six children as follows: Stella, married Grant Carroll, Orleans, 
Ind.; Alpha, Lexington, Ky. ; James W., the subject of this sketch; D. 
C, Huntington, W. Va. ; Eva, Orleans, Ind.; and Grace, married Clar- 
ence Harned, Paola, Ind. 

James W. McKnight was reared in Indiana and attended the pub- 
lic schools, including a high school course. He then entered Purdue Uni- 
versity, after having taught school for some time in his native state, and 
was graduated from the law department. He then came to Missouri and 
engaged in the practice of law at King City where he successfully fol- 
lowed his profession until the spring of 1922 when he removed to Al- 
bany where he is now engaged in the practice of law. 

Mr. McKnight is a Democrat and since coming to Gentry County 
has taken an active part in politics. He has served two terms as prose- 
cuting attorney of Gentry County. He was a member of the Legisla- 
ture during the 47th General Assembly and was elected to the Senate 
in 1916. During his Legislative career he served on a number of im- 
portant committees and was recognized as one of the able members of 
the House and Senate. 

In 1899 James W. McKnight was married to Miss Anna Slade, a 



828 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

daughter of Thomas and Delia (Kier) Slade. Mrs. McKnight is a 
Democrat and is recognized as one of the prominent Democratic 
women of Missouri. She was a delegate to the National Democratic 
Convention at San Francisco in 1920. 

Carl J. Agee, a prominent druggist of King City and the present 
mayor of that city is a native of Missouri and is a member of one of 
the early pioneer families of Andrew County. Mr. Agee was born at 
Whitesville, Andrew County, Nov. 17, 1878, a son of John V. and 
Anna (Andrews) Agee. 

William E. Agee was born in Buchanan County, Mo., and was a 
ver>' early settler in Gentry County. He was a blacksmith and served 
as constable at King City for two terms and was the first marshall of 
the town of Stanberry. He died Dec. 20, 1920. 

Anna Andrews Agee was born in Wisconsin, a daughter of John 
Vermillion and Aurilla (Saxten) Andrews. John Vermillion Andrews 
was born in Schenectady, N. Y., May 17, 1818, and died in King City, 
Mo., Oct. 27, 1912. He was married to Aurilla Saxten Feb. 22, 1843, 
at Racine, Wis. They came to Missouri and settled in Andrew County 
in 1876 and spent the remainder of their lives in this section of Mis- 
souri. 

To William Agee and wife were born the following children:. 
Paul and Jennings, twins, deceased; Cleo, manager of the Carl Agee 
Drug Store at Union Star ; J. Earl, trainmaster in the employ of the Santa 
Fe Railroad Company at Denver, Colo. ; Harry, an inspector in the em- 
ploy of Swift and Company at St. Joseph ; Louise, married Charles 
Gills a wholesale merchant St. Joseph; and Carl J., the subject of this 
review. 

Carl J. Agee was educated in the public schools including a high 
school course and then took a course in pharmacy. He began life in 
the dry goods business and for a time was engaged in printing. In 
1904 he engaged in the drug and jewelry business. He has built up an 
extensive business in King City and vicinity and in 1909 he opened a 
branch at Union Star which he still conducts under the management 
of his brother, Cleo. 

Mr. Agee was married to Miss Velma Lewis. They have no chil- 
dren. 

Mr. Agee is a Republican and is now serving his second term as 
mayor of King City. He is a progressive and efficient public official 
and during his administration many needed improvements have been 



HIBTOEY OF DAVIESS AND GENTEY COUNTIES 829 

carried out in King City, including several blocks of pavement; he is 
a BubHtantial citizen and ranks high in King City and vicinity. 

Thonia« J. Dieter, well known owner of the Commercial Hotel of 
King City, is a native of Missouri. He was bom in Clinton County, 
Oct. 22, 1872, a son of George and Lucy dwell) Dieter. 

George Dieter was bom in Germany and came to this countrj' at 
the age of 21 years. He was a master mechanic by trade in Germany, 
but after his arrival in the United States he worked as a blacksmith. 
Mr. Dieter settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained for 18 years. 
At the end of that time, he came to Missouri, settling in Clinton 
County, where he purchased 80 acres of land. He built a blacksmith 
shop on his farm, where he carried on his work, as well as farming. 
Mr. Dieter remained in the blacksmith business for nine years, aft*r 
which he moved to Gentry County, where he purchased 240 acres of 
well improved land, located eairt of King City. He became a success- 
ful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, and was one 
of the first .settlers of Gentry County to handle blooded stock. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dieter are both deceased, and are buried in St. Patrick's Ceme- 
tery, Gentrj- County. They were the parents of the following chil- 
dren: Joseph, stockman. King City; Henr>', farmer and stockman, 
Clinton County; George, farmer and .stockman, Clinton County; Anna, 
the wife of Emil Demfeldt, farmer and fe-tockman, Gentr>' County; 
Frank, resides in Nebraska ; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch. Dur- 
ing the Civil War, Mr. Dieter ser\-ed in the ilissouri State Militia. He 
was a member of the Catholic Church and a Democrat. 

Thomas J. Dieter was reared on his father's farm in Missouri, and 
attended the district schools. He began farming on 80 acres of land in 
Gentr>- County, and was widely known as a breeder of high grade stock. 
Mr. Dieter has been a farmer during his entire life until in January, 
1922, when he purchased the Commercial Hotel in King City, which he 
now manages. It is the largest hotel in King City, and has 30 rooms. 
Mrs. Dieter also assists in the managing of the hotel. 

Mr. Dieter married Sadie Wyatt, a daughter of John and Stephanie 
TLampe) Wyatt, natives of Missouri. To this union six children have 
been bom, as follows: William Francis, deceased; Ruby, attending 
school; Carl, attending school; Maud Josephine, attending school; and 
.Stella 3Iay, at home. 

Mr. Dieter is also interested in the oil business. In politics he is a 
Republican, as also is Mrs. Dieter. Mr. Dieter is widely known, and is 
one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Gentry County. 



830 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

P. M. Graves, a well known farmer and stock raiser of Jackson 
Township, Gentry County, is a native of Indiana. He was born May 16, 
1864, a son of T. P. and Anna (Tague) Graves, both natives of North 
Carolina. They came to Missouri in 1882 and spent the remainder of 
their lives in this state. T. P. Graves was a veteran of the Civil War, 
having served as captain of Company I, 59th Regiment, Indiana Infan- 
try and was in the service for two years. He never recovered his health 
after the war. He was a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge 
and Methodist Church. His remains are buried at Maryville. 

T. P. and Anna (Tague) Graves were the parents of the- following 
children: John Wesley, Betsey Jane, Catherine, Margaret, Sarah, all of 
whom are deceased ; Mary, married J. W. Arthur, a stationary engineer, 
Lyons, Kan. ; Thomas, a mechanic, who lives in Indiana ; and P. M., the 
subject of this sketch. 

Mr. Graves began life working by the day and practically all his 
life he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He is now the 
owner of 80 acres of land in Jackson Township where he carries on gen- 
eral farming and stock raising. He raises Shorthorn cattle, Duroc Jer- 
sey hogs, horses and mules and is meeting with well merited success. 

Mr. Graves married Miss Amanda Gillam, a daughter of James and 
Nancy (Condor) Gillam, the former a native of Kentucky and both now 
deceased. Mrs. Graves was one of the following children born to her 
parents: Mary, Agnes, Lizzie, Ella, Maggie, and Nancy, all of whom 
are deceased; Mary, married James Crombo, who is now deceased; Da- 
dd Preston, who lives in Indiana ; and Mrs. Graves of this review. 

To P. M. Graves and wife have been born the following children : 
Blanche and Jeanette, deceased ; William, whose present address is un- 
known, he having left for the gold fields about 12 years ago which was 
the last time he has been heard from ; Ida, married Albert Parsons, who 
is engaged in the poultry business in King City; Mrs. Parsons is one of 
the prominent Democratic women of Missouri. She was a delegate to the 
Democratic State Convention at Joplin in 1920 and is a member of the 
Democratic State Executive Board ; Delia, married Henry Martin, who 
is engaged in the plumbing business at Red Oak, Iowa ; Frank, who is 
engaged in farming and stock raising with his father; and Clarence, 
who is a mechanic and resides in St. Joseph. 

Mr. Graves is a member of the Sons of Veterans and is a Democrat. 
He is one of the substantial citizens of Gentry County, and is well known 
for his integrity. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 831 

F. M. Gillett, a progressive and enterprising merchant at Island 
City, Mo., is one of the well known ond substantial citizens of Gentry 
County. He was born in Warren County, 111., and is a son of Irson and 
Mary (Blue) Gillett, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of War- 
ren County, 111. Irson Gillett was a farmer and stork raiser. He was a 
Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. He died in Septem- 
ber, 1904, and his wife is now 80 years old and lives three miles east of 
Island City. They were the parents of the following children: Jackson, 
Thomas and Fred, all of whom are deceased ; and William, a farmer and 
stockman in St. Clair County; George, Indianola, Iowa; Viola, Erson, 
Union Star, Mo. ; Pearl, lives in Gentry County ; Freeman, who is a mem- 
ber of the police force in Los Angeles, Calif. ; Thalia, married Richard 
Wiseman, Joplin, Mo.; Frank, lives in Gentry County; and F. M., the 
subject of this sketch. 

F. M. Gillett, received his education in the public schools and be- 
gan life for himself as a farmer and stockman, operating rented land. 
Later he bought 40 acres of land and is now the owner of 138 J acres of 
land where he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising 
for a number of years before engaging in the mercantile business. In 
November, 1918, he engaged in the general mercantile business at Island 
City. He carries a very complete stock of general merchandise and has 
an extensive trade over a large scope of territory. 

Mr. Gillett was married Feb. 22, 1882. to Miss Sarah Miller, a na- 
tive of Illinois. She is a daughter of W. J. and Martha (Gillett) Miller, 
the former a native of Indiana and the later of Ohio. 

W. J. Miller was born in a log cabin in Indiana and reared in the 
midst of pioneer surroundings. He came to Missouri with his family in 
1870 and settled in Gentry County where he was engaged in farming 
and stock raising during the remainder of his life. He died in 1905 and 
is buried in Cooper Cemetery. Mrs. Gillett is one of the following chil- 
dren born to her parents: Elsie, married Perry Allen, an employee of 
the Wabash railroad at Stanberry; Hulda, married Samuel Allen, a car- 
penter contractor at Stanberry; Mary, married Benjamin Cooper, an 
employe of the Wabash railroad at Stanberry ; Alva, a contractor, who 
lives in Kansas; Elva, married Henry Crutchlow, an employe of the Wa- 
bash railroad at Stanberry; Earl, who is employed by the Standard Oil 
Company and lives in Kansas; and Mrs. Gillett, of this review. Mrs. 
Gillett's mother is now 78 years old and lives at Stanberry. 

To Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Gillett have been born the following chil- 



832 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

dren: William, Ray and Fay, all of whom are deceased; Bertha, mar- 
ried Henry Richards and they live in Nodavi^ay County ; Ora, lives in 
Gentry County; Alfa, married John Mann, and they live in Clay County, 
Iowa; Homer, lives in Gentry County; May, married Adam O'Neil and 
they live in Gentry County ; and Paul, who is associated with his father 
in the store. 

Mr. Gillett is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
and the Masons and he and Mrs. Gillett are members of the Christian 
Church and they are Republicans. 

Ray Harpster, a well known practical farmer of Sheridan Township, 
Daviess County, is a native of Ohio, born in Ross County, June 18, 1871. 
His grandparents were Jacob and Sarah Harpster. They came to Missouri 
in 1873 and located west of Hamilton in Caldwell County. Jacob Harp- 
ster, the grandfather of Ray Harpster, engaged in farming and stock rais- 
ing and owned land in Caldwell County at different times. He died at 
Kidder in 1885, and his wife died in 1912. 

Ray Harpster attended the rural schools in Caldwell County and 
later was a student in the Kidder public school. He has made his own 
way in the world since he was 15 years old. He worked by the month on 
various farms for a time, was in Kansas City, Mo., for almost ten years, 
and later worked with a bridge gang on a railroad for four years. During 
those years he held various positions and showed his adaptability to 
sundry kinds of work. He bought his present farm of 204 acres from 
George Hughstead. The farm lies three and one-half miles northeast of 
Kidder. Practically all of the improvements have been made by Mr. Harp- 
ster. The residence was built in 1916, and Mr. Harpster has added several 
farm buildings as they became needed in his work. He does general 
farming. For the past 32 years he has operated a saw mill and threshing 
machine. He uses a Port Huron engine and an Aultman-Taylor separator. 

Mr. Harpster was married in March, 1894, to Mollie Young, who died 
two years later, leaving a daughter, now Mrs. Ina Ray of Kansas City, Mo. 
On Dec. 25, 1900, Mr. Harpster was married to Mrs. Minnie (Leabo) 
Young, a daughter of James and Frances Leabo. To this union three sons 
were born ; James Franklin, Paul Edwards and Charles Raymond. 

Mrs. Harpster's father, James Leabo, was born in Ray County, July 
17, 1857, the son of Daniel and Mary (Teagarden) Leabo. Daniel Leabo 
served as a captain in the Federal Army during the Civil War. He enlist- 
ed in Daviess County. He was a Democrat in politics. He died at Lathrop 
in 1912, and his wife died three years later. The remains of both are 
buried at Lathrop. 




KAY UAlU'STliK 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 833 

James L. Leabo came to Daviess County with his parents in 1861. He 
recalls seeing the men drill in front of the Leabo home for service in the 
war, and recollects quite well seeing his father leave for his period of three 
years of service. James Leabo lived at home until his marriage in 1878. 
He now owns 80 acres of land, located four miles northeast of Kidder. He 
has lived in this vicinity for the past 65 years, and is one of the highly re- 
spected citizens of the community. He married Frances Kelso, a daughter 
of John and Phoebe Kelso, in 1878, and to this union the following child- 
ren were born: Orpha, now Mrs. Eben Youtsey of Colorado; Minnie, now 
Mrs. Harpster; Matty, a teacher at Winston; Vina, now Mrs. Walter Rey- 
nolds of Topeka, Kans. ; Angie, now Mrs. Staffman of Shelbina ; Frances, 
died at the age of four years ; and Gertie, the wife of Walter Edwards. 
All of the daughters, who lived to womanhood, were teachers with the 
exception of Vina. 

Mr. Harpster entered his married life with a gray pony and five 
dollars as his worldly assets and he relates that the five dollars he gave to 
the preacher who married him. This was Rev. William Eckelberry of 
Kidder. Mr. Harpster has worked hard all of his life, but he has achieved 
a success in his work. He intends to delegate a great part of his work to 
his sons as soon as they are through school and ready to assume the re- 
sponsibility of the farm. 

Mr. Harpester is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows and of the Modern Woodmen of America lodges. He served his town- 
ship as constable for four years and as justice of the peace for two years. 
He is a man of business acumen and integrity and is well liked throughout 
the neighborhood in which he is well known. 

Peter Hammer, a successful farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
ship was born in Gentry County, Nov. 29, 1870. He is a son of Peter and 
Mary (Christina) Hammer. The father was a native of Germany and 
came to America when he was 15 years old. He learned blacksmithing 
in early life and when he first came to this country, he worked at his 
trade in an axe factory in Ohio. Later he removed to Indiana and from 
there came to St. Joseph, Mo. Later he removed to Andrew County 
where he was engaged in farming about eight years; he then came to 
Gentry County where he was extensively engaged in farming and stock 
raising. 

Peter Hammer, the subject of this sketch is one of the following 
children bom to his parents: Lewis, a farmer and stockman, lives in 
Gentry County; Charles, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; 
Frank, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Mary, lives in Gentry 



834 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

County; Elizabeth, lives in Gentry County; and Peter, the subject of this 
sketch. 

Peter Hammer has been engaged in farming and stock raising since 
early manhood. For 11 years he operated rented land. He then bought 
his first land and is now the owner of a splendid farm of 280 acres. His 
place is well improved with a good residence and other buildings and 
he carries on general farming and stock raising, raising Polled Angus 
cattle, horses, mules and fancy poultry. 

Mr. Hammer married Iva Miller, a daughter of Charles and Nor- 
cisis (Ashball) Miller of Illinois. Mrs. Hammer is one of the following 
children born to her parents: Herbert, lives in California; Sadie, was a 
teacher in Nebraska before her marriage, is now the wife of Edgar Ad- 
ams, a teacher and banker of Nebraska; Grace, now the wife of Eugene 
Hands and they live in Washington ; Clyde, who is serving his second 
enlistment in the United States Navy as an electrical engineer with San 
Francisco as his headquarters; and Dollie, a teacher, resides at Linnius, 
Mo.; and Mrs. Hammer, of this review. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hammer 
have been born the following children : Franklin Lewis, Peter, Jr. ; Clar- 
ence, and David. 

Mr. Hammer is a Democrat and one of the substantial citizens of 
Jackson Township. 

Willis J. Ethel, a well known retired farmer of King City, was born 
in Illinois, Jan. 22, 1839. He is a son of Willis Jackson and Lutisiah 
(Taylor) Ethel. 

Willis Jackson Ethel was a native of Kentucky. His first wife, Lu- 
tisiah (Taylor) Ethel, died at the age of 30 years, leaving one son, Wil- 
lis J., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Ethel later was married to Sarah 
Eads, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of John Holden Eads. Mr. 
Eads was a prominent farmer and stockman. Mr. and Mrs. Eads were 
the parents of the following children: Martha, deceased; William, de- 
ceased; Nancy Jane, the widow of Mr. Clark, now living in Illinois; Ra- 
chael, the widow of Charles Dewitt, living in Illinois; Louisa Holden, 
the wife of C. H. Crab, farmer and stockman, residing in Oklahoma ; and 
Mrs. Ethel. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eads are deceased and are buried in 
Gentry County. 

Willis J. Ethel was reared in Illinois and received his education in 
the public schools. He then engaged in farming, purchasing 80 acres of 
land. Two years later, Mr. Ethel moved to Missouri, settling in Gentry 
County, where he has since lived. He became a successful farmer and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 835 

stockman, and was well known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Po- 
land China hogs. Mr. Ethel owns 120 acres of well improved land. 

Mr. Ethel is married and has the following children : Eva, deceased; 
Fannie, deceased ; Albert K., merchant, Colorado ; George, Bisbee, Ariz. ; 
Katie, the wife of John Hire, farmer and stockman, Colorado; Cather- 
ine, the wife of Eben Blacklock, farmer and stockman, Gentry County. 
Mrs. Ethel died Dec. 13, 1911, and is buried in Miller Cemetery, Gentry 
County. 

In politics Mr. Ethel is a Democrat. He is a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Ethel is now living retired in King 
City and is a highly respected and substantial citizen of Gentry County. 

Charles Potter, an extensive farmer and stockman of Gentry County 
who operates a large farm in Miller Township, is a native Missourian. 
He was born in Harrison County, Dec. 1, 1867, a son of Leonard and Lu- 
cinda (Warner) Potter, the former a native of Clinton County and the 
latter of Indiana. They were the parents of three children Daisy, de- 
ceased; Mai-cTJS, a ranchman in Wyoming; and Charles, the subject of 
this sketch. Leonard Potter came to Gentry County about 35 years ago 
and he and his wife now live in this County. 

Charles Potter was educated in the district schools and in early life 
began working out by the month. Later he rented 120 acres of land and 
afterwards bought 160 acres. He added more land to his original hold- 
ing until he became the owner of 700 acres. He has since disposed of 
some of his land and is now the owner of 500 acres of well improved and 
productive land. He is one of the successful stockmen of Gentry County, 
raising black Angus and Whiteface cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. His 
cattle has topped the market in Kansas City. Mrs. Potter is a very suc- 
cessful poultry raiser. 

Mr. Potter was married to Lillie Mann, a native of Gentry County 
and a daughter of James and Matilda (Burge) Mann and is one of the 
following children born to them: Byron, Riverside, Calif.; Alva, resides 
on the old homestead in Gentry County and is well known as a breeder 
of Reed's Yellow Dent seed corn having taken second prize at the 
World's Fair at Chicago; Francis, married Hiram Reiny, a farmer and 
.stockman in Gentry County ; and Mrs. Potter of this review. Mrs. Pot- 
ter's parents are both deceased. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Potter have been born the following chil- 
dren : Alvie, born Jan. 15, 1893, lives in Wyoming; John, born Sept. 13, 
1895, Gentry County; Laura, married Claude Weese and lives in Gentry 



836 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

County ; James, who is associated with his father on the home farm ; 
Mary, resides at home; Bessie, at home; Mabel at home; Herbert, and 
Marvin. 

The Potter farm was located on the old St. Joseph trail and is one 
of the old historic places in that section. Mr. Potter is a Republican and 
a member of the Baptist Church and one of the progressive and enter- 
prising citizens of Gentry County. 

W. A. Temple, a Gentry County pioneer and an extensive land 
owner who for many years has been successfuly engaged in farming and 
stock raising in Gentry County is now living retired at Stanberry. He was 
born in Allegheny, Pa., Sept. 29, 1859, a son of William and Mary Elizabeth 
(Clingingsmith) Temple, both natives of Pennsylviana, the former of 
Allegheny and the latter of Pittsburg. During the Civil War William 
Temple was engaged in making wagons for the Government. In 1874 he 
came to Gentry County with his family where he was engaged in farming 
and stock raising and was the owner of 460 acres of land. He was a Demo- 
crat and a member of the Baptist Church. William Temple and wife were 
the parents of the following children : Mary, deceased ; Emma, deceased ; 
George, lives in Gentry County ; Ella, married Len Foxworthy and they live 
in Nebraska; Benjamin, lives in Gentry County; Joseph; Maggie, married 
W. S. Waldon, St. Joseph ; Harry, a physician at Wichita Falls, Texas ; and 
W. A., the subject of this sketch. 

W. A. Temple came to Gentry County with his parents in 1874. At the 
begining of his career he bought 20 acres of land and engaged in farming 
and stock raising. He bought more land from time to time and is now the 
owner of 607 acres in Wilson Township. His place is well improved and his 
farm residence is one of the finest farm homes in Gentry County. He is 
retired from the farm and now lives in Stanberry. 

Mr. Temple married Evelin Campbell a native of Nodaway County. 
She is a daughter of E. P. and Sarah (See) Campbell, both natives of Mis- 
souri, the former of Clinton County and the latter of Monroe County. Mrs. 
Temple was one of five children born to her parents three of whom are 
living: William, state farm director of Texas; Benjamin, lives in Missouri ; 
and Mrs. Temple of this review. E. P. Campbell was a Gentry County 
pioneer and owned SOOacres of land here. He was a Democrat, a member 
of the Christian Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. He died Nov. 
12, 1909 and his wife died Feb. 3, 1916. 

To W. A. Temple and wife have been born the following children : 
Bertha, born May 15, 1873, married Grant Lewis and is now deceased, 
leaving two children, Erman and Vandevere ; Nevada, born Feb. 22, 1883, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 837 

married Ai'chie Good and they live near Stanberry ; Gertrude, born Feb. 2, 
1885 married Hazelwood Porter and they live in Gentry County ; Edward, 
born April 3, 1888, lives near Stanberry. 

Mr. Temple is a Democrat and is one of the widely known and sub- 
stantial citizens of Gentry County. Mrs. Temple has in her possession a 
watch which is an interesting family heirlom. It belonged to her mother's 
father and is over 100 years old. 

Ed E. Birge, the efficient and popular circuit clerk and ex-officio 
recorder of deeds of Gentry County, is a native of Illinois, born in St. Clair 
County, Jan. 31, 1860. His parents were David and Jane (Mundis) Birge, 
both now deceased. 

David Birge was born in Vermont. As a young man he came to 
Madison County, 111., where he died in 1861. His wife, Jane (Mundis) 
Birge. was born in Madison County, 111., where she was also married. From 
1880 she lived in Stanberry until her death in 1894. To the union of David 
and Jane (Mundis) Birge two children were born; Ida, living with her 
brother ; and Ed E., the subject of this review. 

Ed E. Birge was educated in Greenville, 111. and at the age of 20 
years, began work for the Wabash Railroad as a lineman. In 1879 he 
settled at Stanberry where he continued his work for the Wabash Railroad 
during a period of 36 years. He had charge of the telegraph lines between 
Brunswick, Mo. and Omaha, Neb. He had many interesting experiences at 
times of floods or fires. The great flood of 1909 destroyed more than 60 
miles of the wiring and Mr. Birge had charge of the reconstruction work. 
The Pattonsburg fire was disastrous in another way. The practically com- 
plete destruction of the town including the razing of the Wabash depot. 
This meant another important piece of work for Mr. Birge. 

In 1914 Mr. Birge resigned from his position with the Wabash Rail- 
road and accepted the position of circuit clerk and recorder of Gentry 
County to which office he was elected on the Democratic ticket in 1914. He 
was reelected in 1918 and is now serving his seventh year. His reelection 
to an office which he had already filled is a very definite indication of his 
success in handling the work. 

Ed E. Birge was married in 1893 to Mollie Norman, a daughter of 
Joshua and Miriam Norman of Stanberry. Mrs. Birge was born and edu- 
cated in Indiana. To her union with Mr. Birge two children were born : 
Savilla, died in infancy; and Lewellyn, a graduate of the Stanberry High 
School, and now the wife of Loyd L. Welch, a brief sketch of whom appears 
in this review. 

Loyd L. Welch was one of the volunteers from Stanberry for service 



838 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in the World War. He enlisted Aug. 18, 1917 and was sent to Waco, Texas 
for training in the Aviation Corps. He was later sent to Scotland for train- 
ing, was made a sergent, and was assigned to 25th Areo Squadron, the 
United States Army. He was in active service in the Toul Sector from Sept. 
18, to Oct. 24, 1918 ; at the Meuse Argonne from Oct. 24 to Nov. 11, 1918 ; 
and with the Army of Occupation from Oct. 26 to the time of his return to 
the United States. He served in both England and France. Mr. Welch 
received his discharge from the army at Camp Dodge, Iowa, June 16, 1919. 

Mr. Birge is a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the 
Knights of Pythias lodges. He is a man of marked public spirit. Since the 
war closed, Mr. Birge has recorded more than 170 discharge papers for 
veterans of the World War and has never made any charges for his work. 
As a private individual and a citizen serving in an official capacity, Mr. 
Birge has been enterprising and efficient. 

Granville Butler, who was prominently identified with Gentry 
County, was a native of this county and a son of Madison Butler and 
Eliza (Payne) Butler, both natives of Virgina and early settlers in Mis- 
souri. Madison Butler was engaged in farming and stock raising and 
was the owner of 140 acres of land. He was a Democrat and a member 
of the Presbyterian Church. Both he and his wife are now deceased and 
their remains are buried in Friendship Cemetery. 

Granville Butler was one of the following children born to his par- 
ents: Atwell, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Mary, married 
Peter Price who is now deceased and she resides at Albany; John, an 
engineer, lives in Nebraska; William, a farmer and stockman, lives in 
Gentry County; and Granville, whose name introduces this review. 

Granville Butler was educated in the public schools and the Uni- 
versity of Missouri at Columbia where he was graduated in the Civil En- 
gineering course. At the time of his death, Aug. 30, 1912, he was en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising in Miller Township where he was the 
owner of 440 acres of land which is now being operated by Mrs. Butler. 
He was a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Knights 
of Pythias. He was a progressive and enterprising citizen and one of the 
public spirited men of Gentry County. 

Mr. Butler married Inzer M. Havens, a daughter of Gordon and 
Gross (Cloose) Havens, natives of Virginia and Mrs. Butler, was also 
born in Virginia. Gordon Havens and wife were the parents of the fol- 
lowing children : Eli, a farmer and stockman, lives at Madison, Kan. ; 
Oliver, lives at McFall ; Mary Elizabeth, married James Thompson of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 839 

Albany ; Fayette, a farmer and stockman at McFall ; Eliza, married 
Daniel Patterson, Albany; and Mrs. Butler, of this review. To Gran- 
ville Butler and wife was born one child, William Granville Butler, born 
June 8, 1905, who is now a student in high school. 

Charles H. Kent, for nearly 50 years a well known stock buyer and 
shipper of Gentry County, is a member of a pioneer family of the county. 
His recollections carry him back to the days of 1857 when he came here as 
a child, and his reminiscences of Albany in those days are very interesting, 
both because of their flavor of the romance of frontier times and because 
of their historical significance. 

Charles H. Kent was born in Edgar County, 111., Sept. 6, 1845, the son 
of David and Nancy (Williams) Kent. Mrs. Kent was born in Ohio in 1814 
and died in Edgar County, 111. in 1856. Mr. Kent was married the second 
time to Mai"y McCamrey who died in Worth County, Missouri at the age of 
92 years. David Kent died on his farm in Worth County in 1882 at the age 
of 78 years. The only one of his children now living is Charles H., the sub- 
ject of this review. The children were : Charles H., mentioned above ; 
Squire, died in Worth County in 1859 ; Albert, died in California ; Turzy, 
died in Illinois at the age of 22 years ; Nancy, died in Illinois in 1854 ; 
Louisa, died in Illinois in 1854 ; and Mary, died in 1856. Two other children 
died in infancy. 

David Kent, with his family, drove through from Illinois to Missouri, 
reaching Gentry County on Sep. 12, 1857. He .settled in Bogle Township 
where he entered 120 acres of land. This land is now incorporated within 
the precincts of Worth County. The family grew up in the midst of the 
hardships of the pioneer times, but it was in these surroundings that 
Charles H. Kent says that he acquired the elements of thrift and industry 
which have contributed in no small degree to his success in life. David Kent 
huckstered in Albany in the fifties, later selling his products in St. Joseph. 
He made 23 trips to St. Joseph in a sled, taking his farm products each 
time. During the winter of 1864 to 1865, snow fell in November and from 
that time until March first the ground was covered with snow. 

Charles H. Kent attended school at Dawson and in the Dawson Dis- 
trict. He began trading at the age of 22 years and has followed the business 
of buying and selling stock ever since. He raised and fed hogs on an exten- 
sive scale and has been successful in his business largely because of his 
close application to the details of his work. Mr. Kent has large land hold- 
ings. He owns 720 acres of land in Gentry County, adjoining the Worth 
County line ; 261 acres near Greenwell Ford south of Albany ; and 120 acres 



840 HISTOEY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

near Stanberry. The first named farm is operated by Mr. Kent's son, 
Homer. 

Mr. Kent has been twice married. His first marriage was to Sarah 
Dawson in 1867. She died eight years later leaving one son, Luther, now 
in the commission business in St. Joseph. Mr. Kent was married the second 
time in 1877 to Angeline Ross and to this union four sons were born : Elmer 
A., a farmer and shipper of Albany ; D. 0., a farmer in Gentry County ; 
Charles Homer operating the home farm; and Frank, in the commission 
with his brother, Luther, in St. Joseph where they have their company. 

Mr. Kent joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Denver, Mo. 
in 1868. He helped organize the lodge at Denver and was an active mem- 
ber in it for 25 years. For the past 20 years, Mr. Kent has lived at Albany 
where he is well known as a man of intergrity. 

W. E. Hartsock, a well known Doctor of Osteopathy of Albany, is 
a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Kansas City, Mo., 
of Central College of Osteopathy at Kansas City, Mo. and of the Needles 
Optical College at Kansas City, Mo. Dr Hartsock has also done post grad- 
uate work in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. 

Dr. Hartsock is a native of Missouri. He was born in Adair County, 
Sept. 26, 1890, the son of J. N. and Nettie (Ginn) Hartsock. J. N. Hart- 
sock was born in Knox County and his wife was born in Marion County 
near Palmyra. J. N. Hartsock's father, John Hartsock, was a native of 
Pennsylvania who left his native state and came to Missouri in the early 
days of the state. He followed farming near Brashear, Adair County until 
his death several years ago. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having 
served as a Federal soldier. His son, J. N. Hartsock, now lives on a farm 
near Brashear. Mr. and Mrs. Hartsock have three children : W. E., the 
subject of this sketch; a daughter, now Mrs. C. J. Winn of Kansas City, 
Mo.; and J. R., living at home. 

W. E. Hartsock attended the public schools in Adair County and did 
his high school work at the Kansas City Polytechnic School. In 1912 he 
began the study of osteopathy and in 1916 he graduated from the Central 
College of Osteopathy. He began practicing his profession at Kansas City 
but came to Albany, Jan. 1, 1918 and opened an office over the Gentry 
County Bank. Here he has built up an excellent practice. His thorough 
knowledge of his profession added to his high professional ideas make him 
an invaluable asset to the community. 

Dr. Hartsock was married in 1916 to Ruby Smith, born in Sedalia, 
and educated in Kansas City, Mo. where her marriage to Dr. Hartsock 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES _ 841 

took place. To this union three children have been born ; James, Margaret, 
and Donald. 

Dr. Hartsock is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 
and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a capable and ener- 
getic young man, one whose success in life is assured by virtue of his in- 
dustry and training. 

Frank Wooderson, an enterprising farmer of Miller Township in 
Gentry County and the owner of well improved land which he operates as a 
general farm in the same township, was born one mile south of his present 
home, June 13, 1886. 

Mr. Wooderson's parents are D. H. and Sarah (Patton) Wooderson. 
D. H. Wooderson is a native of Daviess County and his wife was born in 
Gentry County. For several years they lived on a farm near the present 
home of their son, Frank, but for the past 25 years they have lived in 
their present home in Miller Township. Their children are: Audra, who 
was a student at Grand River Business College, now married to A. W. 
Elam of McFall ; Frank, the subject of this review ; Eliza, a graduate of 
the Albany High School and of the State Teachers College at Warrens- 
burg, now teaching in St. Joseph where she has been successful in her 
profession for seven years ; and Frances, for the past two years a ste- 
nographer and bookkeeper in Watkins Music Store, Independence, Mo. 

Frank Wooderson attended the public schools and later the North- 
west Missouri College at Albany. After three years of work in the lat- 
ter institution he went to South Dakota, and in 1910 homesteaded 160 
acres of land there. This land in Tripp County is still owned by Mr. 
Wooderson. During his sojourn in South Dakota, Mr. Wooderson served 
a term as deputy county clerk of Tripp County and one term as deputy 
sheriff. While holding this latter office, Mr. Wooderson met some in- 
teresting but hazardous experiences with cattle rustlers. He returned to 
Gentry County in the fall of 191.3 and located on his present farm where 
he has made many improvements and has been successful. 

Frank Wooderson was married Sept. 10, 1913, to Iva Lewis, a na- 
tive of De Kalb County, Mo., who had homesteaded 160 acres of land in 
Tripp County, S. D., adjoining the land taken up by Mr. Wooderson. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wooderson were married in South Dakota. To their union four 
children have been born; Irene, Grace, Dale, and Tom. 

Mr. Wooderson is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons and of the Modern Woodmen of America Lodges. He is a relia- 
ble and substantial man, upright in business, and a good citizen of his 
community. 



842 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

William A. Patton, prominent farmer of Miller Township in Gentry 
County, was born on the farm where he now lives, June 3, 1864, the son 
of William A. Patton, Sr., and Eliza C. (Owen) Patton, mention of whose 
lives appear in this volume in connection with the sketches of the lives 
of David ,H. Wooderson, and his wife, Sarah A. (Patton) Wooderson. 

William A. Patton, Sr., and his wife were both born in Tennessee, 
the former in 1819 and the latter in 1825. They came to Missouri in 
1845, Mr. Patton having come in 1841 and returned four years later to 
be married in Tennessee. He entered 260 acres of land in Gentry County 
and he brought his bride to the log house which was their first home on 
the farm. In 1878, Mr. Patton built a two-story frame house, hauling 
the lumber for it from St. Joseph. This house, the frame of native oak 
hewed out on the farm, is still in excellent condition and with its 11 
rooms presents a colonial appearance to the passerby. Mr. Patton be- 
came a well known farmer and stockman of the county. He died in 1900 
and his wife died in 1907. Their children are named in the sketch of 
David R. Wooderson, reference to which has been made above. 

William A. Patton was a pupil in the rural schools of Gentry County, 
later attending the Albany High School. He was a student in the Mis- 
souri State University for a while and then went to Park College at 
Parkville. He was a successful teacher in Gentry County for ten years, 
then bought his first farm 2i miles southeast of his present home and be- 
gan to improve the land. He sold the farm later and then bought 160 
acres of the home place of which he later sold 40 acres and bought 200 
acres differently situated, making holdings of 320 acres in one tract. 
The west 160 acres of Mr. Patton's farm was entered by Hugh Patton, 
an uncle, in the pioneer days when the Patton name first became known 
in Gentry County. Mr. Patton does general farming and stockraising. 

William A. Patton was married April 10, 1890, to Lou E. Crawford, 
a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Crawford. Mrs. 
Crawford was born in Kentucky in 1833, the daughter of Benjamin 
Wheeler, a Baptist minister of the pioneer days who would never accept 
a stated salary for preaching. He was a well known man of his time. 
Mrs. Crawford is now living in Miller Township at the age of 88 years. 
George W. Crawford, an early settler of Miller Township, owned 260 
acres of land at the time of his death in 1889. His remains are buried in 
Old Friendship Cemetery. To the union of George W. and Elizabeth 
(Wheeler) Crawford the following children were born: Sophia, married 
William Pryor and died in 1882; Martha, deceased, was married to 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 843 

Lewis Shultz; Benjamin, died at the age of 24 years; James A., now liv- 
ing in Oklahoma; I. N., living in California; Miriam, deceassed, was the 
wife of F. D. Gist; Elsie, the widow of G. W. Gist of Miller Township; 
Cenia, married to A. W. Garton of Miller Township; Pou E., now Mrs. 
Patton ; and U. S., living in Miller Township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Patton have 11 children, as follows: Edith I., the wife 
of V. C. Humphrey of Defiance, Okla. ; Walter V., mentioned later; Jen- 
nie, lives in Columbia where she is married to Paul E. Turner, a World 
War veteran who served overseas and was wounded while in service; 
Anna C, the wife of Marion Christie of Harrison County; Homer C, now 
living in Montana; W. A., at home; Ruth, a teacher at McFall; Rose, 
was a student in the King City High School for three years, graduated at 
Palmer College, and is now at home; Hugh, a student in the McFall 
High School ; Louise, at home ; and Charles, at home. Walter V. Patton 
enlisted for sei'vice in the World War in September, 1917, and was com- 
missioned second lieutenant at Camp Taylor, Aug. 1, 1918. He helped 
train the recruits at Fort Sill and remained there until he was mustered 
out of service, Dec. 20, 1918. He is now living in Montana. 

Mr. Patton and his family are highly esteemed members of their 
community. The Patton name has stood for high ideals and progress in 
civic matters ever since the pioneer days when the name was first known 
in this part of Missouri. 

Standish E. Jones, a well known citizen of Albany who has served 
four terms as an alderman of the town, was born in Watertown, Wis., 
Aug. 12, 1857, the son of Edward H. and Mary E. (Bryant) Jones. 

Edward Jones was born in Utica, N. Y., of Welch descent. He was 
one of the pioneers of Dodge County, Wis., moving there after his mar- 
riage in New York to Mary E. Bryant, a native of Connecticut where she 
was reared. Mrs. Jones was a first cousin of William Cullen Bryant and 
in her girlhood she visited the famous man of letters. Mrs. Jones' mother 
was a Standish, one of the decendants of the great Miles Standish 
of colonial fame. Mrs. Jones died in Wisconsin in 1900 and her husband 
died in Wisconsin in 1901. Their children were; Martha, living at Mari- 
onette, Wis., married James A. Davis, died in 1919, leaving one son and 
a daughter, the son, Alvin Davis, is a circuit judge in Wisconsin and the 
daughter, Ella, is a prominent teacher; Calvin, died in Billings, Okla., 
when more than 70 years of age, settled in Gentry County, shortly after 
the Civil War and lived for many years on a farm in Maple Grove Dis- 
trict, ten miles southwest of Albany; and Standish E., the subject of this 
review. 



844 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Standish E. Jones was educated in the Wisconsin schools. In 1879 
he decided to move toward the west. He shipped his goods to Pawnee 
County, Kan., but after unloading the goods and surveying the prospects 
there he decided that the conditions in Kansas were too discouraging 
for a newcomer and drove back over the Santa Fe Trail until he struck 
the St. Joseph road. From there he came on to Gentry County and, in 
1879 he settled on a farm of 400 acres 12 miles southwest of Albany. He 
borrowed all of the money with which to pay for this tract of land, but 
the investment was a profitable one and Mr. Jones has bought and sold 
several farms since his initial venture. He still owns 320 acres of land 
in Kansas and a section of LaClede County, Mo. For the past 20 years 
he has lived in a house which he owns in Albany. 

Standish E. Jones was married, in October, 1875, to Frances A. 
Hopkins, born in Dodge County, Wis., a daughter of John Hopkins of 
that place. Her mother was a member of the Matthews family of Wis- 
consin, and died when Mrs. Jones was an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Jones 
have the following children : Anna, the wife of Joseph W. Boley near 
Maple Grove; Calvin R., was robbed and murdered at Butte, Mont., 
when he was 36 years old ; Mary, the widow of Charles Fabyonach, for 
nine years a policeman at Pueblo, Col., and for several years a court in- 
terpreter at the same place; William K., a merchant and ranchman at 
Yeso, N. M. ; Bernice and Blanche, twins, the former now married to 
Fred Elder, a railroad operator at Aurora, Neb., and the latter died at 
the age of 11 months; Jennie, the widow of Bert Graham of Kansas City, 
Mo.; and Maude A., a teacher for the past five years in the Albany 
school. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have also the following grandchildren ; Joe, 
Maude, Frances, Yvon, and an infant Boley; Standish Hamilton, a son 
of Mary (Jones) Fabyonach by her first marriage; Charley and Ray- 
mond Graham; an infant daughter of William Jones; and Donald and 
Kathlyn Elder. 

Mr. Jones is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and 
the members of the Jones family are identified with the Christian 
Church. Mr. Jones has made an efficient and conscientious officer for 
Albany. He has recently taken the contract to furnish the town with its 
water supply and sunk the fourth well from which he obtained water of an 
excellent quality. Mr. Jones is one of the substantial citizens of Albany. 

J. H. Degginger, deceased, was for many years a prominent busi- 
ness man and financier in Gentry County. He was born in Bavaria, Ger- 
many, April 15, 1842, the son of Nathan and Sarah Degginger whose 
children were: J. H., deceased, the subject of this review; Jacob, de- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 845 

ceased, whose widow and family now live in Kansas City, Mo. ; and Ber- 
tha, tho widow of Isaac Isaacs of St. Joseph. 

J. H. Degginger left his native country in 1857 when he was a lad 
of 15 years and came to Missouri. Although unable at that time to speak 
the English language he set to work to make his living and his pluck and 
energy soon produced results. He opened a little store at Allendale and 
later entered the mercantile business at Gentryville. He disposed of his 
store there and went to Albany where he established a cattle and land 
business that soon developed into one of the prosperous enterprises of 
the community. At the time of his death he owned 3,600 acres of land 
in Gentry County. His widow still owns this land and has added 100 
acres to the holdings since the death of Mr. Degginger. Mr. and Mrs. 
Degginger moved into a house on the site of the present Degginger 
home in Albany 38 years ago. They built their first home in 1895. It 
was destroyed by fire in January, 1920, and Mrs. Degginger rebuilt on 
the same site. 

J. H. Dregginger was married at Union Grove, Mo., June 14, 1883, 
to Jennie Snider, a daughter of W. A. and Barbara (Blaylock) Snider. 
Mr. Snider was born in Green County, Tenn., and died in Gentry County 
in 1885 at the age of 62 years. His wife was born in Hendricks County, 
Ind. and died in Gentry County in 1892. The remains of both are buried 
in Bogle Township. W. A. Snider came to Gentry County in 1858 and 
entered 200 acres of land in Bogle Township where he became a well 
known farmer and stockman and where he and his wife lived until their 
deaths. Their children were: William A., married Alberta A. Hise and 
died in 1893 ; Elizabeth H., the widow of Warren Murphy of St. Joseph ; 
Philip H., married Mollie Creed and died in 1873 ; Margaret, married L. 
P., Forbis and died in 1879, leaving.two children; Jennie, now the widow 
of J. H. Degginger; Napoleon B., married Mattie Canaday and lives in 
Gentry County; J. J., a resident of Wichita, Kan.; David K., deceased, 
married Ida Davis who now lives in Omaha, Neb. ; Rachel, living near 
Stanberry, the widow of Henry W. Beachner; and Amanda L., the wife 
of Emery Romack of Jennings, Okla. 

Jennie (Snider) Degginger was educated in the public schools of 
Albany and was a successful teacher for two years before her marriage. 
To her union with J. H. Degginger one child was born, J. H., Jr., a brief 
sketch of whom appears later. Mrs. Degginger was an equal partner 
with her husband in his success. She did her own housework on the 
farm and in their home the elements of thrift and industry were as much 



846 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a part of Mrs. Degginger's method as of her husband's. His ambition 
for success was equaled by that of his wife and she proved herself a 
competent adviser and assistant. 

J. H. Degginger died Jan. 31, 1912. His name lives in the business 
annals of the county where he was one of the organizers of the Gentry 
County Bank at Albany and of which institution he was a director at the 
time of his death. His varied experience in business and his wide ac- 
quaintance in the county made him an invaluable addition to the person- 
nel of the bank. He was held in high esteem both as a private individual 
and as a man who had the financial betterment and commercial up- 
building of Gentry County as an ideal. He achieved his goal by dint of 
hard work and unceasing interest in the details that meant a competent 
handling of his business affairs. 

J. H. Degginger, Jr., now holds his father's place as director of the 
Gentry County Bank. He is the only child of his parents, born April 3, 
1895, and attended the public schools. Later he spent four years in the 
Missouri State University from which he took a degree in the Agricul- 
tural Department. He was married in November, 1919, to Bernice Flow- 
ers, a daughter of Dale S. Flowers, a sketch of whose life appears else- 
where in this volume. Mr. Degginger was a member of the Sigma Chi 
fraternity in the University and is a member of the Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons Lodge. He is now operating the Degginger farm south 
of Albany where he has one of the finest herds of Shorthorn cattle in 
Gentry County. He also raises Duroc Jersey hogs and is becoming 
known as a markedly successful stockman. 

Jacob Newman, known in Gentry County as an excellent citizen and 
a successful farmer, has his home on his farm of 471 acres of well im- 
proved land in Township 62 N., Range 30 W. He was born in Gentry 
County, May 24, 1866, the son of Alexander and Jane (Thompson) 
Newman, both dead. 

A. Newman was born in Tennessee and came to Gentry County 
with his mother. He entered 80 acres of land two miles from Albany, 
and later he and his uncle, Jacob Newman, entered 160 acres each. Both 
this uncle and Mr. Newman's mother died in Gentry County. Mr. New- 
man bought and improved other farms during the 55 years which he 
spent in the county. He died in 1909 at the age of 84 years and his re- 
mains are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. To his union with Jane (Thomp- 
son) Newman the following children were born: John, a resident of Al- 
bany; Mitchell, living at Albany; James, deceased; Robert, living at 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 847 

Albany; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Frances, now the wife of 
Frank Welch of Gentry County; and Lizzie, married to W. Welch of Al- 
bany. 

Jacob Newman attended his first school in the Quigley District. 
The teacher that year was Fred Hinton. Later Mr. Newman went to the 
Fore District school. He has followed the occupation of farming all of 
his life and has achieved success in his work. In connection with farm- 
ing, Mr. Newman has engaged in stock raising with a marked degree 
of prosperity. 

In 1890 Jacob Newman was married to Mary E. ShuU, a daughter 
of Joshua and Cozbie (Gillespie) Shull, both deceased. Mr. Shull was 
born in Ohio, later went to Illinois, and came to Gentry County in early 
manhood and settled on a farm southeast of Albany. He died on his 
farm in 1901 and his remains are buried in the Davidson Cemetary. His 
wife was born in Tazewell County, Va., and came to Missouri with her 
parents. She died in 1870 and her remains are buried in the Davidson 
Cemetery. To the union of Joshua and Cozbie (Gillespie) Shull the fol- 
lowing children were born: Thomas, living at Albany; Joseph, living at 
Ellinsburg, Wash. ; Martha, deceased, was the wife of Perry Maupin and 
left two children, Thelma and Thomas; and Mary E., born at Albany, 
Feb. 5, 1868, now Mrs. Newman. 

Mr. and Mrs. Newman have two children: Bertha, married Wood- 
son Hunter, Aug. 8, 1915, and has three children, Helen, Gladys, and 
Russell; and Buford, married Grace McConkey, Dec. 29, 1920, and is 
now living on the home place. Buford Newman is one of the young men to 
whom the county is proud to give special praise because of the service 
which they rendered during the World War. Mr. Newman enlisted for 
service at Albany, Sept. 14, 1918, and was sent to the Rahe Auto School 
at Kansas City, Mo. Later he was sent to Camp Jessup, Ga., then to 
Camp Merritt, N. Y., and sailed for France, Oct. 28, 1918, with the 310th 
Motor Transport. He was stationed first at Dijon and at Coblenz with 
the Army of Occupation. He was overseas until Sept. 10, 1919, and was 
mustered out of service at Camp Taylor, Ky., Sept. 23, 1919. Mr. New- 
man is a member of the Donald Holden Post No. 106 of the American 
Legion at Albany, and of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at the 
same place. 

Jacob Newman is a Democrat. He is a man of high ideals, a farmer 
of efficiency and energy, and a citizen of excellent repute in the county. 



848 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Lawrence T. Dale, now deceased, during his life, was a well known 
farmer of Daviess County. He was born Jan. 27, 1840, in London, Eng- 
land, a son of George and Hannah (Tate) Dale. 

George Dale was a merchant in London and in 1846 came to New 
York state, later going to Jonesville, Mich., where he resided until his 
death. His wife died in Chillicothe, Mo., having moved there in February, 
1869. Mr. and Mrs. Dale were the parents of three children, as follow: 
Lawrence T., the subject of this sketch; Betty, deceased, was the wife of 
Dr. McArthur ; and a child that died in infancy. 

Lawrence T. Dale was reared on a farm and attended the district 
schools in New York. He served in the Indian War in Minnesota. In 
1869 Mr. Dale came to Missouri and located two miles east of Chillicothe. 
He remained there until 1878, when he moved to Daviess County, and set- 
tled in Harrison Township, where he owned 350 acres of land, well im- 
proved. 

Mr. Dale was married Feb. 6, 1869, to Alma L. Warriner, a daughter 
of Oreal and Cleantha (Park) Warriner, natives of New York state. Mrs. 
Dale was born in Jonesville, Mich., Dec. 13, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Dale were 
the parents of seven children: Edwin S., Ouachita County, Ark.; Win. W., 
White County, Ark. ; Lillian M., the wife of George C. Blackwell, Brecken- 
ridge; Nellie M., the wife of W. B. Bingham, of Floyd, New Mexico; George 
W., Breckenridge ; Bessie J., wife of Walter Thomas, Paonia, Colo.; and 
Clifford, of Oura, Colo. 

Mr. Dale is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He 
retired from farming and moved to Breckenridge in 1909, where he died 
Dec. 27, 1913. Mrs. Dale still resides in Breckenridge, and retains all of 
the land in Daviess County, formerly owned by her husband. She is a 
member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Dale has 28 grandchildren and 
six great-grandchildren. 

Lawrence Dale had many friends in this county and was one of the 
most honored and respected citizens. 

Rufus Whitton, deceased, was one of the well known men of Gen- 
try County. He was born in Miller Township, Aug. 5, 1845, the son of 
Redmond and Margaret Jane (Patton) Whitton, latter the daughter of 
James Patton, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. 

Rufus Whitton was an extensive land holder and stockman. He 
had holdings of more than 1,450 acres of land in Miller and Athens 
townships. His home place lay just east of Whitton Station, named for 
him, and the place is still owned by his widow. As a feeder of cattle and 
hogs, Mr. Whitton made the market in his community for the corn 




L.WVRKXCE T. DAT.E 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 849 

raised there. He was a man whose alert intellect made it possible for 
him to engage successfully in many enterprises and interests. He helped 
to organize the Bank of Albany and was a director in the institution for 
more than 25 years. Later on, he assisted in the organization of the 
Farmers Bank at McFall and there, too, he was a director. Mr. Whitton 
was a Democrat and was active in the work of his party although he 
never cared to hold office. He joined the Presbyterian Church at the 
historic Mt. Zion and for 25 years served as an elder in the church. He 
died Oct. 15, 1912, and his remains are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery. 
As a business man and as a citizen of his community, Mr. Whitton was 
accounted a man of progressive ideas and high ideals. 

Rufus Whitton was married Nov. 5, 1874, to Mary Jane Lowe, a 
daughter of Anderson and Zilphy (McNatt) Lowe, pioneers of Gentry 
County. Anderson Lowe was born in Tennessee, the son of Stephen 
Lowe who came to Gentry County and entered land in Miller Township. 
Mr. Lowe died in March 1900, at the age of 72 years and his wife died in 
March, 1900, at the age of 67 years. Their children were: James, living 
ing at Milan, Kan.; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Whitton; William, living at 
Gilman City; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Sweetland of Norman, Okla. ; George, 
a resident of Albany ; and Sarah Margaret, now Mrs. Fuson of Oklahoma 
City, Okla. 

To the union of Rufus and Mary Jane (Lowe) Whitton three chil- 
dren were born ; Alvin, now living at Whitton where he is a merchant, 
and married to Maggie Rice, with one daughter, Helen Louise; Charles, 
married Lois Golden, and now living on the home place; and Elizabeth, 
married to J. A. Tipton, a member of the mercantile firm of Tipton and 
Miller at Albany. 

Rufus Whitton was one of six children, as follows: I. C, deceased; 
Rufus, the subject of this sketch ; James, deceased ; Amanda, later Mrs. 
Giles and now dead ; Alice, now the wife of John McFall, living near 
Whitton; and M. M., a real estate dealer in St. Joseph. The Whitton 
name has been well and favorably known in Gentry County and the sur- 
rounding community for many years. Mr. Whitton's widow, Mary Jane 
(Lowe) Whitton, sold her home recently and is living with her children. 
She is a woman of bright intellect and keen discernment and is finding 
pleasure in her association with her family and the friends of her old 
neighborhood. During the 30 years that she and her husband lived on 
their farm near Whitton, and in the years after that time when they 
were living at Albany, both she and Mr. Whitton made themselves a part 



850 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of the community interests and activities, and both were held in high es- 
teem as people of energy and loyalty to high ideals of citizenship. 

Albert C. McMillen, capable farmer and stockman, and the owner 
of the 120 acres of land lying five miles south of Albany, formerly the 
A. B. Price farm, was born one-half mile north of Gentryville on the 
Hazelrigg farm, July 11, 1882. 

Mr. McMillen's parents were Thomas and Nannie (Kariker) Mc- 
Millen. Thomas McMillen was born in Ohio and came to Gentry County 
in childhood with his father, James McMillen. Thomas McMillen mar- 
ried in this county and his wife died at Fairfax, Atchison County in 
1893, leaving one child, Albert C, the subject of this sketch. By a later 
marriage of the father to Jennie Strong, he had a son, Winford. Thomas 
McMillen moved to Kansas City, Mo., where he died in 1907. 

Albert C. McMillen was left motherless when he was ten years old 
and has practically made his own way in the world ever since. He at- 
tended the schools at Washington Center, Hatfield, and Gentryville, and 
early in life began farming for himself. At various times he owned four 
small farms, disposing of them, and finally purchasing his present place 
between Albany and Darlington. Mr. McMillen has given especial at- 
tention to the raising of hogs and has achieved success in that line of 
work. At present he has approximately 125 hogs on his farm. 

Mr. McMillen was married to Fannie L. Hager, Aug. 27, 1903. Mrs. 
McMillen is a daughter of John and Almeda (Smith) Hager, both born 
in Indiana, where they were married and came to Missouri in 1881. 
They located at Jameson in Daviess County, and reared a family of nine 
children: Fannie L., now Mrs. McMillen; Charles E., living on the 
home place; Edith, now the wife of James McMillen; Grace, married to 
Joseph Gregory ; Luther, a resident of Albany ; Jene, living at Gentry- 
ville; Mary, of Albany: Adaline, deceased; and Melvern, deceased. Lu- 
ther Hager is a veteran of the World War. He enlisted at Albany, was 
sent overseas, and was on the firing line for three months. He was in 
the battle of Chateau Thierry, was gassed, and sent to the Base Hospital 
in France. After his return to the United States, he was in a military 
hospital for a while, then was mustered out of service and returned to 
Albany. Almeda (Smith) Hager died, July 29, 1921, and her remains 
are buried in the Grandview Cemetery at Albany. Mr. Hager now lives 
on a farm five miles south of Darlington. 

To the union of Albert C. and Fannie L. (Hager) McMillen the fol- 
lowing children were born : Charles Raymond, Winford Edmund, Wanda 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 851 

Leona, James Albert Ruhl, Thorwaldson Luther, and John Nelson Bar- 
ge r. 

Mr. McMillen is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge. He is 
a man of industry and ability who is making a success of his work. 

Madison Finley Jameson, owner of 160 acres of well improved land, 
near Darlington in Gentry County, was born one-fourth of a mile from 
his present home, Sept. 20, 1887. His parents were David Finley and 
Sarah (Marrs) Jameson, both members of families that settled in Gen- 
try County when the land was still a part of the frontier. 

David Finley Jameson was born in McMinn County, Tenn., March 
18, 1833, and came to Missouri in 1851 with his father, D. F. Jameson. 
D. F. Jameson died on his farm east of Gentryville and his remains are 
buried in Brushy Cemetery. David Finley Jameson moved to the farm now 
owned by his widow in 1860. It was wild, unbroken land and Mr. Jame- 
son improved it and made his home there, except for the time of the 
Civil War when he was in service in the Confederate Army in which he 
enlisted at Gentryville. He was a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church, first at Brushy, and later at Round Grove, where he was 
the clerk and an elder in the congregation. He died on his home place, 
Sept. 2, 1916, and his remains are buried at Ford City. He was twice 
married; the first time, Dec. 30, 1858, to Deadama A. Gartin. To this 
union two children were born; Nathaniel Y., now living at Stanberry ; 
and James Howell, deceased. Mr. Jameson was married the second 
time, June 7, 1880, to Sarah E. Marrs, a daughter of James M. and Eliz- 
abeth (Camery) Marrs. the former born in Indiana and the latter a na- 
tive of Ohio. They were married in Illinois; both died in Gentry County 
and their remains are buried in the Carter Cemetery. Sarah E. (Marrs) 
Jameson was born on the Marrs farm northeast of Albany, and has spent 
all of her life on the farm where she now lives. 

To the union of David Finley and Sarah E. (Marrs) Jameson the 
following children were born; Mary Catherine, now the wife of William 
Mastin of Miller Township, with three children, David Herschel, Annie, 
and Charlie; Genevieve, living at home; and Madison Finley, the sub- 
ject of this review. 

Madison Finley Jameson was married Oct. 19, 1908, to Minnie 
Walker, who died Oct. 1, 1919. Her remains are buried in the Darling- 
ton Cemetery. She left one son, Walker Finley Jame.son. 

Mr. Jameson is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons at Darlington, and is a director of the School District No. 65. He is 



852 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

an enterprising farmer and stockman. His farm comprises a part of the 
original Jameson home place, and Mr. Jameson is following the same 
progressive methods in his work that characterized the work of his 
father. 

Keeran McKenny, a veteran of the Civil War and a citizen of Gen- 
try County since 1866, is a native of County Kings, Ireland, where he 
was born, June 26, 1842, the son of John and Catherine (Guynan) Mc- 
Kenny, the former dying in Ohio, and the latter in Gentry County. The 
remains of both are buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Their children 
were: Bridget, married Mr. Rourke and died in Gentry County; Mary, 
married Mr. Cummins and died in Gentry County; Kate, became Mrs. 
Guynan and died in Wyoming; Thomas, mentioned later; and Keeran, 
the subject of this sketch. Thomas McKenny served in the United States 
Army during the Civil War as a member of Co. K, 8th Ohio Cavalry. 
After he left the army in 1865 he came to Gentry County, and for 50 
years lived on a farm in Miller Township. He still owns his land in this 
county although he is now living in St. Joseph, where he went after his 
retirement from active farm life. He married Jane Setzer. 

Keeran McKenny attended the Ohio public schools in his childhood. 
On June 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 110th Ohio Volunteers and 
served in the Civil War until June 28, 1865. He was wounded twice 
during his term of service, the first time he was shot through the thigh 
in the battle of Winchester; the second time, he was shot in the right 
side during the battle of New Creek, Oct. 19, 1864. Mr. McKenny still 
has the last shot which wounded him. He served under Gen. Philip 
Sheridan at the last battle, and under Gen. Wright at the first battle. 
Mr. McKenny bought his first land in Gentry County in 1869 while he 
was on a furlough from the government. At that time he was running 
a government train of 25 wagons from Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., to Salt 
Lake City, Ft. Laramie, and other places. He kept this position for sev- 
eral years after the war. In 1881 he moved to his present farm, buying 
160 acres of land. To the original farm, Mr. McKenny added from time 
to time until he now has land holdings of more than 1,200 acres in Mil- 
ler and Jackson Township. Most of the land is now rented out. Mr. Mc- 
Kenny has been an extensive stockman, raising and feeding cattle and 
hogs. For several years past he has bred Aberdeen Angus cattle for 
sale. At the last sale conducted by him he disposed of more than 225 
head of cattle. Mr. McKenny has now retired from active farm manage- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 853 

ment, but maintains an intense interest in all that pertains to progres- 
sive farming and stock raising. 

Keeran McKenny was married Feb. 10, 1874, to Elizabeth Flood, 
born in Wisconsin, the daughter of Michael Flood of Gentryville. To 
this union the following children were born: Frank, cashier of the Citi- 
zens National Bank of King City, in the organization of which Mr. Mc- 
Kenny was a leading factor and of which he is now the president ; James, 
formerly a clerk in the Citizens National Bank of King City, now the 
auditor for the Jewell Tea Company in Denver, Col. ; Thomas, died at 
the age of four years; Thomas, second, died at the age of eight years; 
Charles, a successful farmer and stockman operating 300 acres of the 
home place and married to Madge Handley of Gentry County; and Nan- 
nie, married first to James O'Malley, a lumberman of Albany, now dead, 
married the second time to Patrick Downey, garage owner and operator 
of a dairy at St. Joseph. 

Mr. McKenny gave all of his children good educations and has the 
satisfaction of knowing that they are all men and women who are, not 
only successful in business, but have high ideals of civic welfare. The 
family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. McKenny 
served four years as the presiding judge of the Gentry County Court. 
He later made the race on the Republican ticket for the legislature, but 
was not elected. He is a man whose wide business relations have brought 
him into touch with many people, and he is among the best known citi- 
zens of the county. As a farmer and stockman, Mr. McKenny achieved 
success because of his good business qualities; as a member of the offi- 
cial force of the Citizens National Bank at King City, he has proved an 
invaluable asset to the institution; and as an officer of the county, he 
was loyal and upright. He is a man of whom his community is proud. 

J. L. McMillen, a farmer and stockman near Darlington in Gentry 
County, was born on a farm one mile west of Gentryville, Feb. 20, 1881, 
the son of C. J. and Sarah (Kariker) McMillen, both now living at Gen- 
tryville. 

C. J. McMillen was born in Ohio, the son of James McMillen, who 
was a painter by trade and settled in the early days north of Gentryville. 
He is now living in St. Louis at the advanced age of 100 years. Sarah 
(Kariker) McMillen was born in Gentry County, the daughter of Levi 
Kariker, an early settler of the county. To the union of C. J. and Sarah 
(Kariker) McMillen the following children were born : John R., living at 
Berlin; E. M., a resident of Miles City, Mont.; O. B., living at St. Louis; 



854 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

J. L., the subject of this review; William, a resident of St. Louis; Joseph, 
also living in St. Louis; Hester, the wife of Clarence Pursinger of Mc- 
Fall; Delia, married to Clarence Higdon of Pattonsburg; Fannie, now 
the wife of Malcolm Grimes of Kansas City, Mo.; Bettie, living in Kan- 
sas City, Mo.; and Rodney, died at the age of 12 years. 

J. L. McMillen attended the public school and has been a resident 
of Gentry County all of his life. He has owned several farms at different 
times, all of which he sold, and bought his present farm of 150 acres lo- 
cated six miles south of Albany. There are three houses on the place, as 
well as two good barns, and excellent farm buildings. The farm is well 
watered, and Mr. McMillen keeps more than 60 acres of the land in corn. 
He has a 1^ acre orchard of budded plums which is proving to be a 
marked success. He makes a specialty of raising hogs and always keeps 
from 175 to 200 head on the farm. 

J. L. McMillen was married in February, 1903, to Edith Hager, a 
daughter of John and Almeda Hager of Gentry County. Mrs. Hager 
died in August, 1921, and Mr. Hager lives on a farm in Miller Township. 
Mr. and Mrs. McMillen have a daughter, Guynetha; also an adopted 
daughter, Minnie. 

Mr. McMillen is an industrious and capable man whose energy and 
ability placed him on the road to success. 

Thomas J. Ball, of Huggins Township, was born on the farm where 
he now lives, June 12, 1870. His parents were William M. and Frances 
(Lisle) Ball, early settlers of Gentry County. 

William M. Ball came to Missouri in 1844, and entered the land 
now owned by his sons. He later bought 360 acres of land which he held 
in addition to the land entered by him from the government. The first 
home built on the land was a little log cabin in which Thomas J. Ball 
was born. The cabin stood about 100 yards northwest of the present 
residence. William M. Ball was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in 
the Union Army. During the battle at the Big Blue by Lexington, his 
horse became unmanageable, and threw him against a tree, thus crip- 
pling him for life. After the close of the war, W. M. Ball practiced 
medicine in Gentry County, and during his long period of 45 years of 
active practice, he made many friends. In 1849 he married Frances 
Adilla Lisle and to their union the following children were born: Polly 
Ann, married Mr. Murphy and is now dead; John L., of Huggins Town- 
ship; Nancy 0., the widow of E. D. Nicholson of California; Hiram W., 
died in southwest Missouri; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 855 

John Lemuel, a sketch of whose life appears in this volume. William M. 
Ball died July 14, 1909, and his widow died Oct. 31, 1914. The remains 
of both are buried in the Brick Church Cemetery. 

Thomas J. Ball attended the public school, and was a student for 
one term in Albany. He is the owner of 160 acres of land six miles 
northwest of Albany where he does general farming and stock raising. 
He raises Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, and is making a 
marked success of his work. 

Thomas J. Ball was married Feb. 23, 1897, to Sarah Summa, a 
daughter of J. W. and Mary Summa; the former dead, and the latter 
now living in Bogle Township. The children of J. W. and Mary Summa 
were : Noah, of Hartford, Kan. ; Ann, now Mrs. Smith of Conway, Iowa ; 
Samuel A., of Bogle Township; Lester, deceased; Sarah, now Mrs. Ball; 
J. W., of Huggins Township; Harvey, living at Hartford, Kan.; Mrs. 
Hiley Hulett of Bogle Township; and Lewis B., a barber at Gentry. Mr. 
and and Mrs. Ball have three children: Beatrice May, the wife of Carl 
Floyd of Bogle Township; Hobart D., on the home place; and Dorothy 
Pearl, at home. 

Mr. Ball is a Democrat and is identified with the Christian Church. 
He is a member of the Yeoman Lodge. Mr. Ball is a capable and relia- 
ble citizen of his township. 

John Lemuel Ball, a retired minister of the Christian Church, now 
living in Huggins Township, Gentry County, was born on a farm one 
mile west of his present home, May 3, 1854. His parents were William 
M. and Frances A. (Lisle) Ball, sketches of whose lives appear in con- 
nection with the life of Thomas J. Ball. 

Reverend Ball's maternal grandmother, Mrs. Vasser, was one of 
the old settlers of the county. Her brother, Peter, was an Indian inter- 
preter here when Liberty was the county seat of all this part of Missouri. 

John L. Ball went to school in a log cabin on the Jefferson Canaday 
farm, the land now owned by the Peery heirs. His first teacher was 
Mary Gale, and his second was Mr. Oats. Mr. Ball was a minister in the 
Christian Church for more than 30 years but retired from active minis- 
terial work about seven years ago because of poor health. He has since 
that time lived on his farm in Huggins Township, 4i miles northwest of 
Albany. He is now an elder of the Old Brick Church, organized in the 
early forties. Reverend Ball's father helped organize the first church 
and was an elder in it at the time of his death, although by that time 
the new building had been erected. The old building of brick was blown 



856 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

down in a storm and on July 13, 1883, the present church was organized. 
The present building is frame, but the members of the congregation 
cling to the historical name of the first church, the Old Brick Church. 

John L. Ball was married Jan. 2, 1876, to Mary Jane Rodgers, a 
daughter of Hesikiah and Matilda (Lewis) Rodgers who came from 
Ohio, and settled near Higgins, Mo. They both died in Gentry County. 
Their children were: Mary Jane, now Mrs. Ball; Amanda, now Mrs. 
Ames of Idaho ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Walker of Huggins Township ; Eva- 
line, now Mrs. Huff of Bogle Township ; Angeline, now Mrs. Klintworth 
of Tulsa, Okla.; Martha Alice, deceased; Emma, now Mrs. Timmins of 
Quitman; T. S., of Kearney, Neb.; W. L., of Unadelli, Neb.; G. W., of 
Syracuse, Neb. ; and Leroy, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ball have the fol- 
lowing children: W. Elmer, a farmer of Bogle Township, married Le- 
titia Dean, now dead ; Frances Matilda, the wife of J. W. Summa of 
Huggins Township; Martha Alice, married to W. S. Walls of Neb.; and 
Emma Adilla, at home. 

Reverend Ball is a Democrat and is a member of the Woodmen of 
the World at Albany. 

Jonathan McClure, deceased, was one of the well known and depend- 
able citizens of this section. He was born Oct. 20, 1835, in Logan County, 
Ohio, the son of William and Mary Jane (Martin) McClure. 

Mr. and Mrs. William McClure were natives of Pennsylvania who re- 
moved from Iowa to Daviess County about 1853, gaining possession of 
land at $2.50 per acre. Mr. McClure built and operated a flour, grist and 
saw mill in Grundy County, on Hickory Creek. He was very successful 
and people came for miles around to purchase flour, which was the best 
in that section of the country. It was the first steam mill in the country, 
and was run day and night. The pepole employed by Mr. McClure in the 
mill lived right there, there being six houses built in the neighborhood by 
Mr. McClure. It was here that Mrs. McClure died. Mr. and Mrs. McClure 
were the parents of nine children, Jonathan being the oldest. 

After the death of his father, Jonathan McClure operated the mill 
for his mother until she sold it sometime later. She died at Civil Bend, 
and is buried in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Marion Township. 
Jonathan McClure became heir to the home, now owned by his widow, 
containing 160 acres. Mr. McClure was a prosperous farmer and stock- 
man of Jamesport Township, and at the time of his death, Feb. 5, 1916, he 
was the owner of 680 acres of well improved land. He was a prominent 
breeder of Shorthorn cattle. 

On July 8, 1869, Mr. McClure was married to Mary L. Hamilton, a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 857 

daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Mary (Baucher) Hamilton, natives of 
near Nashville, Tenn. Mrs. McClure was born March 4, 1844, in Daviess 
County, on the east line. 

Thomas J. Hamilton came to Missouri when a very young man. He 
was educated in Nashville, Tenn., and was a college graduate. He was one 
of the very few pioneers of Missouri who were educated. During the 
Civil War, Mr. Hamilton enlisted, as did Mr. McClure. During the Mor- 
mon trouble, about 100 men came to Daviess County from Ray County to 
help quell the riots. Among those were Mr. Hamilton, and his brother- 
in-law, Samuel Kee Glover, and a brother, James Hamilton. Mr. Hamil- 
ton, in looking over the land here, decided he would like to live in Daviess 
County. He then moved here, where he lived until his death. He became 
a wealthy man, owning at his death 1000 acres of beautiful prairie land. 
Mr. Hamilton was a squire for 40 years, and people came from all over the 
county to have their difficulties straightened out, there being no court 
house then at Gallatin or Trenton. The dinners for the lawyers and jury- 
men were always served at the Hamilton home. 

To Jonathan and Mary (Hamilton) McClure seven children were born, 
as follows: Arthur, unmarried, living with his mother; Alice, the wife of 
James Parker, Jamesport Township; Rose, the wife of Thomas J. Hamil- 
ton, Long Beach, Calif.; Nellie, the wife of Robert McCray, Jamesport 
Township; Pinkie, the wife of Raymus Cole, Jamesport; W. T., banker, 
Jamesport ; Harry, farmer, Jamesport Township. 

Mrs. McClure now resides on the old home place in Jamesport Town- 
ship, which is farmed by her son Arthur. They have one of the best im- 
proved farms in the township. 

Mr. McClure was a Republican and a member of the Masonic lodge. 
He was highly respected and one of the substantial citizens of Daviess 
County. 

O. G. Cousins of Albany is one of the four Cousins brothers connected 
with the Cousins Lumber Company, and is a member of a family, known 
in Missouri's history since the time of his grandfather, William Cousins, 
who came from his native state, Kentucky, in the pioneer days of Missouri, 
and settled in Mercer County. There his son, J. M. Cousins, was born in 
1855. William Cousins died at Ravanna about 1909. He was one of the 
early and fearless men to whose labor and courage the county owes much 
of its later development. 

J. M. Cousins grew to manhood in the midst of pioneer surroundings. 
He married Buna Owen, al.so a member of a pioneer family. Her father, 
William Owen, brought his family from Kentucky and settled in Missouri, 
while the state was still counted frontier land. To his union with Buna 



858 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

(Owen) Cousins the following children were born: C. H., R. L., O. G., and 
J. R., the four brothers who are connected with the Cousins Lumber 
Company ; Anna, now Mrs. McCully of Princeton ; Merle, now Mrs. Coker 
of Princeton ; Opal, a teacher in Mercer County ; Joseph, a student in the 
Princeton High School ; and Ruby, at home. 

0. G. Cousins was educated in the public schools of the county and 
attended the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111., for a while. Later 
he was a student in the State Teachers College at Kirksville. He taught 
school in Mercer County for four years and then entered the mercantile 
world. He conducted a lumber business at Harris during 1914, and came 
to Albany in 1915, to take a position in the Cousins Lumber Yard, where 
he has been ever since with the exception of one and one-half years he 
spent as manager of a lumber yard at Helna, and the time he was in camp 
during the World War. 

The Cousins Lumber Company of Albany was incoi-porated in 1914, 
by C. H. Cousins, R. L. Cousins and Mary E. Cousins. C. H., president; 
R. L., vice-president ; Mary E. Cousins, treasurer. In 1919, the company 
was incorporated the second time with George Pogue of Gallatin as secre- 
tary and 0. G. Cousins, treasurer. The Company has yards at Albany, 
Helena, Cosby, Weatherby, Cameron, Laredo and Trenton and a wholesale 
office at St. Joseph with C. H. Cousins in charge. The yard at Albany was 
opened in March, 1914, with C. H. Cousins in charge. In 1919, 0. G. 
Cousins was elected manager and has operated the yard since that time. 
The Cousins Lumber Company is one of the well known and successful 
business ventures of the county. 

0. G. Cousins was married July 22, 1917 to Henrietta Patton, a 
daughter of I. G. and Nancy (Quigley) Patton of Albany. Mrs. Cousins 
was born in Gentry County and is a graduate of the Albany High School. 

O. G. Cousins entered the United States Army on November 8, 1918, 
at Columbia, Mo., and on Dec. 16, the company was demobilized. Mr. 
Cousins is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and a 
Knight Templar. He is an enterprising and progressive young man. 

Frank W. Duncan, a successful farmer and stockman, living near New 
Hampton in Gentry County, comes of an old Kentucky family. Both his 
paternal grandfather, Stephen C. Duncan, and his maternal grandfather, 
Isaac Wood, were natives of Kentucky, who came to Clay County in the 
very early days of the nineteenth century. Stephen C. Duncan settled 
near Liberty and Isaac Wood bought land close to Smithville. The two 
families were connected through the marriage of Stephen C. Duncan's 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 859 

son,, James W., borr. in Clay County in 1826, and Mary A. Wood, the 
daughter of Isaac Wood, born in Clay County also. 

James W. Duncan was a veteran of the Mexican War, and bought land 
in Gentry County, where he became a well known farmer. He died in 
Albany in 1911. His wife died at the age of 56 years. The remains of 
both are buried in Duncan Cemetery. Their children were: John, killed 
in Denver, Colo. ; Lucy C, married to I. N. Carson of St. Joseph ; Isaac, died 
in infancy; Stephen C, a resident of St. Joseph; Frank W., the subject of 
this sketch; Emma, now the wife of A. B. Price, a merchant of Albany; 
R. P., an attorney at Stanberry ; Leona, the wife of C. T. Atkinson, a mer- 
chant at St. Joseph ; George, died in infancy ; Mollie, died in infancy ; 
James, now living in California ; Rosa, married to W. A. Brown of the 
police force in St. Joseph ; and Beryl, a farmer in Gentry County. 

Frank W. Duncan attended the rural schools and, in 1884, bought his 
present farm from A. J. Stotts. Before the Civil War, 160 acres of the 
land had belonged to Mr. Duncan's father. Mr. Duncan has made all the 
improvements on the place. The farm is well watered, with wind mills 
used for pumping water for the stock. The residence is located two miles 
southwest of New Hampton, and there are also excellent farm buildings 
on the place. For the past 35 years, Mr. Duncan has been interested in 
raising shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, Bronze turkeys and Barred 
Rock poultry, and has been very successful in this line of work. 

Frank W. Duncan was married on Sept. 3, 1884, to Almyra F. Banie, 
born in Licking County, Ohio, the daughter of J. W. and Dorinda (Beards- 
ley) Banie, the latter now dead, and the former living at Albany. To the 
union of Frank W. and Almyra F. (Banie) Duncan the following children 
were born: Luva, died in infancy; Earl C, a sketch of whose life appears 
elsewhere in this volume; Edith, at home; Avnes, formerly a well known 
teacher in Gentry County, now a bookkeeper in Kansas City ; Frank Wil- 
bur, a review of whose life appears in connection with the sketch of the 
life of Earl C. Duncan ; Lucile, a successful teacher in the New Hampton 
High School ; and Wave, graduated from the New Hampton High School 
where she won a scholarship, now a student in Northwest Missouri State 
Teacher's College at Maryville. 

Mr. Duncan is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of America and the Knights of Phythias lodges. He is a man 
known for his business efficiency, his capable management of his farm, and 
his loyalty to the civil ideals of his community. 



860 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Earl Clifford Duncan, the superintendent of public schools in Gentry 
County, and a well known school man of the state, is a member of an old 
pioneer family of Missouri. He was born in Athens Township, Jan. 25, 
1887, the son of Frank W., and Almyra F. (Banie) Duncan, both now living 
on their farm six miles east of Albany. 

Frank W. Duncan is a native of Gentry County where he was born, 
July 23, 1859. His grandfather was one of the intrepid and adventurous 
Kentuckians who came to the state when Missouri was still wild frontier 
land. To such men is due much of the credit for the rapid development of 
the Middle West. Almyra F. (Banie) Duncan was born in Xenia, Ohio, 
and came to Missouri with her parents, James W. Banie and his wife. Mr. 
Banie is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Ohio at the age of 
18. He now lives at Albany. Both of the sons of Frank W. and Almyra 
F. (Banie) Duncan enlisted for service in the World War. On both sides 
of their family there had been soldiers who fought for the country, thus 
both by family tradition and by their own spirit of loyalty they were 
impelled into the struggle. 

Frank Wilbur Duncan, the fifth child of his parents, a brother of 
Earl C, the subject of this review, graduated from the Albany High 
School, and later was a successful teacher. He went to Colorado, where he 
entered land, but enlisted for service when the United States entered 
the World War, and was sent to Camp Funston, Kans., for training. From 
there he went to Camp Kearney, Calif., and was sent overseas in June, 
1918, with the replacement troops. There he was assigned to the 28th 
Division, (Pennsylvania), or the "Iron Division." He participated in the 
battle of Chateau Thierry, Courmont, Vesle, and was killed in action, Sept. 
5, 1918, near Fisnes, France. His body was buried in France, but was later 
returned to the U. S. and is now buried in Grandview Cemetery, Albany. 
Mr. Duncan was 21 years old at the time he enlisted, he was therefore 
but little past boyhood when he made the supreme sacrifice for his country. 

Earl C. Duncan was educated in the schools of Gentry County, and at- 
tended the New Hampton High School. Later he was a student in the 
Normal School at Stanberry, the State Teachers College at Maryville, and 
Missouri State University at Columbia. He began his professional career 
as a teacher in the Linden School of Gentry County, now a part of Consoli- 
dated District No. 1. He taught several terms in the rural schools, and 
then was made the principal of the schools at Darlington, later accepting 
positions as superintendent at Ravenwood, at New Hampton, and at 
Seneca. His wide experience in these various positions gave him the train- 
ing that made the basis for his success as a county official. He was elected 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 861 

Superintendent of Public Schools of Gentry County in April, 1919, for a 
term of four years, and has served in a most efficient manner. While he 
was the superintendent of the schools at New Hampton, the U. S. declared 
war on the Central Powers, and Mr. Duncan entered the army May, 1918. 
at Bethany, Mo. He was sent to Camp Dodge, Iowa, for training and was 
assigned to Company K, 351st Infantry. In June of that year he was trans- 
ferred to the Officers Training School, Camp Pike, Little Rock, Ark., and 
was later commissioned second lieutenant. He was afteinvards sent to 
Camp Funston where he remained until he received his discharge from 
service in December, 1918. 

Mr. Duncan is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and is a 
Royal Arch Mason, and a Knights Templar. He was a charter member 
of the Donald Holden Post No. 106 of the American Legion at Albany and 
is the Post Commander. He also holds membership in the Missouri State 
Teachers Association and the National Educational Association. At the 
time he entered the army he was the president of the Northwest Missouri 
High School Association comprising the high schools in 19 counties, and 
had held that position for two years. 

David Amos Wharton, well known farmer and stockman of Wilson 
Township, Gentry County, was born on July 1, 1873, on the farm where 
he now lives. The log cabin, which was Mr. Wharton's birthplace, still 
stands on the farm, and is now used for the storage of corn. 

Mark Wharton, the father of D. A. Wharton, was born in Ohio, April 
5, 1832. He went to Illinois in his youth, and later located in Iowa. He 
came to Missouri and settled in Gentry County in 1865. At the time of 
his death he owned 270 acres of land in Wilson Township, 120 acres of 
which is now owned by D. A. Wharton. Mark Wharton became a well 
known farmer and stockman in this community. He married Nancy Jane 
Gabriel, who was born in Carroll County, and came with her parents to 
Wilson Township, Gentry County, in her childhood. Her father was one 
of the early settlers of the township, where he located before the Civil 
War. Mark Wharton died on July 15, 1911, and Mrs. Wharton died on 
April 5, 1920. The remains of both are buried in Jennings Cemetery. 
Their children were: Hannah Mary, the wife of Gabriel Nelson of Mankato, 
Kans.; D. A., the subject of this sketch; L. A., a farmer in Wilson Town- 
ship; Katie A., the wife of 0. H. Lawrence of Turlock, Calif.; M. E., farm- 
ing in Wilson Township; Martha J., married to Leonard Pool of Golden, 
Colo. ; and J. E., now living in Colorado. 

D. A. Wharton attended school in the Jennings district, and with the 
exception of a few years, has lived on his present farm all of his life. 



862 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Besides the 120 acres of the home farm, Mr. Wharton owns 50 acres of 
land in Wilson Township. The farm is located five miles west of Gentry 
and is well improved, has a good residence, excellent farm buildings, and 
fine facilities for caring for the stock. Mr. Wharton raises hogs, cattle, 
horses and mules for sale. 

D. A. Wharton was married Jan. 31, 1895 to Zora Armilda Coffey, a 
daughter of M. H. and Cynthia Jane (Nichols) Coffey. Mr. Coffey was 
born in Indiana, and served for three years and six month in the Union 
Army during the Civil War. He married in De Kalb County, Mo., and his 
wife was a native of that county. Mrs. Coffey died in June, 1910, and her 
husband died in May, 1915. The remains of both are buried in Jennings 
Cemetery. Their children were: James M., a farmer in Bogle Township; 
Ulysses Egbert, living at Alantus Grove; Cora A., the wife of 0. F. Gun- 
ter of Alantus Grove; Dora May, married to Lee Miller of Alantus Grove; 
Nora Irene, the wife of Albert Redmund of Wilson Township; Zora Annil- 
da, now Mrs. Wharton ; and Ora Belle, married to H. B. Rainey of St. 
Joseph. 

Mrs. Wharton was born and raised in Wilson Township, and attended 
the schools at Alantus Grove and the Black Oak District. To her union 
with D. A. Wharton the following children were born: Chester A., married 
Rosa Pyatt and lives at Alanthus Grove ; M. R., married Inez Jennings, 
and is manager of the Cooperative Poultry House at Alanthus Grove ; Lola 
Jane, the wife of Alva Jennings of Alanthus Grove ; Florella Pearl, married 
to Ross Erickson of Bogle Township ; Milton Mark, married to Rosa Erick- 
son of Bogle Township; Milton Mark, married Hazel Summa, and lived in 
Wilson Township ; Theodore Roosevelt, Raymond Wayne, John Dale, Char- 
lie Clifford, and Vera Dorleen, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton have 
the following grandchildren: Alethea, Donald, Robert and Vii-gil Wharton; 
Ross Jr., and Wilma Doris Erickson ; Gazelle Dorleen and Givanola Jane 
Jennings ; and Uva May Wharton. 

Mr. Wharton has served as a member of the township board for two 
years, and has been the road overseer for the same time. He is a Repub- 
lican. Mr. Wharton and his wife are highly esteemed in their community. 

Joseph Thomas, now living at Neola, Iowa, is well and favorably 
known in Stanberry, and is a member of a family that has lived in Gentry 
County since the early days. Mr. Thomas was born in Shelby County, 
Iowa, in June, 1885. His parents are William and Elizabeth (Roth) 
Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas now live at Stanberry, but formerly resid- 
ed at Portsmouth, Iowa, for many years. 

Joseph Thomas attended school at Portsmouth, Iowa, and began farm- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 863 

ing when he was a young man. He located first in Gentry County, where 
he operated a farm for more than 20 years. He returned to Iowa in 1917. 
He is now following the carpenter trade. 

Mr. Thomas was married at Stanberry on June 4, 1912, to Dora Heyde, 
a daughter of Maximilian Heyde, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere 
in this volume. Mrs. Thomas was born in Plymouth, Ind., and was educat- 
ed at Stanberry. 

Mr. Thomas is a Democrat in his political views. He is an industrious 
and capable man, and has the esteem of his fellow citizens at Neola, as 
well as his old acquaintenances in Gentry County. 

George W, Harris, who has been a resident of Gentry County all of 
his life, was born in Huggins Township Jan. 16, 1871, the son of William 
and Minerva Jane (Dragoo) Harris. 

William Harris was born in Virginia, and came to Missouri about 1865 
with his parents, Jonas and Zerelda Harris, both of whom lived to be more 
than 80 years of age, and died in Gentry County. William W. Harris 
served in the Comstock Company during the Civil War. He died on his 
farm in Huggins Township, March 11, 1921, at the age of 78 years. His 
wife, who was born in Mercer County, now lives in Darlington. Their 
children were: John, died at the age of five years; Eliza, the wife of James 
Spainhower of Darlington ; Ada, married to Amos Taylor of Merino, Col. ; 
Sarah, married to Charles Pierce; G. W., the subject of this review; 
Andrew J., living in Huggins Township ; W. Albert, residing at Princeton, 
Mo. ; and Frank Edward, living in Bogle Township. 

George W. Harris attended the Carmack School in his childhood, and 
grew up on his father's farm. He moved to his present farm of 145 acres, 
two miles south of Gentry in Bogle Township, in March, 1902. He has 
built a new residence, barn, and other farm buildings since he became the 
owner of the land. He maintains an orchard where he has an excellent 
variety of fruit, and raises cattle, hogs and sheep. 

George W. Harris was married Sept. 25, 1898, to Clara D. Carlock, a 
daughter of Henry and Susan (Collins) Carlock. Mrs. Carlock died in 
1878, and her remains are buried in the Brick Church Cemetery. Mr. Car- 
lock, now 70 years of age, lives in Huggins Township. Their children 
were: Clara D., now Mrs. Harris; and Mary, married Frank Harris of 
Bogle Township. Mr. Carlock was married a second time to Sarah F. 
Collins. To the union of George W. and Clara D. (Carlock) Harris, the 
following children were born : Ethel, married George Walker of Bogle 
Township, and has two children, Arlie and Clifton; Edith married Onis 
Walker of Huggins Township and has a daughter, Dorris; Henry, now a 



864 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

student in the Gentry County High School ; and Vernon, died at the age of 
four years. 

Mr. Harris is a capable and industrious man, who is highly esteemed 
in his neighborhood. 

James Gay, deceased, was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., Dec. 3, 
1838. His parents were Andrew and Mary (Gillilan) Gay. 

Andrew Gay was a native of Greenbrier County, W. Va., and was 
born in 1809. When a young man he brought his family to Missouri, set- 
tling in Jamesport Township, Daviess County, where he became a success- 
ful farmer and stockman. At the time of his death, Mr. Gay owned 700 
acres of land. Upon his arrival in Daviess County, he built a log cabin. 
Mr. Gay was one of the very early settlers of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gay are both deceased, and are buried in Hill Cemetery, Daviess County. 
They were the parents of the following children : John, deceased ; James, 
deceased, the subject of this sketch ; Samuel, deceased ; Robert, deceased ; 
George, retired farmer, Jamesport; Virginia, deceased. 

James Gay was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. 
He was a farmer and stockman all his life, and one of the leading stock- 
men of Missouri. Mr. Gay owned 720 acres of well improved land in 
Daviess County. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Missouri Volun- 
teer Cavalry and served for one and one-half years. 

On Dec. 25, 1862, Mr. Gay married Anna Gillilan, daughter of Nathan 
and Anna (Dunlap) Gillilan, natives of Greenbrier County, W. Va., and 
pioneer settlers of Daviess County. Mrs. Gay was born Oct. 17, 1840, in 
Ross County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Gillilan were the parents of the 
following children: Robert L. deceased; Mary Jane, deceased; John D., 
deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Nathan, deceased; George W., deceased; 
and Mrs. Gay. Mr. Gillilan was one of the most extensive stockmen of 
Missouri, owning about 1200 acres of land. He died Dec. 17, 1882, and his 
wife died Dec. 3, 1876. They are buried in Hill Cemetery, Daviess County. 
To James and Anna (Gillilan) Gay eight children were born, as follows: 
Mary, the wife of Worth Miller, farmer, Jamesport; George R., farmer, 
Jamesport Township ; Minnie, the wife of 0. R. Nickell, farmer, Jamesport 
Township; Eva, the wife of Isaac Haines, farmer and stockman, James- 
part Township; Nathan, on the home farm with his mother; Robert; 
James, farmer, Jamesport Township ; Jennie, dead ; Lena, wife of E. 0. 
Wilkenson, Jamesport. 

James Gay died Feb. 17, 1902, and is buried in the Odd Fellows Ceme- 
tery in Jamesport. Mr. Gay was a Democrat. Mrs. Gay now resides on 
her farm of 280 acres in Jamesport Township, with her son Nathan. Mrs. 



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HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 865 

Gay has 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Gay was 
highly respected and was one of the substantial citizens of Daviess County. 

J. M. Sale, a capable and energetic farmer living nine miles northeast 
of Stanberry in Muggins Township, Gentry County, is a member of a 
pioneer family of that part of Missouri. His maternal grandfather, John 
Huggins, came to Missouri in 1845, and settled in Huggins Township, 
which was named for him. He was a pioneer merchant of the county, and 
his store at Hugginsville was one of the early trading places of the com- 
munity. He served as county judge during the years 1868-1870, and was 
one of the prominent men of his time. His remains and those of his wife 
are buried in the Hugginsville Chapel Cemetery. 

J. M. Sale's parents were B. F. and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Sale. B. 
F. Sale was born in Michigan, and came to Missouri with his mother who 
settled in Huggins Township. B. F. Sale and his wife lived on a farm two 
miles south of J. M. Sale's present home, and on that farm J. M. Sale was 
born, July 15, 1859. B. F. Sale and his wife both died on their farm and 
their remains are buried in the Hugginsville Cemetery. Their children 
were: J. M., the subject of this sketch; William, living on the home place; 
Philip, a resident of Gentry; Comfort, now Mrs. Henderson of Huggins 
Township; Olive, now the wife of N. J. Motes, a Methodist minister; and 
Etta, married Mr. Danford, and is now dead. 

J. M. Sale attended the public schools of Gentry County and has been 
a farmer and stockraiser all of his life. He bought 48 acres of his present 
farm in early manhood, and later added to it until he owned 304 acres. He 
sold a portion of his holdings, and now has 189 acres in his home place. 
He has a good residence, two barns, and other substantial farm buildings. 
The farm is well watered, and Mr. Sale keeps it well stocked and improved. 

J. M. Sale was married on Jan. 29, 1891 to Fannie Lewis, a daughter 
of John and Mary Lewis, both residents of Bogle Township, and both now 
dead. The remains of Mr. Lewis are buried in the Hugginsville Cemetery, 
and those of Mrs. Lewis in the Green Ridge Cemetery. Mrs. Sale was born, 
reared and educated in Gentry County. Mr. and Mrs. Sale have the fol- 
lowing children: Opal, married E. A. Rucker, of Huggins Township; Hallie, 
the wife of Elisha Rucker of Huggins Township; and Arley, married to 
Orval Greene, and living near Albany. Mr. and Mrs. Sale have four grand- 
children; Sylvia, J. W., Ula, and Bonnie Rucker. 

Mr. Sale and his family are identified with the Hugginsville Methodist 
church, to which Mr. Sale's parents belonged for more than half a century. 
The first building used by the Methodist congregation was built in 1854 on 



866 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the site of the present edifice, which is only one-half mile east of the Sale 
home. The Sale family are well and favorably known in the community. 

John H. McCarty, for over 42 years a well known lawyer at Stanberry 
in Gentry County, and now operating a real estate office with his son, 
William H., as his partner, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1854, the 
son of John and Bridget (Herbert) McCarty. 

John McCarty was a native of County Meath, Ireland, and was born in 
1830 ; he died on his farm near Conception, Nodaway County, in 1888. His 
wife, a native of Nodaway County, was born Nov. 30, 1829, and died at 
Stanberry in 1897. The remains of both are buried in the Conception 
Cemetery. Mr. McCarty was a member of the Home Guards of Nodaway 
County during the Civil War. He left Ireland and came to New York in 
1850, and to Nodaway County in 1858. To his union with Bridget (Her- 
bert) McCarty the following children were born: John H., the subject of 
this sketch ; James died in California ; a daughter, later Mrs. Gray, the wife 
of a physician in Pubelo, Colo. ; Thomas, died at Conception ; and Francis 
J., an attorney, who died at Pubelo. Colo. One son, Charles, died in 
infancy. 

John H. McCarty attended the schools of Nodaway County and studied 
law with Judge Anthony and Judge Dawson at Maryville. He was admit- 
ted to the bar in November, 1877, and opened an office at Stanberry, where 
he continued the practice of his profession with marked success ever since. 
He was elected the prosecuting attorney of Gentry County in 1886, on the 
Democratic ticket and was reelected in 1888. At the end of his service to 
the county in that official capacity he retui'ned to Stanberry and reopened 
his law office there. He took up the loan business and later had charge 
of the territory covered by northwest Missouri and southern Iowa. He 
worked first for the New England Securities Company and later for the 
Commonwealth Trust Company of St. Louis. The firm, now known as 
McCarty and Son, deals in farm loans, insurance and real estate. 

John H. McCarty was married on Jan. 7, 1878 to Margaret L. Bolton, 
a daughter of John and Mary A. (Hollern) Bolton of Nodaway County. 
Mrs. McCarty was born at Vincennes, Ind., in 1856, and later went to 
Kansas with her parents. They afterwards moved to Missouri, where 
Mr. Bolton was a contractor and builder. Mrs. McCarty died on July 14, 
1921. To her union with John H. McCarty the following children were 
born: John F., died during the influenza epidemic in 1918; Mary B., now 
an assistant in the Stanberry postoffice ; Anna, the wife of Frank VanVac- 
tor of Stanberry ; Thomas A., living at Stanberry ; James M., living on the 
home farm west of Stanberry ; Charles, a resident of Stanberry ; William 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 867 

H., a brief sketch of whose life appears later; Margaret L., died in infancy ; 
George M., living at Stanberry ; Joseph H., died in infancy; and O'Donnell 
B., now a student in the Stanberry High School. 

William H. McCarty, junior member of the firm of McCarty and Son, 
was born in Gentry County, Feb. 9, 1890. He attended the public school 
and graduated from the Stanberry High School. He was a student in 
Christian Brothers College at St. Joseph, and then went to Missouri State 
University for a year. He completed his college work at Christian Broth- 
ers College in St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1913. He then 
joined his father in the real estate business at Stanberry. 

On July 15, 1917, W. H. McCarty enlisted for service in the United 
States Army, and was sent to Ft. Sheridan, 111., to the Officers Training 
Camp. He was made a lieutenant on Nov. 27, 1917, and was ordered over- 
seas. He reached France on Feb. 18, 1918, and, after a training course of 
30 days, was sent with the French Army for observation work. He was 
with that army for six weeks, and then was assigned to Company E, 125th 
Infantry, 32nd Division, where he remained until he received a shrapnel 
wound while in action on June 15, 1918. He was sent to a hospital where 
he was treated until September of the same year, when he was sent to 
the camp at Is'sur'Tille, and was assigned to the Judge Advocate's Depart- 
ment. He served as a Judge Advocate for general and special court mar- 
tial until Dec. 2nd, when he was readmitted to the hospital at Dijou. He 
returned to the United States on Feb. 2, 1919, and was mustei'ed out of 
service at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. He received the Accolade of the New 
Chivalry of Humanity from President Wilson, and a special citation, dated 
Feb. 28, 1919, from General John J. Pershing. 

Lieutenant McCarty was married on April 21, 1921, to Agatha C. 
Schaefer, a daughter of B. W. and Laura Mendenhall Schaefer of Stan- 
berry. Mrs. McCarty was born in Linn County, and is a graduate of the 
Stanberry High School. 

John H. McCarty and son make a specialty of the examination of land 
titles and abstracts. They are highly esteemed in the community as re- 
liable and competent business men. They are identified with the Roman 
Catholic Church. The McCarty family is one of the well established and 
well known families of the county. 

John A. Yadon, a well known merchant at Alanthus Grove, with his 
postoflSce address at Stanberry, Gentry County, was born in Macon County, 
March 21, 1873, the son of William and Artie (Bradshaw) Yadon. 

Both William Yadon and his wife were born in Russell County, Ky., 
the former in 1848 and the latter in 1850. They now live on the home 



868 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

farm two and one-half miles southeast of Alanthus. Their children were: 
John A., the subject of this sketch ; Amy, now the wife of J. L. Ruch of 
Alanthus; Charles, living at Gentry; and Mamie, married to Fred Newman, 
and living on the home place. 

John A. Yadon attended school in the Jennings District, his first 
teacher being Judge Cox. Mr. Yadon owns a farm of 120 acres in Wilson 
Township, where he lived for 16 years; and he also owns 24 acres at Alan- 
thus. In the town of Alanthus, he has a half block of land upon which his 
residence is located. Since 1914 he has owned and operated a store build- 
ing 32x70 feet where he handles general merchandise. He has established 
a thriving business and now conducts one of the most promising commer- 
cial ventures of the community. 

John A. Yadon was married on Feb. 27, 1895 to Effie Shisler, a daugh- 
ter of T. J. and Vastha (Christie) Shisler. Mrs. Shisler was born in 
Indiana, and came to Missouri with her parents when she was only a child. 
She died in February, 1920, at the age of 72 years, and her remains are 
buried in the High Ridge Cemetery at Stanberry. T. J. Shisler served in 
the Civil War from 1862 to 1865. He now lives at Stanberry. Mr. and 
Mrs. Shisler had the following children: Elizabeth, became Mrs. Tittle, 
and is now deceased ; Oma, now Mrs. Lowe of Sioux Falls, S. D. ; Laura, 
married Mr. Swain, and died in Kansas City, in 1918 ; L. W., killed while 
on duty as an engineer on the Wabash Railway in 1892; A. 0., now living 
in St. Joseph ; C. W., a resident of Kansas ; W. C, living in Kansas City ; 
Effie, now Mrs. Yadon ; Ella and E. W., twins, the former now Mrs. Miller 
of Kansas City, and the latter now living at Gentry ; and Maude, now Mrs. 
Bennett of Kansas City. 

Mr. and Mrs. Yadon had four children: Dolah, married to E. 0. Gilli- 
land, who operates a garage at Alanthus ; Laura, the wife of Cleo Pierce, 
of Alanthus ; Elsie, married to Everett Grantham and living on the home 
farm ; and Fred, a student in the Stanberry High School. The grandchild- 
ren are: Marjorie, John Lavelle and Blonding Gilliland, Garland and Har- 
land Pierce, and L. 0. Grantham. 

Mr. Yadon is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and of 
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons lodges. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Church of Christ in which Mr. Yadon is an elder. Mr. 
Yadon is an excellent citizen, alert and fair in his business dealings, and 
a man of high civic ideals. 

Henry Chapman, for many years a prominent farmer of Wilson Town- 
ship, Gentry County, has Hved at Alanthus Groves since 1919, when he 
retired from active farm life. Mr. Chapman was born on the Chapman 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 869 

home place, March 15, 1869, the son of Thomas J. and Hannah R. (Smith) 
Chapman. 

Thomas J. Chapman was born in Randolph County, April 8, 1839, and 
came to Gentry County in 1850. He settled in Wilson Township on a 
farm just east of Alanthus Grove, where he lived until his marriage 
in 1862 to Hannah R. Smith. That year he bought 120 acres of land near 
his first farm, and continued to reside there for 56 years. He sold his 
farm and moved to Stanberry, where he remained for eight years. In 
February, 1915, he moved to Alanthus Grove, where he died on June 3, 
1921. His remains are buried in the Jennings Cemetery. 

Hannah R. (Smith) Chapman was the daughter of Pleasant and Thursy 
(Means) Smith, who came to Wilson Township from Iowa in 1857. Pleas- 
ant Smith died in 1878 and his remains are buried in the Jennings Ceme- 
tery. His widow died in Nodaway County in 1901, and her remains are 
buried at Quinman. Mrs. Chapman has lived near and in Alanthus Grove 
since 1858, and is familiar with all of the early history of this part of Gen- 
try County. She recalls quite distinctly the naming of the postoffice of 
Alanthus Grove by Abraham Enyart, and her father-in-law, E. G. Chap- 
man, was postmaster during the Civil War. He also served as justice of 
the peace during that turbulent time. The Chapman family traded at 
Mount Pleasant, and Dr. Leander Coffey and Lemuel Watkins were two 
of the early merchants of the community. The mail was brought once a 
week, a Mr. Partridge carrying it from Maryville to Albany. The social 
life of the neighborhood centered around the churches. By 1888 both 
the Christian and the Baptist denominations had buildings ; before that 
date the meetings were held in the school houses. Rev. John Daniels and 
Reverend Pote were pioneer ministers in this part of Missouri, and Elder 
Petty and Elder Scott organized the Christian church. Mrs. Chapman 
recollects well the trying days of the Civil War. Her husband served in 
the Union Army from Gentry County for the last two years of the war, 
and prior to that time, was in the Missouri State Militia. Mrs. Chapman 
now lives at her home in Alanthus Grove. To her union with Thomas J. 
Chapman, the following children were born: Robert Price, born in 1866, 
now living at Stanberry ; William E., born in 1867, and living in Oklahoma; 
T. Henry, the subject of this sketch; Amos, living at Stanberry; Julia, the 
wife of John Gage of Wilson Township ; John S., a resident of St. Joseph ; 
George W., living at Stanberry; M. M., living near Island City; Woodson, 
died in September, 1895, at the age of 25 years; and Minnie Belle, died in 
infancy in 1880. 

Henry Chapman attended the Jennings School, and lived in the Jen- 



870 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

nings district for 50 years. He owned 200 acres of land there, and was a 
successful farmer and stockraiser. His farm was well improved and he 
raised cattle, mules, horses, hogs, and sheep. In 1919 he sold all of his 
land in Wilson Township, and now holds 20 acres in Huggins Township 
and his home at Alanthus Grove. 

Henry Chapman was married in 1899 to Lilly Ruch, a daughter of 
John and Jane Ruch. Mrs. Chapman died five years later leaving the fol- 
lowing children: Frank Paul, killed in an automobile accident when he was 
19 years old ; Elsie, married to John E. Dalby of Wilson Township ; and a 
daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. Chapman was married the second 
time to Florence McCrery, a daughter of Andrew and Mary McCrery, 
both deceased. Mrs. Chapman was born in Nodaway County, and was 
educated in the schools of Missouri and Arkansas. To her union with 
Henry Chapman the following children were born ; Ellen, Nora, Etta Belle, 
Henry, W. F., and Iza, who died in infancy. 

The Chapman family are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Chap- 
man has been a member of the township board for two terms and is a 
member of the Board of Education of the district. He is a highly 
esteemed and reliable citizen of his community. 

Joseph Lafayette McCullough, deceased, for sometime a judge of the 
Criminal Court in Montana, a former official of Gentry County, and a 
member of the Missouri State Legislature, was a prominent Democrat of 
his time, and a man known throughout the state for his fearless and intre- 
pid spirit where the welfare of his community or state was the issue. 

Judge McCollough was born in Blount County, Tenn., Oct. 6, 1833, the 
son of John and Hannah B. McCollough, both of whom died in Tennessee. 
Joseph L. McCollough was educated in Ewing and Jefferson College, and 
then came to Missouri. He soon afterwards became engaged in freight- 
ing to Colorado, and then went to Montana where he became interested 
in public affairs, and was twice elected to the State Legislature, serving 
for two regular and one called session. During his term of service he was 
made the chairman of the Committee on Corporations and was a member 
of the Judiciary Committee. Because of his unusual record as a member 
of the legislature, he was elected to the position of judge of the Criminal 
Court of Montana, but resigned in order to return to Missouri. 

For a time after he came back to Gentry County, Judge McCullough 
engaged in fanning and the practice of law. He was once more called 
into the service of his community, however, and in 1874 was a candidate 
for the State Legislature. He was elected by the largest Democratic 
majority ever polled in Gentry County, and fully justified the hopes of his 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 871 

constituents by his record in the legislature, where he served on the Com- 
mittee on Retrenchment and Reform, and on several other important legis- 
lative committees. Judge McCullough later served as the presenting at- 
torney of Gentry County, and in 1904, he was the Democratic nominee for 
state senator of the First Senatorial District. He made a gallant fight to 
carry his party to victory, but the Republican landslide of that fall defeat- 
ed him, and he died two years later on Dec. 22, 1906, at his home in Cooper 
Township. He was a man, the story of whose life and achievements, be- 
longs in a volume such as this. Independent in his thinking, courageous in 
carrying out his enterprises, and unselfish in his desire to advance the 
great commonwealth which he served, Judge McCollough was the type 
of man who, by his patriotism and zeal, made possible the development of 
Missouri. 

Joseph L. McCollough was married Nov. 5, 1872, to Anna Crow, born 
in Lincoln County, Ky., the daughter of M. and Frances (Langdon) Crow, 
who came from Kentucky in 1855, and settled at Greenwell Ford in Gentry 
County. Martin Crow died at Gentryville in 1887, and his wife died at 
Albany in 1862. Judge and Mrs. McCollough moved to the present Mc- 
Collough farm in 1877, and Mrs. McCollough has continued to live there 
ever since. Judge and Mrs. McCollough had the following children : 
Homer, married Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson of Belton, and is a physician in 
Nevada, Mo.; Charles H., a salesman for the Standard Oil Company in St. 
Joseph ; Stella, the wife of Charles Rose of Fayette, Idaho ; Frances, mar- 
ried Clarence Depriest of Delta, Colo. ; John a lumberman of Rich Hill ; and 
Shannon, now living at home. She attended school at Stanberry, and later 
was a student in Forest Park College at St. Louis. 

A few years ago. Shannon McCollough was advised to go west for her 
health. She took up a claim of 320 acres of land located 34 miles north- 
west of Sterling, Colo., where she lived for three years. She still owns 
this land and expects to make her home in Colorado at some later time. 
She is enthusiastic about Colorado climate and beauties. Miss McCollough 
is a writer of marked ability, and has always been interested in literary 
work. In many ways the ability of her talented father has descended to 
her. 

The McCollough name will always belong in the annals of Mis.souri. 
Judge McCollough, as a private citizen, as a well known member of the 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and Knights Templar lodges, as a 
county official, and as a member of the legislature of his state, was a man 
known for keenness of intellect and high ideals. 



872 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Robert D. McCray, an enterprising and reliable farmer and stockman 
of Lincoln Township, and the owner of 360 acres of land, was born Feb. 18, 
1856, in Sangamon County, 111., the son of William B. and Susanna (Staley) 
McCray. 

William B. McCray was a native of West Virginia. When a young 
man he came to Illinois, where he remained until 1881, when he removed 
to Missouri, settling in Daviess County, eight and one-half miles north- 
west of Jamesport. Later, Mr. McCray sold his farm and returned to 
Illinois, where he remained for a number of years, after which he returned 
to Missouri and located in Harrison County. He again returned to Illinois 
where he remained until the time of his death. During the Civil War, 
Mr. McCray enlisted from Sangaman County, 111., and served for three 
months. He was the owner of 80 acres of land in Daviess County, 90 
acres in Harrison County, and 150 acres in Illinois. Mr. McCray was 
killed in a railroad crossing accident Dec. 10, 1894, and is buried in Illinois. 
They were the parents of four children, as follows: Robert D., the subject 
of this sketch ; James A., Oilman City ; Isabella, deceased ; and Stephen 
W., deceased. 

Robert D. McCray attended the district schools of Illinois and was 
reared on his father's farm. He has been engaged in farming all his 
life, and is a successful breeder of high grade stock. Mr. McCray owns 
360 acres of land, and has lived on this farm since 1905. 

Mr. McCray married Nelhe McClure on Feb. 24, 1894. She is a daugh- 
ter of Jonathan and Mary (Hamilton) McClure, natives of Ohio and 
Daviess County. To Robert D. and Nellie (McClure) McCray six children 
have been born, as follows: Jonathan, farming with his father; Robert 
Francis, deceased, further mention of whom is made below; Bessie Irene, 
the wife of Robert E. McCue, merchant, Jamesport; Mary L., at home; 
Rose B., at home; and James A., at home. Robert F. McCray was born in 
Daviess County, Aug. 8, 1898. During the World War he enlisted in the 
Navy and was stationed at Camp Perry on the Great Lakes. He was 
with Company W, 7th Regiment. Four months after his enlistment he 
was taken ill with influenza and died Oct. 6, 1918. He is buried in Pilot 
Grove Cemetery, Lincoln Township. 

Robert D. McCray served as sheriff of Daviess County for two terms 
and township collector of Lincoln Township for two terms. He has also 
been township trustee and road commissioner of Lincoln Township. Mr. 
McCray is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Gallatin 
Lodge No. 167. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. 
He is also associated in the mercantile business with his brother, James 




i;m|;|.;i;t Ij. MrCKAV 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 873 

A. McCray, in Old Bancroft. Mr. McCray is a man whose business integrity 
and ideals of citizenship have given him the esteem of his fellow citizens. 

W. M. Slagle, a farmer and stockman of Wilson Township, Gentry 
County, is a native of Virginia, born in Lee County, Sept. 14, 1850, the son 
of Franklin and Polly (Lawson) Slagle. Mrs. Slagle died in Virginia in 
1879, and Mr. Slagle died there on July 4, 1918. 

W. M. Slagle came to Missouri in October, 1880, and bought 40 acres 
of land in Nodaway County. He later sold that land, and bought 279 acres 
in Wilson Township, Gentry County, where he lived for more than 25 
years. He then moved to Stanberry, but after two years there, decided 
to return to his farm. He built his present residence, one mile from his 
former home, in 1915, and in 1918, he sold his original land holdings. He 
now owns 182 acres of bottom land three miles northwest of Alanthus 
Grove. He does general farming and raises some stock. The farm is well 
improved, the house is an attractive bungolaw, and there are excellent 
farm buildings. 

W. M. Slagle was married on Jan. 10, 1875, to Elizabeth Lockhart, a 
daughter of Andrew and Polly Lockhart, both natives of Lee County, Va., 
where Mrs. Slagle was born and reared. To the union of W. M. and Eliza- 
beth (Lockhart) Slagle, the following children were born: James, a sketch 
of whose life appears later ; Steel, a farmer in Harrison County ; Kelly, a 
farmer and stockman of Huggins Township, Gentry County ; Nettie, mar- 
ried to James Sowards of Washington; J. D., a farmer in North Dakota; 
Alma, the wife of E. Temples of Cooper Township, Gentry County; Goldie, 
at home; Willie, died in infancy. 

James M. Slagle was born in Lee County, Va., March 7, 1876, the son of 
W. M., and Elizabeth (Lockhart) Slagle. He is a breeder of Hereford cat- 
tle since 1917. The farm comprises 262 acres and lies four and one-half 
miles northwest of Alanthus Grove. It is bottom land, is well improved, 
has a good residence built in 1916, and good barns and cattle sheds. Mr. 
Slagle has 65 pure bred Hereford cattle. The head of the herd is "Beau- 
blanchard 38" sired by Beaublanchard, and reared on the Jene Ingels and 
Sons farm at Sharon. Mr. Slagle also raises hogs, some sheep and poultry. 

James M. Slagle was married Dec. 22, 1900 to Dollie Richardson, a 
daughter of Philip and Jane Richardson of Wilson Township, where Mrs. 
Slagle was born and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Slagle have two children: 
Forest E., and Ivan H. They are also rearing a nephew of Mrs. Slagle's, 
Harold Richardson. 

Mr. Slagle is a member of the County Fair Bureau and of the Coopera- 
tive Exchange. James M. Slagle is a director in the Gentry County Drain- 



874 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

age District Association. Both W. M. Siagle and his son are capable and 
successful business men, and the Siagle family stands in the community 
for progressive ideals of civic improvement. 

Philip Richardson, a prominent farmer and stockman of Wilson Town- 
ship, Gentry County, is a native of Virginia, born in Roanoke County, May 
31, 1847. 

Mr. Richardson's parents, William and Catherine (Kefauver) Richard- 
son, were married in Virginia, and came to Missouri in 1852, when their son 
Philip, was about six years old. They settled first in Piatt County, then 
came to Gentry County. William Richardson entered 80 acres of land 
a mile north of Alanthus Grove, and added to his farm from time to time. 
He served in the militia from Gentry County during the Civil War. Mr. 
Richardson died on his farm in 1904, at the age of 79 years, and his widow 
died two years later at the age of 82 years. The remains of both are 
buried in Jennings Cemetery. Their children were: Mary, now Mrs. 
Gearhart of Oklahoma; Phoebe, now Mrs. Gearhart of Stanberry; Philip, 
the subject of this sketch; W. R., died near Alanthus Grove; Charles died 
near Alanthus Grove ; Virginia, married Mr. Burris, and is deceased ; and 
P. G., died at the home of his brother, Philip in 1920. 

Mr. Richardson attended the Liggett School in his childhood, and has 
lived on his present farm since 1882. He has land holdings covering 642 
acres of which all but 40 acres is bottom land. The farm is well improved ; 
the residence, a two story house is located three miles northwest of Alan- 
thus Grove, and the farm is equipped with excellent outbuildings for the 
care of stock. Mr. Richardson raises Shorthorn cattle and Spotted Poland 
China hogs, and for many years, has been an extensive feeder of cattle and 
hogs. At present Mr. Richardson rents a part of his land to his sons, 
but he still raises the corn he uses for feeding, and both he and Mrs. Rich- 
ardson maintain their interest in the active life on the farm. 

Philip Richardson was married Dec. 24, 1871, to Mary Jane Litten. 
Mrs. Richardson was born in Indiana, and her parents were pioneer settlers 
of Cooper Township, Gentry County, where they came in Mrs. Richardson's 
childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson had the following children: Rhoda B., 
the wife of C. E. Petree of Sharon, Pa., where Rev. Petree is a minister of 
the Methodist church ; Laura, married to T. W. Grantham, a farmer of 
Wilson Township; Myrtle, the wife of Steel Siagle of Grant City; Alba A., 
married to James Siagle of Wilson Township; Stella, the wife of Marion 
Lyle, a farmer in Nodaway County; Edward, married Ethel Labor, and 
lives in Wilson Township; Fred, married to Blanch Grantham, and is a 
farmer in Wilson Township; Lawrence, married Abigail Miller, and is a 
resident of Colorado ; W. H., married first to Ola Judd, and after her death 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 875 

was married to Norah French, now a resident of Denver, Colo. ; Charles, 
married Lora Crabb, and now lives in Denver, Colo. ; and Dea, the wife of 
E. M. Jasper of Wilson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have 39 
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In December, 1921, they 
celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary. 

Mr. Richardson is one of the estimable citizens of his township. He 
has been an industrious man, and accounted one of the substantial men of 
the community, where both he and his wife are held in high regard. Al- 
though Mr. Richardson served in the Union Army during the Civil War 
from March 1, 1865 to Sept. 9, 1865, as a member of Company F, Volunteer 
Missouri Infantry, 51st Regiment, and had served for six months in the 
Missouri State Militia prior to that time, yet he only recently applied for 
a pension from the government. He is a man of high ideals of citizenship, 
and has achieved success in life because of his integrity combined with 
innate ability. 

L. T. Cooper, farmer and stockman of Wilson Township, Gentry 
County, was born in Piatt County, Jan. 10, 1848, the son of George and 
Sarah Ann (O'Banon) Cooper. 

George Cooper and his wife came to Gentry County in 1861, and set- 
tled in Cooper Township. They made the trip by the O'Hearn route, Mr. 
Cooper driving all of the way. They became a well known family in the 
township where they settled. George Cooper died in Wilson Township in 
1892, and his wife died in the same township in 1883. Their remains are 
buried in Cooper Cemetery. Their children were: F. M., born in 1839, 
and died in Oklahoma ; W. R., born in 1842, died in Oklahoma ; James Clay, 
born in 1843, died at Stanberry on Nov. 23, 1911 ; Mary Nancy, married 
George Bell, and died at Stanberry in December, 1911 ; Lewis T., the sub- 
ject of this review; George T., a sketch of whose life appears in connection 
with this review; Marah, born in 1584, now the wife of Stover Wharton of 
Wilson Township; and Green A., born in 1856, now a resident of Topeka, 
Kans. 

L. T. Cooper attended the schools of Piatt County, in his childhood, 
and has lived on his present farm, with the exception of a few years, since 
1869. For two years he lived near St. Joseph, and for three and one-helf 
years in Nodaway County. He owns 70 acres of well improved land just 
west of Alanthus Grove. 

L. T. Cooper was married April 30, 1869 to Elizabeth Goodwine, a 
daughter of John and Mary Goodwine. Mrs. Cooper was born in Indiana, 
and came to Iowa with her parents, then to Gentry County. Mr. Goodwine 
died in 1881 at the age of 54 years. His remains are buried in Jennings 
Cemetery. Mrs. Goodwine died Jan. 20, 1903, and her remains are buried 



876 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in the Monroe Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper had one daughter, Sarah 
Ellen. She married J. R. Stitt, and died in 1916, leaving two children: C. 
N. Stitt, now living in Topeka, Kans. ; and Eva May, married to John Tem- 
pleton of Topeka, Kans. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have four great-grandchild- 
ren, Patty and Joella Templeton, and Mildred and Lulu Stitt. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are highly respected in their community. They 
both say that they have always realized the value of contentment, and that 
they have enjoyed their life on their farm, where they continue an active 
and useful life. 

George T. Cooper, brother of L. T. Cooper, was born in Piatt County, 
Feb. 18, 1850. He also attended the rural schools of Piatt County, and had 
been a farmer all of his life. He was married on Feb. 19, 1880 to Mary 
Pugh, a daughter of Jacob and Harriet (Cooper) Pugh, who settled in 
Nodaway County in 1856. Mr. Paugh died in August, 1894, and Mrs. Pugh 
died in August, 1905. The remains of both are buried in the Lafayette 
Cemetery. Their children were: Scott, died in April, 1920; Mary, now 
Mrs. Cooper ; Samuel, born in 1858, now living in Oklahoma ; Thomas, born 
in 1861, now a resident of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Alex, born in 1865, living 
in Muskogee, Okla. ; and Vincent, born in 1870, now living at Maryville. 
By a former marriage of her father, Mrs. Cooper has the following half 
sisters and brothers: Minerva, now Mrs. Hickok of Savannah; George, a 
residence of St. Joseph ; James, living at Cuba, Kans. ; John, living in 
Oregon ; Martha, married Mr. Hughes and is now dead ; and William, living 
at Stanberry. 

To the union of George T. and Mary (Pugh) Cooper the following 
children were born: Clarence, married Sallie Pierce, and lives in Wilson 
Township; Ollie, the wife of Levi Murphy, living near Alanthus Grove; 
Arthur, married Ermil Snider, and died in November, 1920, leaving two 
children, who, with their mother, make their home with Mr. and Mrs. 
Cooper. Besides the grandchildren mentioned, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have 
the following grandchildren; Blanch, Ralph, Wesley and Chesley, twins, 
Raymond, Marvin, Blondina, Lola May Murphy; Iliff, Ross, Mary Cather- 
ine, Ermil, Marvil, and Naoma Cooper. 

The Cooper family has been well and favorably known in Wilson 
Township for many years. 

Isaac F. Brodrick. a farmer and stockman of Huggins Township, 
Gentry County, is a member of a pioneer family of Missouri. His grand- 
father, Isaac Brodrick, was an early settler in Nodaway County. He left 
that county in 1849 and went to the gold fields of California, later return- 
ing to Nodaway County where he died. 

Isaac Brodrcik's son, James, was born at Guilford, where he grew to 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 877 

manhood and married Nancy Morris, also a native of Guilford. They 
moved to Wilson Township, Gentry County, in the fall of 1879, and brought 
the farm now owned by L. 0. Grantham. Mrs. Brodrick died on the farm 
in 1881, and Mr. Brodrick died in 1891. The remains of both are buried 
in Grantham Cemetery. Their children were: Eliza, the wife of Charles 
Folyd, now dead; Eva, married to E. C. Stewart of Stanberry ; John, a 
farmer and stockman of Howard, Kans. ; Ollie, the wife of Reuben 
Buchanan of Chadron, Neb. ; Isaac P., born in Nodaway County, Feb. 20, 
1879, the subject of this review; and Maude, the wife of Sam Nickerson 
of Pattonsburg. 

Isaac F. Brodrick attended the Grantham School in Wilson Township. 
He spent two years farming in Nodaway County, and two years in Worth 
County. For the past 11 years he has lived on his present farm of 200 
acres which he bought from Granville Patton. The land is located five 
miles northeast of Stanberry, and lies in the Grand River Bottom. It is 
well improved, having a good residence, two barns, and other farm build- 
ings. Mr. Brodrick raises Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, and 
Shropshire sheep. Mrs. Brodrick raises White Leghorn poultry. 

Isaac F. Brodrick was married on Feb. 3, 1901 to Mary C. Slagle, a 
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lockhart) Slagle, a sketch of whose 
lives appear in this volume. Mrs. Brodrick was born in Lee County, Va., 
and was reared in Gentry County. To the union of Isaac F. and Mary C. 
(Slagle) Brodrick the following children were born: Thelma, married to 
Joseph Philips ; Ethel a student in the Stanberry High School ; Earl, at 
home ; Curtis, a member of the Calf and Pig Club of Gentry County ; 
Blanche, Elizabeth and Wanda Wave, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Brod- 
rick have one grandchild, Frederick Philips, born on Nov. 5, 1921. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brodrick are members of the Methodist church at Hug- 
ginsville. Mr. Brodrick is a capable and energetic man, one who is achiev- 
ing a marked success in his work as a farmer and stockman. 

Harry J. Dunshee, an efficient and popular dentist of Stanberry, Gen- 
try County, was born in the town where he now practices his profession, 
on Sept. 18, 1894. His parents were R. R. Dunshee, a pioneer dentist of 
Gentry County, and Lizzie (Harry) Dunshee. 

Dr. R. R. Dunshee graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College iji 
1888, but had practiced dentistry for two years prior to that date. He 
owns a farm of 500 acres in Cooper Township. For the past six 
years he has been breeding pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle, and now has 
one of the best herds in the county. He owns six cows from the Wilcox 
Dispersion Sale, a herd that was headed by "Black Cap Poe," one of the 
best males of the Aberdeen Angue breed in the county. Dr. Dunshee also 



878 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

raises Duroc Jersey hogs, and is now devoting his entire time to his stock 
farm. He represented Gentry County at the Missouri Farmers Meeting 
held in January, 1922. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, and one of the prominent men of the county. His wife died in 
1916 at the home farm. To the union of R. R. and Lizzie (Harry) Dunshee 
the following children were born: Harry, the subject of this review; and 
Roy and Mabel, twins, the former now on the home place, and the latter 
died in 1918 at the age of 21 years. 

Harry J. Dunshee attended the Stanberry High School for three years 
and then became a student in the Northwest Missouri State Teachers 
College at Maryville for one year. He enterd the Western Dental College 
at Kansas City, from which he was graduated in 1916. He practiced for a 
year at Stanberry, and then entered the United States Army for service 
during the World War. He was commissioned first lieutenant with the 
39th Division on Sept. 9, 1917, and went overseas on June 30, 1918. He 
was stationed at Camp Rochambeau, France, and remained there until 
August, 1919, when he was sent back to the United States. He landed at 
Norfolk, Va., and was mustered out of service at Camp Dodge, Iowa, Aug. 
20, 1919. He returned to Stanberry, and reopened his office, and since 
that time has been making a success of his work. 

Dr. Dunshee was married on March 27, 1921, to Olivette Godsey, a 
daughter of Ed and Effie Godsey of Maryville. Mrs. Dunshee was a suc- 
cessful teacher in the schools of Stanberry for two years, and graduated 
from the Northwest Missouri State Teachers College with the B. S. degree 
in the spring of 1921. 

Dr. Dunshee is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
and of the American Legion at Stanberry. Both Dr. and Mrs. Dunshee 
are capable, energetic and ambitious young people. Dr. Dunshee has 
established an excellent business, and is known as one of the progressive 
and scientific dentists of the community. 

Walter W. Brown, the capable and progressive superintendent of the 
Gentry County Home since March 1, 1921, was born in Gentryville in this 
county, the son of Volney and Mary E. (Chittin) Brown, now residing in 
Albany. 

Volney Brown was born in Wayne County, 111.. Sept. 3, 1850. His 
parents were Thomas J. and Rebecca G. Brown. They were married in 
Illinois and came to Missouri where they settled first in Worth County 
where they preempted 160 acres of land. In 1855 they moved to Albany 
and here Thomas Brown was elected the county judge of Gentry County. 
So well esteemed was Judge Brown that he was tendered the election the 
second term and served again. His son, Orville Brown, now holds the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 879 

same office. Judge Brown owned the 80 acres of land from which the 
Highland Cemetery was taken. He died near Berlin in 1908, his wife 
having died in 1905. The remains of both are buried in the Berlin Ceme- 
tery. 

Volney Brown was a farmer in Gentry County for many years and is 
known throughout the county as a man with an unusually keen perception 
of farm values. He has bought many farms, improved them and sold 
them. Like his father. Judge Thomas Brown, Mr. Brown is a man of abil- 
ity and insight. To his union with Mary E. (Chitten) Brown the follow- 
ing children were born: Vena, now Mrs. Ross of Troy; Ore; Minnie, now 
Mrs. Stewart of Olathe, Kans.; Walter W., the subject of this .sketch; 
Clevah E.. married to James A. Lainhart of Albany; Bessie May, now 
Mrs. Scantlebury of Hampton, Iowa; and J. T., a veterinary surgeon in 
the employe of the state, and living at Braymer. 

Walter W. Brown was educated in the public schools and was a farmer 
prior to his acceptance of his present position as superintendent of the 
County Home. The County Home is located one and one-half miles south 
of Albany and consists of 97 acres of land, 77 acres of which was formerly 
included in the Albin farm. The remaining 20 acres were bought from the 
James Thompson farm. The County Home is a two story brick building 
with a basement under the entire building and supplied with heat from 
three pipeless furnaces which have been installed in place of the old steam 
heating system. The building was erected in 1912 and is thoroughly com- 
fortable. At present there are 11 inmates of the home but the building 
has capacity for three times that number. Superintendent Brown keeps 
high grade Holstein cattle on the farm and raises Chester White hogs. The 
farm presents a neat and well kept appearance. 

Walter W. Brown was married March 24, 1908, to Bertie F. Thompson 
a daughter of Alex and Rodantha (Hamilton) Thompson. Mrs. Brown's 
grandfather, James Thompson, entered land in Gentry County, where he 
was a well known carpenter and builder. He built many of the pioneer 
houses and built the first bridge that ever spanned Grand River in the 
county. His son, Alex Thompson, died in 1903, after a successful career as 
a farmer. His remains are buried in Shepherd Cemetery. His widow still 
lives on the home place near Evona which has been her home for more than 
50 years. To the union of Walter W. and Bertie F. (Thompson) Brown the 
following children have been born : Blondina, Junior, Herbert and Charles. 

Walter W. Brown is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons having made application for membership in that lodge the day 
after he was 21 years old, and joining soon afterwards at Darlington. His 
father has been a member of the Masonic lodge at Albany for more than 



880 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

25 years. The Brown family has been known in the county for three gen- 
erations and the name is associated with the early struggles of the pioneer 
days as well as with the later growth of the community. Walter W. Brown 
is a worthy member of the family. 

Mary Ellen Henderson, a prominent citizen of Gallatin, was born in 
Crawfordville, Ind., a daughter of Gustavus and Elizabeth (Danolds) 
Scott. 

Gustavus Scott was a native of Alexandria, Va., who came to Daviess 
County in the early days, and became a prominent farmer and stockman. 
While he lived in Indiana, Mr. Scott was an attorney-at-law, practicing in 
Lafayette for a number of years. On account of his poor health, he was 
forced to give up law. Mr. Scott became a prosperous stockman of 
Daviess County, owning 480 acres of land. He died Jan. 25, 1867, and his 
wife died May 2, 1889. They are buried in Creekmore Cemetery. Mr. 
and Mrs. Scott were the parents of eight children, as follows : William, 
deceased ; Anna, resides with Mrs. Henderson ; John C, deceased ; Charles, 
Daviess County; Henry Selden, deceased; Mrs. Henderson, the subject of 
this sketch; William D., Oklahoma; George C, deceased. Mr. Scott was a 
Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. 

Oh Nov. 5, 1874, Mary E. Scott married John F. Henderson, a son of 
David and Margaret (Miller) Henderson. John F. Henderson was born in 
Daviess County, Nov. 7, 1842. His parents were natives of Kentucky, set- 
tling in Daviess County in the early days. David Henderson became a large 
land holder in Daviess County, and served as judge for several years. He 
was a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. 
David Henderson are both deceased and are buried in Victoria Cemetery, 
located in western Missouri. They were the parents of nine children, as fol- 
lows: Robert, deceased; George, deceased; John, deceased; David, Civil 
Bend; Ellen, married A. C. Cope, both deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; 
Evelyn, married Wilham Black, both deceased; William, deceased; Isaac, 
retired banker, Loveland, Colo. 

John F. Henderson was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County. 
He had very little education. During his entire hfe, he was engaged in 
farming and stock raising, becoming one of the successful stockmen of 
the county. He owned 600 acres of land in Daviess County, and was a 
breeder of cattle, hogs and horses. In politics Mr. Henderson was a 
Democrat. He died Oct. 6, 1908, and is buried in Creekmore Cemetery. 
His widow now resides in Gallatin and is the owner of 440 acres of land in 
Daviess County, which she rents. Mrs. Henderson is a Democrat and a 
member of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson had no child- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 881 

ren. Mr. Henderson was highly respected and one of the leading citizens 
of Daviess County. 

Andrew W. Canaday, for the past seven years a dealer in real estate in 
Stanberry, is a member of one of the best known families in the county. 
The Canaday family is of Scotch Irish descent, and settled here in the pio- 
neer days. Andrew W. Canaday was born five miles west of Albany in 
Huggins Township, Sept. 20, 1881. 

John Canaday, grandfather of A. W. Canaday, came from Carey 
County, Ky., and was one of the first settlers of Huggins Township. He and 
his brothers, Jefferson, Caleb, Riley and W. T., came to Gentry County at 
the same time and all entered land. They wei"e all prominent workers in the 
Christian church, and the site of the Old Brick Church was donated by 
Jefferson Canaday, as was also the grounds for the cemetery. Riley Cana- 
day became a well known merchant of Albany, and the other brothers 
were large land holders and farmers of note in the county. John Canaday 
was one of the best rifle shots in the Gentry County. He used a powder 
and ball rifle, and won many prizes at shooting matches. He was a veteran 
of the Mexican War, and had the honor of being the first soldier to go over 
the top at the Battle of Mexico City, James Hunter of Albany being the 
second. Both John Canaday and his wife died in Huggins Township, and 
their remains are buried in the Old Brick Church Cemetery. 

W. T. Canaday, son of John Canaday, and the father of Andrew W. 
Canaday, was born in Carey County, Ky., and came with his parents when 
they settled in Missouri. He served under Captain Comstock in the Civil 
War, and was a prominent farmer of the county. He died on his farm in 
Huggins Township, when he was 62 years old. His wife, Mary E. 
(Osborn) Canaday, died in January, 1918, and her remains are buried in 
the Brick Church Cemetery. The children of W. T. Canaday and his wife 
were: James R., living in Darlington; Laura, now Mrs. Dine of Stanberry; 
Sarah, married Mr. Morris, and is now dead; Andrew W., the subject of 
this sketch ; Madie, now Mrs. Motzkus of Stanberry ; George, died in his 
youth ; and Oma, died in girlhood. 

Andrew W. Canaday attended school in the county, later at Albany, 
and then was a student at Omaha, Neb. He farmed for a number of years, 
and for the past ten years has been operating a real estate office, three 
years at York, Neb., and since that time at Stanberry. 

Mr. Canaday was married on June 1, 1915, to Mrs. Mad^ine (Leus- 
chen) Thomas. Her parents were pioneers of Shelby County, Iowa, where 
Mrs. Canaday was born. Her mother, Anna (Nollus) Leuschen is dead, 
and her father, Benedict Leuschen lives on the farm, which has been his 
home for 50 years. Mrs. Canaday was educated in a private school. She 



882 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

came to Gentry County in 1901, and for the past 12 years has been in the 
millinery business at Stanberry. By her first marriage to Henry Thomas, 
Mrs. Canaday had two children: Benedict L., now a student in the Stan- 
berry High School ; and Henrietta A., in the grammar school. 

Mr. Canaday is a member of the Yoeman Lodge. He was elected 
alderman of Stanberry in April, 1919, and has made an excellent official. 
Mr. Canaday is held in high esteem in the community. 

William B. Evans, now living on an 85 acre farm located two and one- 
half miles southeast of Albany, is a man whose memories cover a period 
of more than 60 years in Gentry County. He is one of the few men yet re- 
maining in the county who have been integral parts in the development 
of the community. He was born in Davis County, Iowa, near the town of 
Bloomfield, Sept. 6, 1845, the son of LeRoy and Martha Ann (Stephens) 
Evans. 

LeRoy Evans was born in Knox County, Ky., in 1816. Upon leaving 
his native state, he settled first in Iowa and came to Missouri in 1856 where 
he located in Gentry County and bought the land north of Albany now 
owned by Ed Peery. He made the long overland trip to California twice, 
once in 1857 and again in 1858. Returning however to Gentry County 
where he spent the remainder of his life and died at Evona, Jan. 21, 1900. 
His wife died in 1873. Their children were: Matilda, now Mrs. Johnson, 
living in California ; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Kingsborough of Albany ; Wil- 
liam B., the subject of this sketch; Hila, now Mrs. Phillips of Grant City; 
LeRoy, deceased ; Evaline, now Mrs. Bentley of Albany ; and Vileta, now 
Mrs. Davidson of Albany. 

William B. Evans attended the rural schools of the county and grew 
to manhood on his father's farm. He bought a tract of 94 acres of land 
noilh of Albany, improved it and lived on it for 20 years. At the end of 
that time he sold the first farm and bought his present home, where he 
has been successful in his work. 

Mr. Evans was married Aug. 25, 1869 at Elnora by Rev. Griffin to 
Mary J. Newberry of that place. She was born in Madison, Wis., in 1851, 
a daughter of John and Cynthia Newberry. Mrs. Evans died Sept. 13, 
1913, and her remains are buried in the Hinton Cemetery. To the union 
of William B. and Mary J. (Newberry) Evans the following children were 
born : John, now with the Santa Fe Railroad in the shops at Topeka, Kans. ; 
Charlie, born Feb. 25, 1872, and died April 1, 1904; C. C, born Feb. 14, 
1874, and died July 22, 1898; Maretta, born Aug. 3, 1876, and died Sept. 
16, 1882; Martha, born Nov. 3, 1878, married Lafayette Couch and lives 
on the home place with a family of two children, Paul and Mary ; Minerva, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 883 

wife of Hurley Bratcher of Athens Township ; Esther and Thomas, twins, 
the former now the wife of Frank Samples of Athens Township, and the 
latter now in St. Louis ; Flora, the wife of James Banks of Nickerson, Kan. ; 
Thomas Evans enlisted in the United States Army in 1916 and was in ser- 
vice on the Mexican Border. He was later sent overseas for service in 
the World War. Mr. Evans has, besides the children named, fourteen 
grandchildren and two great grandchildren. James and Billie Van Hooser, 
grandchildren of Charles Evans, deceased. 

Mr. Evans many years ago learned the art of making hickory canes 
and his favorite pastime now is the construction of such canes. Many of 
his old friends are the proud possessors of these examples of Mr. Evans' 
handiwork. Mr. Evans is a highly esteemed member of his community. 

William Milton Crane, living in Howard Township, Gentry County 
four and one-half miles northwest of New Hampton, was born in Gentry 
County, Nov. 17, 1871, the son of Jasper and Jane (Ross) Crane. 

Jasper Crane was a native of Gentry County, where he died in 1899, 
at the age of 44 years. His widow later married Leonard Hime, and now 
lives in Harrison County. The children of Jasper and Jane (Ross) Crane 
were: Martha Emaline, now the widow of Chester D. Wiley, living near 
Martinsville; William M., the subject of this sketch ; John, owns a farm in 
Harrison County, and lives in St. Joseph ; Bessie, died in childhood; Myrtle, 
died when a child; Maggie, now the wife of Frank Smith, Wichita, Kans. ; 
Katie, married to Bert Hoppengardner of Bethany ; Ernest Edward, a 
farmer in Harrison County ; Francis C, a resident of New Hampton ; 
Newton F., living at Berlin, Mo. ; and Eff ie, the wife of James Needles of 
Ludlow. 

William M. Crane was educated in the public schools and later attended 
the Normal School at Stanberry. He taught for two yeai's in the Muddy 
Valley District in Harrison County. In 1904, he bought 48 acres of land 
from Cora Kier, and later 20 acres from Kate Shain. These make his home 
farm upon which he has made many improvements. He built the present 
i-esidence, and all of the farm buildings. Mr. Crane does general farming 
and stockraising, and is especialy interested in raising Black Plymouth 
Rock poultry. 

Mr. Crane was married March 14, 1897 at Martinsville to Julia F. 
VanHoozer, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Cravens) VanHoozer, both 
now dead. They were early settlers of Dallas Township in Harrison 
County. Mr. VanHoozer was a native of Kentucky and his wife of Mis- 
souri. He died May 22, 1921, and Mrs. VanHoozer died Nov. 12, 1912. 
The remains of both are buried in the Lone Star Cemetery. Their child- 



884 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ren were: William Lee, a traveling salsman of Chillicothe; Mollie, now- 
dead, was married to H. R. Brumfield ; Alfred Jackson, living at Martins- 
ville; Evan C, of Martinsville; Julia F., now Mrs. Crane; Charles M., resid- 
ing at Martinsville ; and Edna Maud, the wife of Joseph Rader of Martins- 
ville. Mrs. Crane was born on a farm near Martinsville, May 20, 1875, 
and attended the rural schools of Dallas Township. 

Mr. Crane and his wife are enthusiastic in their zeal for their com- 
munity. In December, 1905, when their home and household goods were 
destroyed by fire the neighbors came to their aid, and within three weeks, 
they were stablished in their presnt home. This spirit of neighborliness 
is quite typical of Missouri, and especially of Gentry County. 

Millege Lester Abarr, a well known farmer living in Bogle Township, 
five miles east of Gentry, Gentry County, was born in Ringgold County, 
Iowa, Nov. 27, 1867. His parents were Daniel and Anna Mariah (Poore) 
Abarr. The former a native of Illinois, died near Redding, Iowa. The lat- 
ter, now 78 years of age, is living at Redding. 

Millege Lester Abarr attended the rural schools of Iowa, and farmed 
in that state until January, 1899, when he came to Missouri. He settled in 
Gentry County, where he now owns 295 acres of land, all well improved. 
Mr. Abarr keeps most of the farm acreage in pasture; and feeds cattle 
and hogs for shipping. In 1911, Mr. Abarr built a good two story residence 
and he has erected farm buildings as they have been needed on the place. 
The farm presents an excellent appearance, and shows the good effects of 
Mr. Abarr's work. 

Mr. Abarr was married in July, 1899 to Effie Green, a daughter of 
John and Sarah Green, sketches of whose lives appear in this volume in 
connection with the sketch of the life of E. P. Green, a brother of Mrs. 
Abarr. To the union of Millege Lester and Effie (Green) Abarr the fol- 
lowing children were born: Millege, now a student in the Albany High 
School; Bessie, also a student in the Albany High School; and Ruth, Clif- 
ford, and Ethel. 

Mr. Abarr is a member of the Missouri Farmers Association and has 
served two terms as the justice of the peace of his township. He is a man 
of keen intellect, marked business acumen and with high ideals of citizen- 
ship. 

Charles Korn, a well known farmer of Bogle Township in Gentry 
County, is the owner of 240 acres of well improved land, located four miles 
northeast of Gentry. He was born Feb. 29, 1852, in Huggins Township, 
has spent all his life in this community and has been a factor in the agri- 
cultural development of Gentry County. 

The great-grandfather of Charles Korn was born in Germany and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 885 

came to Pennsylvania in the early days of the migration to this country 
from Germany. A generation lateir his son moved to Holmes County, 
Ohio. Among the children of this family, was a son, Micheal, born in 
Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1824. He grew to manhood in Ohio, and in 
1847 came to Missouri, where he located in Huggins Township. Gentry 
County, and married Nancy Camery. She was born in Ohio, and reared 
in Edgar County, 111., where her parents had moved in her childhood, and 
came to Gentry County in 1847. Michael Korn entered the land which he 
fanned in Huggins Township and became a successful farmer of his day. 
His wife died at the age of 85 years, and he died in McDonald County at 
the age of 87 years. Their children were: John L., deceased; Charles, 
the subject of this sketch; James R., a resident of Grant City; Willis, 
living in McDonald County; and Mary, married to George Harmer of 
McDonald County. 

Charles Korn attended the district schools and worked on a farm by 
the month for seven years. At the age of 21 years, he began to teach 
school, and remained in that profession for four years, farming during 
the summer. He rented land for six years, and then bought 80 acres of 
his present farm. He improved this land and added to it steadily. The 
farm has a good residence and excellent farm buildings. 

Mr. Korn was married on Aug. 15, 1875, to Martha A. Shockley, a 
daughter of L. L. Shockley of Bogle Township. Mrs. Korn was born on 
March 1, 1852, grew up in Gentry County, and died Jan. 4, 1916. Her 
remains are buried in the New Friendship Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Korn 
had the following children: Walter, now a farmer in Bogle Township, 
married Roxie Todd, who died in 1908; Edna L., married George Garrett, 
and lives in Huggins Township with three children, Juanita, and Leland W. 
and Ledrew W., twins ; Pruda N., died in 1890, at the age of 14 months ; 
and Robert W., married Uva Etter, and lies in Seattle Wash. 

Mr. Korn is a member of the New Friendship Baptist church where 
his wife also was a member. Mr. Korn formerly engaged in stockraising 
on an extensive scale, but of recent years, has been renting some of his 
land out, and has retired from the more arduous work of farm manage- 
ment. He is a progressive man of high ideals, and strong business acu- 
men. 

J. W. Hinote, a well known farmer of Bogle Township, Gentry 
County, and the owner of 160 acres of well improved land, was born Sept. 
10, 1858, on a farm adjoining the town of Gentry on the south. His 
mother was Rachel (Snider) Hinote, a daughter of Alex. Snider, pioneer 
settler of Bogle Township; and his father was Philip Hinote. 

Philip Hinote was born in Indiana in 1816, and came to Gentry County 



886 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in 1849, where he entered 200 acres of land in Bogle Township. He later 
acquired another 120 acres by purchase. His wife, a native of Tennessee 
and born in 1822, was married in Indiana, and died in Gentry County in 
1894. Philip Hinote became a prominent farmer and stockman of the 
county, where he died in 1888. The remains of both Mr. and Mrs. Hinote 
are buried in Hugginsville Cemetery. Their children were: Sarah, died at 
the age of three years, in 1849, while the parents were on the way to 
Missouri; Alpha, the wife of Benjamin Shafer of Bogle Township; Eliza, 
married R. M. Ross, and is now dead ; Ellen, deceased, was the wife of 
Aaron Garrett ; Alice, deceased, was married to Edward Hinote ; Elizabeth 
the widow of Thomas Pittsenbarger of Tulsa, Okla. ; a twin brother of 
Elizabeth died in infancy ; Alex, died at the age of eight years ; J. W., the 
subject of this review; S. A., Douglas, a resident of Hotchkiss, Colo.; and 
Thomas Sherman, deceased. 

J. W. Hinote was educated in the rural schools of Gentry County, 
and at the age of 18 years, began to work for himself. He rented land for 
a few years, and in 1880, bought his present farm. The improvements 
upon the place at the time Mr. Hinote purchased it, consisted of a log 
cabin, and a rail fence. In this cabin, Mr. Hinote lived for three years 
and in 1883 he built a part of the present residence, which was rebuilt in 
1893. The present house is modern, and there are two good barns on the 
farm, one of which is equipped with running water. Mr. Hinote has added 
other farm buildings as they were needed, and a large windmill is used 
for pumping water to the house and barn. Mr. Hinote raises Shorthorn 
cattle, and Spotted Poland China hogs, in which line of work has has made 
a marked success. 

J. W. Hinote was married in 1882 to Jennie K. Gladstone, a daughter 
of Walter and Jane Gladstone. Mrs. Hinote died in 1900 leaving the fol- 
lowing children: Jane, a graduate of the State Teachers College at Mary- 
ville, who did demonstration work for the government during the World 
War, now doing extension work at the State Teachers College at Warrrens- 
burg; Mary Elizabeth, a graduate of the Missouri State University at Co- 
lumbia, now teaching at Pauls Valley, Okla. ; and Anna, the wife of W. W. 
Patton of St. Louis. Mr. Hinote was married the second time in 1901 to 
Mary E. Wall, a daughter of E. V. and Alice Wall of Vernal, Utah. Mrs. 
Hinote was born at Clarinda, Iowa, in 1875, and was educated in the public 
schools there. Mr. and Mrs. Hinote have one son, John W., now a student 
in the Gentry Public School. 

Mr. Hinote has filled the office of county committeeman from Bogle 
Township for eight years, and was a member of the township board for 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 887 

two years. For the past 24 years he has been a member of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows of Gentry. Mr. Hinote is one of the prominently 
successful men of his county. For 40 years, his name has been connected 
with the enterprise of stockraising, and he operates not only his own land 
but usually more than 300 acres besides. As an officer, a business man, 
and a citizen, Mr. Hinote is esteemed for his versatility, energy and relia- 
bility. 

Edgar Black, a practical and energetic farmer of Jefferson Township, 
Daviess County, was born in Colfax Township, May 5, 1881, the son of 
James L. and Susan E. (Fisher) Black. 

The Black family has been well known in the county since the early 
days. Edgar Black's great grandfather, Reuben Black, was one of the 
first settlers of Colfax Township. He lived there many years, and his 
remains are buried in the Black Cemetery, located on the old Black farm. 
Reuben Black's son, William, spent most of his life in Daviess County. He 
died in Texas. His son, James L., was born in Colfax Township, and died 
in 1921. His remains are buried at Winston. His widow, Susan E. 
(Fisher) Black, makes her home with her children. Her father, a pioneer 
settler of Daviss County, lived two miles south of Winston, on the old 
Ray farm. His remains are buried in Black Cemetery. To the union of 
James L. and Susan E. (Fisher) Black the following children were born: 
Ollie, the widow of Cleo Joy of Kansas City, Mo.; Edgar, the subject of 
this review ; Lena, the widow of Samuel Garvin of Cameron. 

Edgar Black was educated in the public schools of Winston and has 
been a farmer all of his life. In 1910 he bought his present farm two and 
one-half miles north of Winston, from Edward Jones. Mr. Black owns 
80 acres of land in one tract, and 40 acres north of his home. With the 
exception of the residence, all of the improvements were put on the place 
by th present owner. He has built excellent farm buildings, put up good 
fences, and has the farm well arranged. He keeps the farm mostly in 
clover and blue grass. He raises Duroc Jersey hogs and owns 15 brood 
sows, and a registered Duroc Jersey male. He also has 30 White Faced 
cattle on pasture. 

Edgar Black was married Aug. 30, 1903, to Maude M. Wright, a 
daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Price) Wright. Mr. Wright was born in 
Gentry County, and now lives at Weatherby. Mrs. Wright was a native 
of Missouri. She died in November, 1917, and her remains are buried at 
Cameron. Mr. and Mrs. Wright had the following children: Estella, now 
Mrs. Hogan of Cameron ; Maude M., now Mrs. Black ; John T., living at 
Weatherby ; E. C, a resident of Weatherby ; and Cecil, now Mrs. Lawlor 



888 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of Brookfield. Mr. and Mrs. Black have one son, Cecil J., born Aug. 11, 
1904. 

Mr. Black has served on the local board of education, was the township 
collector for four years, and the township trustee for six years. He is a 
man of integrity and ability, a good farmer and an excellent citizen. 

C. J. Griifeth, a well known and successful farmer of Washington 
Township, Daviess County, was born in Pike County, 111., May 4, 1863. 
He is a son of J. D. and Lavina Ann (McMillon) Griffeth. 

J. D. Griffeth was a native of Ohio, and moved to Illinois with his 
parents when a young man. He later came to Missouri, settling in Liv- 
ingston County, and then went to Grundy County, where he remained for 
several years. Later Mr. Griffeth moved to Harrison County, where he 
lived until his death in 1910. He was a leading farmer and stockman of 
Harrison County, and owned 100 acres of land. Mr. Griffeth was a Repub- 
lican and a member of the Christian church. His wife died in March, 1919. 
They were the parents of the following children : Mary Ann, deceased ; 
George W., resides with his daughters ; S. J., farmer, resides in California ; 
H. F., farmer, resides in Idaho; C. J., the subject of this sketch; James 
E., farmer, resides in California ; Margaret Ellen, the wife of T. G. Scott, 
farmer, residing in Gilman City ; Thomas K., died in infancy ; Sarah, 
deceased ; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Richard Graham, residing in Iowa ; 
John 0., resides in Seattle, Wash. ; Wilson, resides in Trenton. 

C. J. Griffeth was reared on his father's farm and attended the dis- 
trict schools. He began farming in Harrison County, working for $18.00 
per month. Later, Mr. Griffeth came to Daviess County, where he rent- 
ed land, and in 1896 he purchased his present farm in Washington Town- 
ship. His first purchase was 80 acres, which cost $21.25 per acre. He 
now owns 140 acres and has a very fine residence. He is a widely known 
breeder of Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Griffeth is also a 
breeder of Shropshire sheep. 

On Aug. 8, 1886, Mr. Griffeth married Ella J. Scott, a daughter of 
Volney B. and Ann (Jordan) Scott. Mr. Scott was a native of Indiana, 
and one of the early settlers of Missouri, coming here in 1848. He was 
a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the 23rd Missouri Volunteer 
Cavalry, and was in the service throughout the war. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Scott are deceased and are buried in Mitchell Chapel Cemetery, Harrison 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Griffeth have no children. 

In 1896 they took a girl to raise, Edith Kavanaugh, born Dec. 28, 
1894, in Harrison County. They reared her from two years old until eight 
when her mother again took her. Edith Kavanaugh married C. S. Brown, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 889 

who was reared near Chicago, 111., and they now live at Sunnyside, Wash.; 
they have one son Harold. 

In politics Mr. Griffeth is a Republican, as also is his wife. They are 
members of the Christian church. Mr. Griffeth is a dependable citizen 
and is well and highly respected in Daviess County. 

George E. Green was born in Athens Township, Gentry Township, 
on the farm which he now operates, Aug. 23, 1898. His parents were John 
and Portis (Rainey) Green. 

John W. Green was born on a farm in Athens Township, the son of 
Daniel Green, a pioneer settler of Gentry County. John W. Green died in 
1907, and his widow now lives at Albany. Their children were: Leslie, 
died in young manhood ; Elmer, a farmer near Whitton Station ; Dora, the 
wife of Dick Bentley of Bogle Township ; Maggie, living at Albany ; Cecil 
also a resident of Albany; and George E., the subject of this review. 

George E. Green attended the public school in Gentry County, and 
later was a student in Grand Island College at Grand Island, Neb. He then 
became a timekeeper for the Union Pacific Railway, and later was made 
the auditor for that same company. He resigned his position to return 
to Gentry County and take charge of the home farm, a place of 106 acres 
located four and one-half miles north of Albany. The farm includes 51 
acres of bottom land in Huggins Township. Mr. Green has a good resi- 
dence and excellent farm buildings. In addition to general farming he 
raises hogs, sheep and cattle. 

George E. Green was married on Dec. 22, 1920, to Vera B. King, a 
daughter of Frank J. and Belle (Silsby) King, residents of Mondamin, la., 
where Mrs. Green was born and attended high school. She was later a 
student in Grinnell College and then attended Van Saut College for girls 
at Omaha. 

Mr. Green is known as an enterprising and industrious young man 
who is rapiding achieving success in his farm management. 

Charles A. Hess, farmer and dairyman of Jefferson Township, Daviess 
County, was born Jan. 4, 1880, the son of Andrew F. and Samantha (Mun) 
Hess. 

Andrew F. Hess was born at Preble County, Ohio, in 1836, and came to 
Missouri in 1869. He settled on a farm just east of the site of Altamont 
and bought 40 acres of the open prairie land. The nearest railway was at 
Kidder. Mr. Hess built a small frame house in 1870, and this is now a 
part of the present residence. At the time of his death in 1914, Mr. Hess 
owned 200 acres of land. His wife, Samantha (Mun) Hess, was born in 
Laporte County, Ind., in 1839, and now lives at Altamont. Their children 



890 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

were: Joe H., born in 1860, now a resident of St. Joseph; Ollie, was Mrs. 
Sheeler, and died in 1903; Albert, died in infancy; Calma, died in in- 
fancy; Lewis, born in 1870, died in Colorado in 1898; and Charles A., the 
subject of this sketch. 

Charles A. Hess attended the schools of Daviess County, and lived on 
the home farm until 1918. The Hess farm was sold that year, and Mr. 
Hess bought the present farm of 113 acres just west of Altamont, from S. 
A. Johnson, his father-in-law. The farm is well improved, and has excel- 
lent farm buildings. Mr. Hess keeps 13 cows and sells his dairy products 
at Altamont. 

Mr. Hess was married Jan 13, 1901, to OlHe Johnson, a daughter 
of S. A. and Mina (Myers) Johnston. To this union two children were 
born : Roy and Kloy, both now students in the Altamont High School. 

Mrs. Hess' maternal gi-andparents, Christopher and Olive Myers, 
were both born in Delaware County, Ohio. The Myers family was one of 
the well known pioneer families of the County. Mrs. Hess' paternal grand- 
parents, James and Sarah (Castor) Johnston, were well known in the 
county as early settlers. S. A. Johnston, Mrs. Hess' father, was born in 
Daviess County, and served in the Missouri State Militia during the Civil 
War. He lived on the same farm for 48 years. He and his wife cele- 
brated their golden wedding anniversary on Nev. 12, 1918. Mr. John- 
ston died in 1919 at the age of 74 years, and his remains are buried in 
Mount Ayr Cemetery. His widow, Mina (Myers) Johnston, now lives 
at Altamont. To their union the following children were born: Simon, 
now a resident of St. Joseph ; Lester, living at Altamont ; Fred, living at 
Clay Center, Kans. ; John, died in 1904, leaving a widow, Louise Johnston, 
in Daviess County ; Ollie, now Mrs. Hess, born on Feb. 2, 1884, and Harrison 
living at St. Louis. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hess are members of the Christian church in 
which they take an active interest. Mr. Hess is an elder in the church at 
Altamont. He is held in high regard in the community as a reliable 
and energetic man, and the Hess family is accounted an asset to the neigh- 
borhood. 

Charles T. Lindsey, a retired farmer of Daviess County, now living 
at Altamont, was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, Feb. 2, 1859. He was 
the son of Samuel and Martha (Salmond) Linsey. 

Samuel Lindsey was born in Ireland in 1815, and came to the United 
States with his parents in 1821. They settled in Ohio at first, but in the 
sixties moved to Missouri. They lived a year in Randolph County, a year 
in Macon County, and came to Daviess County in the fall of 1867. They 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 891 

settled on a farm a fourth of a mile west of Altamont, and lived there for 
several years. About 1888 they moved to Gallatin, where Martha (Sal- 
mond) Lindsey died in 1898. Samuel Lindsey went back to Altamont, and 
died there in 1905. The Lindsey children were: a son, died in infancy in 
Ohio; Mary, Mrs. Frederick, died in Macon; Jennie, later Mrs. Cone, died 
in Kansas City, Mo. ; Julia, now Mrs. Woodruff of Washington ; Daniel, liv- 
ing at Clay Center, Kan. ; David, a residence of San Francisco, Calif.; 
George, died in Oklahoma; John, living at Kaysville, Utah; William, living 
at Kokomo, Colo. ; and Charles T., the subject of this review. 

Mr. Lindsey attended the schools in Bevier, and later in Daviess 
County, and has been a farmer all of his life. He owned the home place for 
20 years, prior to selling in in 1919. He fed cattle and raised Spotted Pol- 
and China hogs. He left the farm in 1917, and bought five acres of land 
at Altamont, where he has since lived. He is now interested in the breed- 
ing of Buff Orphington poultry. 

Charles T. Lindsey was married the first time, Dec. 27, 1883 to Rosa 
Lee Starnes, a daughter of W. Starnes and his wife of Winston. To this 
union the following children were born: Albert, married Ada McGinness, 
and lives at Winchestei% Kan. ; Samuel, died, April 26, 1908 ; Frederick, 
married Blanche Beasore and lives at Winchester, Kan. ; and Merwyn, now 
a student in the Altamont High School, he has the distinction of building 
and operating the first radio station in Daviess County, he is now manager 
of the Radio Station for the Liberty Electric Company of Pueblo, Colo. 
Mrs. Lindsey died, Dec. 4, 1908, and her remains are buried in the Winston 
Cemetery. 

On Feb. 9, 1910, Mr. Lindsey married Louisa (Huff'man) Johnston, 
born in Germany, the daughter of C. and Caroline Huffman, and the widow 
John Johnston. Mrs. Lindsey's parents both died in Germany, and Mrs. 
Lindsey came to the United States when she was 14 years old. By her first 
marriage she had a son, John Allen, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lindsey have three grandchildren ; Evelyn, Merle, and Wayne Lindsey. 

Frederick Lindsey enlisted for service in the World War at Win- 
chester, Kan., and was with the 353rd Machine Gun Company, an all Kan- 
sas Company. He left New York, June 2, 1918, and was with the Army 
ol Occupation. He took part in the battles of Chateau Thierry and the 
Argonne Forest. He was gassed during the Argonne Battle, and spent 
four days and five nights without water or provisions. He was serving at 
tiie front when the armistice was signed. 

Charles T. Lindsey is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows Lodge, and both he and Mrs. Lindsey are members of the Daughters 
of Rebecca Lodge. Mr. Lindsey was one of the original members of the 



892 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Ground Hog Club, organized at Altamont with 13 members on Feb. 2, 1898. 
For 11 years, the club held an annual banquet, but of recent years, the 
membership grew so rapidly that the club was disbanded because of a room 
large enough for the meetings. Mr. Lindsey and his family are among the 
well known and highly regarded members of the community. Mr. Lindsey 
served as justice of the peace of Jefferson Township for six years. 

J. R. Stewart, well known as a farmer in Jefferson Township, Daviess 
County, has a home at Gallatin, where he now lives although he continues 
the active management of his farm. He was born in Fountain County, 
Indiana, Dec. 23, 1854, the son of William and Ann (Murry) Stewart. 

William Stewart and his wife came to Missouri and settled in Livings- 
ton County before the Civil War. In 1861, they went back to Indiana and 
four years later returned to Missouri. They located in DeKalb County, and 
Mr. Stewart died at Cameron in 1905. Mrs. Stewart died on July 27, 1913. 
Their children were: J. R., the subject of this review; E. J., living in Col- 
fax Township ; James M., a resident of Cameron ; M. C, of DeKalb County ; 
Homer, also living in DeKalb County ; and Ella, the wife of C. T. Newby 
of Cameron. 

J. R. Stewart went to Smith County, Kan., in 1884, and bought 160 
acres of land for $1,250.00. He later bought another 160 acres for $800.00. 
In 1914, he traded his land in Kansas for his present farm of 240 acres in 
Jefferson Township, Daviess County. This farm lies two miles north of 
Winston and was formerly the Peed farm. Mr. Stewart built the present 
residence in 1915. He raises and feeds cattle and Poland China hogs. He 
bought his home in Gallatin in 1919. 

On Dec. 23, 1886, Mr. Stewart was married in Smith County, Kan., 
to Lottie E. Benjamin, a native of Watertown, N. Y. Her parents were 
Addison and Minnie E. Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin died at Smith Center, 
Kan., in 1905, and Mrs. Benjamin died at Gallatin in December, 1921. The 
remains are buried at Smith Center, Kan. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have six children ; Frank, a farmer at Lebanon, 
Kan. ; Minnie, at home ; Susie, the wife of James Estes of Gallatin ; 
Howard, a merchant at Grayson ; and Everett and Mabel, both students 
in the Gallatin High School. 

Mr. Stewart is a Democrat, and is a member of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen Lodge. He served as the trustee of Garfield Township, 
Smith County, Kan., for 15 consecutive years, and acted as the clerk for 
two years, and as the treasurer for two years. He was the treasurer of 
the local board of education for 22 years in the same township. Mr. Stewart 
is a substantial citizen, a reliable business man, and a highly esteemed 
member of the community. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 893 

\V)iniam Terry Roper, minister of tiie Missionary Baptist church and 
a well known farmer in Jefferson Township, Daviess County, has been 
prominently connected with the church organization of which he is a mem- 
ber for many years. He is a native of Daviess County where he was born 
in Marion Township, April 18, 1859, the son of John Caswell and Matilda 
E. (Morris) Roper. 

William Roper, grandfather of the subject of this review, was born 
in North Carolina, April 10, 1803, and went to Kentucky with his parents 
three years later. He was married in Kentucky to Polly Stevenson, born 
Nov. 24, 1804, and they came to Missouri in October, 1827. They located 
near Pattonsburg on the farm now owned by a grandson, Wiley J. Wilson. 
He is the son of Sina (Roper) Wilson. William Roper died on his farm, 
Aug. 10, 1864, and Mrs. Roper died on March 15, 1868. Their remains are 
buried in a family graveyard on their farm. 

John Caswell Roper, son of William Roper and wife, was the second 
white child born in Daviess County, Jesse Creekmore being the first. John 
Caswell Roper owned a farm adjoining the Roper homestead, and later 
owned a part of the home place. He had holdings of 154 acres and was a 
well known farmer and stockman. He married in Daviess County, and to 
his union the following children were born: William Terry, the subject of 
this sketch ; John Charles, now dead, married Flora Trowbridge, also dead, 
Mary Alice, married first to A. D. Duke to which union three children were 
born of whom two are living, Artie B. of Arkansas and Rolla J. of Colorado, 
married the second time to Marshall Mossbarger of Coffey, both Mr. and 
Mrs Mossgarber are now dead ; James Grant, died in infancy ; Minnie May, 
the wife of I. B. Burwell of Excelsior Springs; and Clara E., married to 
W. H. Carlow, a professional engineer in Marianna, Ark. John Caswell 
Roper died on Oct. 30, 1913. His wife died in October, 1904. The remains 
of both are buried in Marion Township Cemetery. 

W. T. Roper attended the public schools of the county and was a 
student in the Hamilton High School. He taught two terms of school in 
Gentry County and nine terms in Daviess County. He moved to his 
present farm in February, 1882. He rented the land for five years and 
then bought 60 acres to which he added until he now holds 140 acres. His 
residence lies three and one-half miles north of Altamont. The farm, 
which Mr. Roper bought from Elisha Frost, a pioneer settler of Daviess 
County, is well improved. Mr. Frost came from Virginia and took up the 
land in 1844. He made few improvements and Mr. Roper found the farm 
practically all timber land. He made rails to use for the first fencing on 
the place. Mr. Roper has built an especially good barn and has erected 
other substantial farm buildings. 



894 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

For more than 21 years, Rev. Roper was a minister in the Missionary 
Baptist church. He is known throughout DeKalb, Gentry, Putnam, Suli- 
van, Daviess, and Grundy counties in which he has held pastorates. He 
organized the church at Union Chapel in DeKalb County and was the 
pastor there for 15 years. He is now doing supply work instead of the 
regular pastoral work. 

Rev. Roper was married, Jan. 29, 1882, to Sarah J. Miller of Gentry 
County. Her father was James Miller, and W. T. Miller of Daviess County 
was her Uncle. Mrs. Roper died on Jan. 12, 1892 leaving a son, Clarence 
E., born on May 7, 1883. He now lives in Denver, Colo. Rev. Roper mar- 
ried Sarah Jane (Mathis) Gore after the death of his first wife. Mrs. Gore 
was the widow of Rufus E. Gore, a Baptist minister of Gentry County, 
and a daughter of Lemuel G. and Margaret J. Mathis. Mrs. Mathis, now 
82 years of age, lives at Maysville. Mrs. Roper was born near Clearmont 
Nodaway County. To his second union Rev. Roper had the following child- 
ren born : Lester Vincel, born on Nov. 19, 1894 and now living in Denver, 
Colo. ; Terry Omar, born on May 1, 1899, married Goldie Shepherd and now 
lives at Kingman, Kan. ; and Lois Jane, graduated from Kidder Institute 
in June, 1921, and is now teaching at Center Point, Daviess County. Rev. 
Roper and his wife have three grandchildren ; Pearl Elizabeth, Nina Evelyn 
and Lois Elda. 

Lester Vincil Roper enlisted for service in the World War, but was 
at first rejected because of his health. He was later inducted into the 
serv-ice in Colorado, and served in Company B, 8th Ammunition Train for 
nine months. He was sent first to California, later to New York, where 
he was waiting to go overseas when the amistice was signed. He was then 
sent to Camp Lee, Va., for three months, and was mustered out of service 
at Ft. Logan, Colo. 

Rev. Roper is a member of the board of education of his district and 
was elected township assessor and clerk in the election of March, 1921. 
In 1920, he took the census of Jefferson Township. He has lived on his 
present farm for more than 40 years and in that long period of residence 
has established a reputation for integrity, uprightness, and unselfish 
service. 

Henry S. Walp, the proprietor of Evergreen Ridge Farm in Colfax 
Township, Daviess County, was born on Jan. 30, 1886, on a farm one-half 
mile .south of his present home. His parents were John and Adaline 
(Knapley) Walp. 

John Walp was born in Pennsylvania in 1849. He lived in Illinois for 
a time and came to Missouri in 1882. He located on a farm in Colfax Town- 
ship, Daviess County. He rented land for several years and then bought 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 895 

76 acres east of Winston, later moving to Winston, where he now lives. 
Mrs. Walp was born in Illinois in 1861. She died at home in Colfax Town- 
ship, Nov. 8, 1921. Her remains are buried at Winston. To her union with 
John Walp the following children were born: Lavina, married Edgar 
Burkett and died, Jan. 26, 1912; Daisy, the wife of Otis Johnston of Win- 
ston ; Willie, living on the home place ; and Henry S., the subject of this 
sketch. 

Henry S. Walp attended the rural school in District No. 58 and has al- 
ways lived on a farm. In 1915 he bought his present farm of 80 acres 
located on the Jefferson Highway between Winston and Cameron. The 
farm is three and three-fourths miles south of Winston, and is one of the 
well improved places of the community. It is equipped with a good resi- 
dence and excellent farm buildings. Mr. Walp raises Poland China hogs 
and pure bred Plymouth Rock poultry. 

On March 3, Mr. Walp was married to Zora Harter, a daughter of John 
and Lena (Wiebke) Harter. They were both born in Missouri, Mr. Harter 
on Sept. 24, 1859 and Mrs. Harter on Nov. 16, 1869. Mrs. Walp was 
born in Caldwell County but was educated in Daviess County where she 
attended school in Island No. 19. District. Her parents now live at Kidder. 
The Harter children were: Hildah, the wife of John Kaufman of Altamont; 
Bertha, married to Willis De Ford of Altamont ; Christina, deceased ; Zora, 
the subject of this paragraph ; Nellie, the wife of Mack Stewart of Win- 
ston; Linus, living in Sheridan Township; and Herbert, living in Colfax 
Township. Mr. and Mrs. Walp have a daughter, Martha Genevieve, born 
on June 23, 1921. 

Mr. Walp is a member of the board of education of District No. 10. 
He is an energetic and able man, well liked in the neighborhood. 

Dr. A. Thompson, a popular and enterprising dentist at Gallatin, Dav- 
iess County, is a native of Livingston County. His parents wei-e Archibald 
and Mildred (Peery) Thompson. 

Archibald Thompson was born in Tazewell County, Va. He was a 
farmer and a merchant there, and came to Missouri before the Civil War. 
He settled at Edinbourg, in Grundy County, where he was a merchant, 
but later returned to Virginia, and enlisted in the Confederate Army. He 
came back to Grundy County after the close of the war, and lived there 
for a short time ; he was a farmer in Livingston County until his death, 
there, in 1908, at the age of 76 years. He was a Democrat, and served as 
the county judge of Livingston County for a number of years. He was 
identified with the Methodist church, and was a member of the Ancient 
Free and Accepted Ma.sons. His wife, Mildred (Peery) Thompson, was 



896 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

born in Grundy County, and died at Livingston County in 1901. They 
were the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living. 

Dr. A. Thompson was educated in the public schools, and attended the 
Normal College at Chillicothe. In the fall of 1892 he entered the Kansas 
City Dental College at Kansas City, Mo., and graduated from that institu- 
tion in 1895. He began practicing his profession at Gallatin, soon after 
finishing his professional course, and has established an excellent practice. 

Dr. Thompson was married in 1898 to Margaret E. Williams of Living- 
ston County, and to this union one child was born, Mildred Eglantine. 

Dr. Thompson is a Democrat in his political views, and is a member 
of the Lidependent Order of Odd Fellows. He is held in high regard 
throughout the community, both as a progressive and scientific man in his 
profession, and as an excellent citizen of the town. 

Jesse James McCoy, a retired farmer and stockman of Washington 
Township, Daviess County, was born in Pike County, 111., July 18, 1846, a 
son of Jacob and Sarah (Owens) McCoy. 

Jacob McCoy moved from Pike County, 111., to Kansas where he had car- 
ried on farming and stock raising in Linn County for about 3 years. Later, 
Mr. McCoy came to Missouri, settling in Washington Township, Daviess 
County. He was a prominent farmer during his entire life and a large 
land holder. Mr. McCoy was a Republican and a member of the Christian 
Church. He died in 1860, and is buried in Scotland Cemetery, Daviess 
County. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy were the parents of the following child- 
ren. John Williams, deceased; Jesse James, the subject of this sketch; 
Charles W., deceased; Walker, farmer and stockman, state of Washing- 
ton; Ann, the widow of Stewart Leander, resides in Jackson Township; 
Joseph A., farmer and stockman, Harrison County. 

Jesse James McCoy was reared in Illinois and had very little schooling. 
He began life farming with his father, and in 1859 came to Wasnington 
Township, Daviess County, where he worked out for $20.00 per month. 
Later, he was able to purchase a little land and now owns 145 ajres in 
Washington Township. He has been very successful in stock raising, and 
is well known throughout the county. Mr. McCoy is now living retired. 

On Aug. 26, 1866, Mr. McCoy married Nancy Ellen Adams, a native 
of Daviess County, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Bell) Adams. 
Mr. Adams was a native of North Carolina, and a pioneer settler of Andrew 
County, Mo. He later came to Daviess County, where he became a lead- 
ing farmer and stockman. Mr. and Mrs. Adams were the parents of the 
following children: Thomas, deceased; B. B., deceased; Charles, deceased; 
Mrs. McCoy ; Lydia A., deceased ; Rachael Catherine, deceased. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Adams are deceased and are buried in Brown Cemetery. To 




MK. AND MRS. J. J. .M.i'nV 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 897 

Jesse James and Nancy Ellen (Adams) McCoy 10 children were born as 
follows: Viola Christian, deceased; Luna Allard, deceased; Maud, the wife 
of James M. Carroll, Jefferson Township; Z. B., the wife of Jesse Pugh, 
farmer, Jamesport ; Frank B., Kansas City ; Eulalia E., the wife of Rev. 
Zach Mitchell, Christian minister, Eagleville; Lydia A., the wife of W. A. 
Troxel, farmer. Grand River Township; Elizabeth, the wife of J. E. Sim- 
mons, farmer, Colorado ; one died in infancy ; William H., resides with his 
father; Wm. H. McCoy married Duane Hutcherson, and they have four 
children, as follows: J. P., VVm. A., Jesse C, and Nancy E. 

Jesse James McCoy is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in 
Company F, Missouri Infantry. He served for one year in Missouri. Mr. 
McCoy is a staunch Republican and has served as justice of the peace for 
three terms, and has also been a member of the township board. He is 
a director and vice-president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. 
He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and is a member of 
the Christian church. In July, 1921, Mr. McCoy erected a one story bun- 
galow, modern with electric lights. He is a reliable and substantial citi- 
zen of the community. Mr. McCoy has 21 grandchildren and one great- 
grandchild. 

Boon L. Sweany, well known farmer in Colfax Township, Daviess 
County, was born in Gentry County, July 14, 1875, the son of George H. 
and Elizabeth (Bacon) Sweany. 

George H. Sweany was born in Indiana in 1839. He lived at Civil Bend, 
Mo. for a while and then moved to Gentry County. He located in Colfax 
Township, Daviess County, in 1888. In 1905 he moved to Kidder, where 
he died in 1913. He was a well known farmer and stockman in his day 
and was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted for service at Gallatin, 
and was assigned to Company A, 1st Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He re- 
mained in service for three years. His wife, Elizabeth (Bacon) Sweany 
was a daughter of Ira Ann (Goodsell) Bacon. Mr. Bacon settled on a farm 
a mile north of Mr. Sweany's present home in 1847. His family and the 
Caster family were among the first settlers of Colfax Township. Mr. 
Bacon died in 1894 and his remains are buried in the Benson Cemetery. 
His wife died in 1906. To the union of George H. and Elizabeth (Bacon) 
Sweany the following children were born: Boon L., the subject of this 
sketch ; Faith, the wife of Roy Ayers of Kidder ; Earnest O., a minister 
in the Christian church at Alma, Neb.; Ira M., living in Colfax Township; 
Andrew B., a resident of Council Grove, Kan.; Stella, living at Kidder; and 
Harvey, living in Colfax Township. 

Boon L. Sweany attended the rural .schools of the county and spent 
one year as a student in Kidder Institute. For the past 19 years he has 



898 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

lived on his present farm of 100 acres two miles north of Kidder. He 
bought the land from Boon Bacon. The improvements have been made by 
Mr. Sweany. The residence was built in 1916 and Mr. Sweany has added 
an excellent barn and other farm buildings as they have been needed. Mr. 
Sweany raises cattle, sheep, and Buff Orpington poultry. He has been 
interested for the last 23 years in breeding Dorcus Jersey hogs. He and 
his brother, Ira, hold an annual sale of registered hogs. 

Mr. Sweany was married, June 19, 1898 to Anna Chester, a daughter 
of W. E. and Sue R. (Jeffers) Chester. Mr. Chester was born at New 
London, Conn, and died in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 26, 1917. Mrs. Chester 
was a native of Wilmington, Del., and died, Feb. 20, 1889, at Kansas City, 
Mo. Mrs. Sweany was born and reared in Kansas City, Mo. To her union 
with Boon L. Sweany the following children were born: Walstein I., mar- 
ried Beatrice France and lives in Sheridan Township with two children, 
Pauline and Leslie ; Julia Elizabeth, graduated from Kidder Institute in 
the class of 1920 ; L. Edwin, graduated from Kidder Institute in 1921 ; and 
H. Paul, a student in Kidder Institute. 

Mr. Sweany is a member of the Christian church and of the Modern 
Woodman of America Lodge at Kidder. He is a trustee of Kidder Institute 
and maintains a keen interest in the success of that school. Mr. Sweany 
is a man of marked civic pride and of practical business ability. He and 
his family are held in high regard in the neighborhood. 

Jason Bacon, an interesting and prominent pioneer of Daviess County, 
was born Dec. 30, 1840, in Portage, Nelson, Township, Ohio, the son 
of Ira and Julia (Goodsell) Bacon. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ira Bacon came from Portage County, Ohio, in 1848, by 
boat to Lexington, Ky. There Mr. Bacon purchased a horse and wagon 
and traveled overland to Daviess County, Mo., settling in Colfax Town- 
ship, two miles north of the present site of Kidder, Mo. Here he purchased 
a small farm and lived until his death. Mrs. Bacon is also deceased and 
they are both buried in the Benson Cemetery. To Ira and Julia (Goodsell) 
Bacon six children were born, as follows: Jason, the subject of this sketch; 
Irwin, Kidder, Mo. ; Elizabeth Sweaney, Kidder, Mo. ; Boone Bacon, Rocky 
Ford, Colo. ; Faithy Concord, Kidder, Mo. ; Emily Bacon, deceased. 

Jason Bacon was reared on his father's farm in Colfax Township, 
Daviess County, and was educated in the district schools. During the 
Civil War Mr. Bacon enlisted on Sept. 5, 1851, in the United States Army 
at Gallatin, in Company A, First Missouri State Militia. Later in Febru- 
ary, 1862, he enlisted for three years in Company B, Missouri State Militia. 
During the war Mr. Bacon was wounded, being shot through the right leg. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 899 

This necessitated his remaining in the hospital for nine months. He was 
discharged from service Feb. 12, 1865, after which he returned to Daviess 
County. 

On Sept. 5, 1865, Mr. Bacon was married to Susan Lebo, a daughter 
of Jacob Lebo. Mr. and Mrs. Lebo were natives of Ray County, Mo. Mrs. 
Bacon died Feb. 5, 1922, at the age of 79 years, and is buried in the 
Benson Cemetery. To Jason and Susan (Lebo) Bacon four children were 
born, as follows: Julia Etta, born Feb. 1, 1867, deceased; Alta May, born 
June 1, 1871, now deceased; Albert, born May 14, 1876, deceased; and 
Walter, born Aug. 20, 1881, now residing in Colfax Township, Daviess 
County. He was educated in the district schools, and has lived in his 
present location since October, 1921, where he owns a small farm of five 
acres adjoining the town of Kidder, Mo. Mr. Bacon was married to Carrie 
G. Dickerson on Nov. 2, 1902, and they have three children : Pearl, a grad- 
uate of Kidder High School, 1922; Alva D., graduate of the public schools; 
and Howard C, at home. Mrs. Walter Bacon is a daughter of Thomas and 
Sarah (Patton) Dickerson, who live in Kidder, Mo., where they own a farm 
of 40 acres. The children born to Thomas and Sarah (Patton) Dickerson, 
are as follows : Minnie, the wife of 0. C. Howard ; Carrie, the wife of Walter 
Bacon ; Jessie, the wife of David Alexander, Chehalis, Wash. ; Bessie L., mil- 
liner at Topeka, Kan. ; Verna, the wife of Luther Randall, Sapre, Okla. 

Jason Bacon is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic of Kid- 
der, Mo. After his return from the army in 1865, Mr. Bacon purchased 
40 acres of land, later adding 100 acres, all of which was well improved. 
At the time deer were plentiful in Daviess County, according to Mr. Bacon. 
He says that the first season he lived in Missouri, in 1847, he had a small 
patch of corn planted. The deer and wild turkeys were so numerous then 
that it was necessary to gather in the corn before it was ripe, in order to 
keep it from being eaten by them. Mr. Bacon has been a resident of Colfax 
Township, for 75 years. He has many friends in this county and is one of 
the most interesting men of the community, where he is held in high 
esteem. 

John A. and Frank H. Blackburn, well known pioneer residents of 
Colfax Township, Daviess County, are the sons of Jene and Cornelius 
Blackburn, natives of Wisconsin. John A. Blackburn was born Jan. 14, 
1852, in Rochester, Wis., and Frank H. Blackburn was born Feb. 8, 1857. 

Jene Blackburn died in Rochester, Wis., in 1860, and his widow came 
to Daviess County, where she purchased 160 acres of land in Colfax Town- 
ship, adjoining the town of Mabel. Here she lived until her death on Sept. 
19, 1915, at the age of 83 years. She is buried in Black Cemetery. Mrs. 



900 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Blackburn's daughter, Lillie J., who came with her to Missouri in 1869 is 
now the wife of Judge R. O. Strong of Jefferson Township, Daviess County. 

When Mrs. Blackburn settled in Colfax Township, the land was all 
open prairie and the roads ran diagonally to Cameron, and to Kidder. The 
Blackburn family traded at Cameron. At that time a few deer roamed 
the prairie and prairie chickens were to be seen by the thousands. The 
first residence built in that section was the Blackburn home, the land now 
being divided between John A. and Frank H. Blackburn. They each own 
80 acres and have made their homes there since 1874. Their farms are 
well impi'oved and they have been very successful in general farming. The 
Blackburn land and the Oliver Lewis estate adjoining it, are the only two 
farms that have remained in the names of the original purchasers of 50 
years ago. 

John A. Blackburn was married on Feb. 20, 1879, to Loretta E. Davies, 
and to this union three children have been born, as follows : Nellie, the wife 
of William Weuzel, Bolivar, Mo. ; Arthur, married to Cora Bradford, Bol- 
ivar Mo. ; and Jesse M., married to Meda Carey, Bolivar, Mq. 

Frank H. Blackburn was married on Oct. 27, 1881, to Charlotta Mc- 
Cutcheon, and to this union three children have been born, as follows: W. 
M., married to Pearl McEntire, Altamont, Mo.; Clyde S., married to Ola 
Nicholas, Seattle, Wash. ; and Helen, living at home. 

The town of Mabel was established in 1882, and the first merchant 
there was L. W. Crum. He later sold out to William Auten. The other 
owners in order of their succession are as follows: Johnson Joiner, John 
Webb, Ezra Cleaves,, .Henry Cleaver, Art Anderson, Charles Hammon, 
Gaskell Bros., Charles Brossenhan, Loren Cooper, Oscar Bartlett, Jacob 
Donner, Clarence Kirkendoll & Edwards are the present owners. 

The Blackburn family is one of the pioneer families of Daviess County. 
Both John A. and Frank H. Blackburn are energetic and progressive men 
and stand high in the esteem of their community. 

Asa Hardin McGinnis, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Sher- 
idan Township, Daviess County, was born in Adair County, Ky., in 1853, 
the son of Anderson and Nancy McGinnis. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis moved 
to Nebraska in 1865, where they purchased a home site of 160 acres in 
Richardson County. Mrs. McGinnis died there and her husband died at 
Winston, Mo. Their children were: John William, deceased; Joseph G., de- 
ceased ; Francis Larkin, deceased, died near Winston, Mo. ; Quales Hughes, 
Richardson County, Nebr. ; Anderson, died in Kentucky when a boy ; Mrs. 
John Ross, widow, her husband was killed in union army during the Civil 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 901 

War. She died in Nebraska ; Mrs. Samantha Wells, deceased ; Mrs. Lucil- 
lar Triggs, widow, Richardson County, Nebr. ; Cordelia, died in infancy. 

Asa Hardin McGinnis removed from Nebraska to Missouri about 41 
years ago, and has lived on his present farm in Sheridan Township, for 12 
years. He owns 120 acres of land there and 80 acres south of this, also 80 
acres south of Altamont, making a total of 280 acres. Mr. McGinnis car- 
ries on general farming and stock raising, and is a prominent breeder of 
Poland China hogs, cattle, sheep and poultry. His residence is located 
three miles southeast of Altamont. 

On Dec. 16, 1883, Mr. McGinnis was married to Lillie Elvirah Wharton 
born at Carthage, Hancock County, 111., a daughter of John and Sarah 
Wharton, who later moved to Lee County, Iowa, where Mr. and Mrs. Mc- 
Ginnis were married. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton died there and are buried 
near Fort Madison, Iowa. They were the parents of the following children : 
Samuel Edward Wharton, Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa; John Franklin, 
Montrose, Iowa; Mary Ellen, died in infancy; and Mrs. McGinnis. 

To Asa Hardin and Lillie (Wharton) McGinnis six children have been 
born, as follows: Ada Melvina, the wife of Bert Lindsey, Winchester, Kan.; 
John Anderson, married Pearl Lanning, Richardson County, Nebr. ; Asa 
Rowland, at home ; William Bryan, at home ; Wesley, died in infancy ; and 
Franklin Hughes, at home. Wesley and William were twins. Asa Row- 
land McGinnis served in the United States Army during the World War, 
and was stationed at Camp Funston for six months, when the armistice 
was signed. 

Mr. McGinnis is president of the Independent Telephone Company of 
Altamont, and was president of the school board of Altamont for seven 
years, and in his home district for six years. Mrs. Lillie E. McGinnis is a 
member of the Methodist Church and was president of the Methodist Aid 
Society for ten years and is now steward of the church. The McGinnis 
children were all educated in the Altamont schools and Ada, Asa, and 
Franklin were graduated from there. Before her marriage, Ada, taught 
school in Altamont. 

Besides his farm interests, Mr. McGinnis owns four residences in Alta- 
mont, which he rents. Mr. McGinnis is a public spirited man and one of 
the leading citizens of Daviess County. 

Robert J. Ball. In his rise from the position of "Devil" in a printing 
shop to that of a postmaster of Gallatin, to the ownership of the Gallatin 
Democrat, the presidency of the Commercial Club of this city, and various 
other positions of trust and importance, Robert J. Ball has given a notable 
illustration of the exercise of American energy, ability, integrity and sup- 



902 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

erior mental attainments. While it has been his fortune to be identified 
with Gallatin during the period of its greatest growth and development, 
much of this development has come as a result of his contributions to its 
interests. At any rate, he fills a large and influential place in the commu- 
nity. 

Mr. Ball was born at Gallatin, May 25, 1873, and is a son of Alonzo 
Conrad and Elizabeth Frances (Boggs) Ball, natives of Kentucky. Alonzo 
Conrad Ball was born March 8, 1823, at Lexington, Ky., and in 1854 came 
to Missouri, settling in Boone County, where he resided one year, his ad- 
vent in Gallatin occurring in May, 1855. His ancestors on his father's 
side were of Irish descent, while his mother was of German descent and 
bore the maiden name of Sheely. Mr. Ball's grandfather, the great-grand- 
father of Robert J. Ball, was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisted under 
Washington of Virginia, and General Washington's mother was a Ball and 
of Irish ancestry. Alonzo C. Ball was married at Richmond, Kentucky, in 
1849, to Elizabeth Frances Boggs, and the trip to Missouri was made partly 
by boat and partly by overland. Mr. Ball was a carpenter and contractor, 
and one of the first of his vocation to come to Daviess County, his shop 
for many years being located on the southwest corner of the square, where 
the Fitterer grocery now stands. That he was highly esteemed in the com- 
munity in which his home was made for many years is evidenced by a trib- 
ute by one of his friends, which appeared in the newspapers of Gallatin, 
and which said, in part, as follows: "Our friend Ball, with the impetuosity 
of the Celtic race and breathing the chivalric air of the blue grass of Ken- 
tucky, could not be anything else than a unique character. Whilst Mr. Ball 
has occupied no public positions of trust, in his sphere of action he has been 
an independent, fearless character, having ideas and views of his own, a 
strong will and an inflexible purpose to do and say what he believes to be 
right, regardless of all consequences. For us to know a man we must meet 
him upon a common plane and get in close communion with him and in 
touch with his aspirations and trend of mind. We have known A. C. Ball 
49 years, always found him to be frank and outspoken. If a friend, a true 
one, and always ready to punish an enemy and had no compromise to make. 
A typical Kentuckian, strong in his likes and dislikes." Mr. Ball died May 
1, 1908, and interment was made at the Brown Cemetery, his comrades of 
Surgeon John Cravens Camp, U. C. V., acting as honorary pallbearers. 
Mrs. Ball died Oct. 19, 1901, having been the mother of nine children, as 
follows: Mollie, Maggie B., Sallie, Frank C. and Willie, who are deceased: 
John H., who is engaged in contracting and building in Bridgewater, Mass. ; 
Mrs. Lydia Thomas, a resident of Gallatin; L. D., who is proprietor of the 
hotel at Trenton, Mo. ; and Robert J. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 903 

Robert J. Ball received his education in the graded and high schools 
of Gallatin and in 1887 entered upon his career as "Devil" in the office of 
the Gallatin Democrat, of which Wes L. Robertson was owner and editor. 
From the time of his first connection with this paper a warm regard be- 
tween employer and employe has been maintained. Mr. Ball rose to be 
foreman on the paper, then superintendent of the plant, and in 1898 bought 
a half-interest. As his partner. Uncle Wes Robertson, expresses it; "Mr. 
Ball reached the point in salary where he (Mr. Robertson) figured it would 
be better for him to sell a half interest and let Ball help foot the bills." 
The partnership has continued from May 1, 1898 until January 1, 1920, 
when Mr. Ball became sole owner of the Gallatin Democrat newspaper, fol- 
lowing the death of Mr. Robertson, Dec. 23, 1919. 

Long an active worker in democratic politics, in 1913 Mr. Ball was 
chosen postmaster of Gallatin, by Hon. J. W. Alexander, and served from 
May that year until January, 1912, when he ably discharged his duties in 
that capacity. 

For some years Mr. Ball was secretary of the Democratic County 
Committee. Fraternally he belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the 
Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Northwest Missouri Press 
Association and its vice president, and in January, 1915, became its presi- 
dent. He also holds membership in the Young Men's Christian Association 
and the Gallatin Commercial Club, and in 1914 was appointed president of 
the latter organization. The following is quoted from the Gallatin North 
Missourian, issue of Nov. 19, 1914: "From the 'Devil' in a print shop to the 
presidency of the Gallatin Commercial Club. That is what we call making 
good, and such was the sentiment of every member of the club at the 6:30 
luncheon on Tuesday evening, when Robert J. Ball, postmaster and junior 
editor of the Gallatin Democrat, was chosen the active head of the Gallatin 
Commercial Club, succeeding C. M. Harrison. The Committee' is to be con- 
gratulated upon their selection, as a better man could not have been chosen. 
Mr. Ball is a live wire, energetic, a tireless worker and a splendid fellow. 
The club can rest assured that their interests will be carefully safeguard- 
ed and that the organizatibn will move along with plenty of the right 
kind of enthusiasm and spirit. Mr. Ball is a 'gingery' man and whatever 
he undertakes he puts 'ginger' into it and makes it a success. Then, too, 
he is self made and has come up the line through his own efforts." 

On March 5, 1898, Mr. Ball was married to Miss Theo M. Welden, of 
Bancroft, Mo., a daughter of C. H. Welden, a pioneer, ex-county official 
and prominent citizen of Daviess County. Five children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Ball: Marjorie, now Mrs. Robert L. Etter, Jr.; Eleanor, 



904 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Robert Welden, Conrad Luckey and Mary Ellen. Mr. Ball is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church South. 

Joseph M. Caldwell, pioneer settler of Daviess County and a veteran 
of the Civil War, was born in Owen County, Ky., Aug. 11. 1847. His 
parents were William M. and Catherine (Minor) Caldwell. 

W. M. Caldwell and his wife came to Missouri, in 1852, and settled in 
Platte County. In 1860, they came to Daviess County and located in Jef- 
ferson Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. 
Caldwell died in 1875, and Mrs. Caldwell, in March, 1914. Their remains 
are buried in Black Cemetery. Mr. Caldwell was a member of the Missouri 
State Militia. Their children were: Mary, now Mrs. Jackson Searcy of 
Beaver City, Okla. ; J. M., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, married 
Mr. Munson and is now dead, her remains are buried in Black Cemetery ; 
James T., living at Trenton ; Ellen ; Catherine, now Mrs. Minor of DeKalb 
County; Rosa, now Mrs. Palmer of Jefferson Township; G. A., of St. 
Joseph ; William, died at the age of four years, and his remains are buried 
in Thompson Cemetery ; David J., of Weatherby ; and John S., Jefferson 
Township. Mrs. Searcy, the eldest child, is now 76 years of age and her 
husband is 81 years old. They celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their 
wedding at Beaver City, Okla., Dec. 22, 1921. Mr. Searcy was a comrade 
of Joseph M. Caldwell during the Civil War. 

Joseph M. Caldwell attended the schools in Platte County, and since, 
1860, has lived in Daviess County, except for two years which he spent in 
DeKalb and Clinton counties. In 1877, he traded for 40 acres of home place 
and now owns 145 acres of the Caldwell home three miles north of Winston. 
He owned other land, which he has now turned over to his children. 

Mr. Caldwell enlisted for service in the Civil War, Aug. 10, 1864 in 
Company C, 43rd Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted at St. Joseph, 
and was mustered out of service at Benton Barracks, June 29, 1865. He 
participated In the battle at Glasgow, and was in several skirmishes in 
Jackson County and other parts of Missouri. 

Mr. Caldwell was married, Jan. 13, 1870, in Jefferson Township to 
Sarah A. Minor. The ceremony was performed by Rev. B. F. Kennedy. 
Mrs. Caldwell was a daughter of George W. Minor and wife, and was born 
in Owen County, Ky. She died on July 27, 1897, at the age of 48 years, 
and her remains are buried in Black Cemetery. To her union with Joseph 
M. Caldwell the following children were born: O. W., of Gallatin; J. B., 
living in Jefferson Township; Clarence, died in infancy; W. 0., living in 
Jefferson Township ; Joda, died in infancy ; Alice, the wife of Denver 
Searcy of Marion Township ; Saf rona, married to Clyde Oak, and living on 
the home place ; and G. E., living in Jefferson Township. 




Juaiorii .\i, ' .M.i '\\ I'll. I. 



il 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 905 

Mr. Caldwell has the following grandchildren: Mrs. Lottie (Caldwell) 
Davis; Mrs. Ada (Caldwell) Drummond ; Mrs. Bessie (Caldwell) Drum- 
mond; Roy, Edna. Rosina, Virgil, Oneita, Walter, and Agnes Caldwell; 
Carl Searcy, and Mrs. Lela (Searcy) Egbert of Chillicothe; Pauline and 
Sylvia Oak; and Cecil, Dorothy, Nina, and Lois Caldwell. Six grandchil- 
dren are dead. Mr. Caldwell has three Hving great grandchildren; Clyta 
Davis, and an infant Robert Drummond. 

Joseph M. Caldwell is one of the interesting pioneers of the county, 
where he is a highly respected citizen. He recalls the time in 1853 while 
living in Platte County, that the Indians were in the state — coming and 
going. 

Robert E. Stapleton is the county recorder of Daviess County and is 
also a business man of Gallatin, where he lives. He is a native of Daviess 
county, born on a farm in Benton Township, March 11, 1883, the son of 
James H. and Elvira (McGinley) Stapleton. 

James H. Stapleton was born in Worth County, Oct. 3, 1849. After he 
was grown he went to Harrison County, later moving to Daviess County, 
where he operated a farm until his death. He married Elvira McGinley, 
who was born in Gentry County, Oct. 1, 1852. To their union ten children 
were born, only four of whom are now living: W. D., Gallatin; John R., a 
resident of Macon; Robert E., the subject of this review; and Charles T., 
living in Kansas City, Kan. James H. Stapleton was a Republican. Both 
he and his wife were members of the Christian church. Mrs. Stapleton 
died in 1896 and Mr. Stapleton on April 25, 1911. Their remains are buried 
in Oak Ridge Cemetery, north of Pattonsburg. 

Robert E. Stapleton grew up on a farm and attended the rural schools. 
He farmed until he was 21 years old, and then worked at various trades. 
The year he was 15 years old, he worked at Gallatin for a time, but soon 
returned to the farm. He clerked in a dry goods store, and later in a groc- 
ery store at Gallatin, and in 1913 he opened a confectionery store and news 
stand, which he conducted successfully. He disposed of his mercantile in- 
terests in March, 1919. On Nov. 5, 1918 he was elected to the office of 
county recorder of deeds, and took up his new duties Jan. 1, 1919. In April, 
1921 he opened the Delmonico Ice Cream Parlor on South Main Street. 
This business is conducted by Mr. Stapleton and his son, Loren C. 

On May 31, 1903 Mr. Stapleton was married to Lorena F. Hawkins, 
born in Daviess County, the daughter of L. and Mary F. Hawkins. Mr. 
Hawkins was born in North Carolina, and his wife in South Carolina. They 
were early settlers of Daviess County. Mrs. Hawkins now lives at Gallatin. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stapleton had six children born to their union: Loren C, 
graduated from the Gallatin High School in 1922, now assisting his father 



906 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in the Delmonico Ice Cream Parlor; Elsie Jewell, at home; Elmer L., died 
July 23, 1918 at the age of eight years; Forrest L., Gwynetha Fern, and 
Robert Junior, at home. 

Mr. Stapleton is a Republican, and is a member of the Presbyterian 
church. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for the 
past four years has been Financial Secretary of Lodge No. 167 at Gallatin. 
He is a substantial citizen, and a competent officer of Daviess County. 

W. T. Osborn, a former business man of Gallatin, Daviess County, is 
now a traveling salesman but maintains his residence at Gallatin. Mr. 
Osborn is well known in and around Gallatin, where he was born on Nov. 
14, 1862. His parents were Thomas J. and Susan A. (Peniston) Osborn. 

Thomas J. Osborn was born in Fountain County, Ind., and came to 
Daviess County, in the '40's He was in the mercantile business in Old 
Victoria, an inland town in Jefferson Township, for several years. In 1850 
he located at Gallatin, where he was in business throughout the period of 
the Civil War. His parents, Jesse Osborn and his wife, settled at Win- 
ston, at the same time that Thomas J. Osborn came to Daviess County. 

Thomas J. Osboi'n was married the first time to Miss Owen, and to 
that union four children were born: James, deceased; Robert 0., now a 
resident of Los Angeles, Calif.; Homer A., deceased; and Alice, now Mrs. 
Harvey of St. Louis. Mr. Osborn was married the second time to Susan A. 
Peniston. She was born three miles east of Gallatin in 1838, the daughter 
of William P. and Miss (Walls) Peniston, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. 
and Mrs. Peniston settled in Daviess County in the early '30's, and Mr. 
Peniston became a well known man of the community. He was instrumen- 
tal in getting the first court house of the county erected ; served as the 
sheriff of the county, and later as the clerk and recorder of the county. 
He was a captain in the State Militia during the trouble in Missouri known 
as the Mormon War. 

To the union of Thomas J. and Susan A. (Peniston) Osborn the follow- 
ing children were born: W. T., the subject of this review; Mrs. Frank 
Casey, living at Wilson, Okla. ; Jesse B., with Wolff Brothers Mercantile 
Company, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. S. W. Armentrout, Marshall ; H. C, a 
traveling salesman of Gallatin ; Mrs. W. S. Townsend, deceased ; and Mrs. 
Iva Schofield, living in Oakland, Calif. Thomas J. Osborn died in 1876 at 
the age of 52 years, and his widow now lives with her son, H. C. Osborn, 
and is, today, the oldest native born Daviess Countian. 

W. T. Osborn was reared and educated in Gallatin. He graduated 
from the Gallatin High School, and entered the hardware business with 
T. J. Grain. He remained in that work for about ten years, then sold his in- 
terest in the business. He became connected with the Gallatin Dry Goods 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 907 

and Grocery Company, but disposed of his share of that enterprise a little 
later. He went into the hardware business again as a member of the 
firm of Osborn Brothers. In 1920, the partners in that firm sold the 
business to C. K. Connel. Mr. Osborne then accepted a position as travel- 
ing salesman for the Tootle-Campbell Dry Goods Company at St. Joseph. 
He has northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa for his territory, and is ac- 
counted one of the most successful men in his line of work. In 1896 Mr. 
Osborn built an all modern home in Gallatin, and he spends every week end 
there. 

Mr. Osborn was married April 26, 1888 to Minnie Higgins. Mrs. 0.s- 
born was born at Brunswick. Her parents, both now dead, were Robert H. 
and Rebecca Higgins, natives of Virginia, and early settlers of Chariton 
County, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have three children: Robert T., 
born in 1890, graduated from the Gallatin High School and the Missouri 
State University, entered at once the employe of the Refinery of Standard 
Oil Company, married Miss Bess Troy of California, and is now Assistant 
Superintendent of the Standard Oil Company at Point Richmond, Calif. ; 
Edwin C, graduated from the Kansas City Dental College at Kansas City. 
Mo., was commissioned first lieutenant during the World War, and served 
in the Dental Corps in various camps from California to New York, now 
practicing his profession in St. Joseph ; and Mary Frances, a student in 
the Gallatin High School. 

Mr. Osborn is a Democrat, and has served on the city council for a 
number of years. He is identified with the Methodist church, takes an 
active interest in the church work, and is a member of the local board 
of stewards. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Young 
Mens' Christian Association ; is a director of the Gallatin Chautauqua As- 
sociation; and belongs to the following lodges; the Ancient Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Wood- 
ment of America, and the Illinois Traveling Men's Association at Chicago. 
He is among the progressive citizens of Gallatin, where he is held in high 
esteem. 

A. A. Newman, a well known retired farmer of Gallatin, the owner of 
1600 acres of land in Harrison and Monroe Townships, was born in Knox 
County, 111., Dec. 20, 1857, the son of George and Palmyra (Geer) Newman. 

Geofge Newman was born in Ohio, Sept. 1, 1825. During his early 
life he went to Illinois, where he was a farmer during his entire life. He 
died in Dewitt County, 111., June 11, 1881. Mrs. Newman was born Sept. 
20, 1833. in Ohio, and after Mr. Newman's death she married Benjamin 
Mitchell. She died Jan. 4, 1917, in Niles, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. George New- 



908 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

man were the parents of four children, of whom A. A. Newman, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, is the only survivor. 

A. A. Newman was reared on his father's farm and received his educa- 
tion in the district schools. He taught school for two terms in Dewitt 
County, 111. He later became engaged in farming. In 1896 he moved his 
family to Daviess County, from Illinois, where he purchased 750 acres of 
land in Harrison Township. He improved this land and farmed until 1919, 
when he retired and moved to Gallatin. 

Mr. Newman was married March 4, 1883, to Winifred P. Kegarice, a 
native of Dewitt County, 111., and daughter of James J. and Melissa 
(Phares) Kegarice, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They were among 
the early settlers of Illinois. Mrs. Kegarice was married the second time 
to Asel Waldo. She died in Caldwell County. 

A. A. Newman and wife are the parents of five children, as follows: 
Webster Lynn, at home ; Sylvia L., the wife of Wm. Andriano, St. Joseph ; 
Nettie M., the wife of John Tomlinson, Pittsburg, Kan. ; Myra A., the wife 
of Noble Young, Spickard ; Winifred C, the wife of Ralph Hall, residing on 
a farm in Caldwell County. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have nine grandchil- 
dren. 

Mr. Newman was very successful as a stock feeder, and did extensive 
shipping. He.usually had 300 head of cattle at a time. All of Mr. Newman's 
land is now rented, being occupied by six tenants. Mr. Newman is a Re- 
publican and a member of the Methodist Church, and Mrs. Newman is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, which Mr. Newman also attends. 
Mrs. Newman takes an active part in club work. Mr. and Mrs. Newman 
are widely known and merit the esteem in which they are held by the com- 
munity. 

Silas M. Stroup, a retired farmer of Monroe Township, Daviess Coun- 
ty, was born March 19, 1847, in Fulton County, Ind., a son of Samuel and 
Martha (Search) Stroup, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the lat- 
ter of Marion County, Ohio. 

Samuel Stroup was one of the early settlers of Indiana, and it was 
there he and his wife made their home. They were the parents of five 
children, of whom Silas M., the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor. 

Silas M. Stroup was reared in Indiana, and at the age of 18 years he 
enlisted for service in the Civil War, in Company A, 155 Regiment, Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry. After serving 100 days, he was discharged, but re-en- 
listed for one year, or during the remainder of the war. He was engaged 
in several battles, and was stationed at Washington, D. C, as a soldier, at 
the time when President Lincoln was assassinated. 



II 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 909 

In 1866 Mr. Stroup went to Topeka, Kan., where he remained for sev- 
eral months. He then moved to Gallatin, Mo., where his mother and step- 
father were then living. The following spring they moved to a farm in 
Monroe Township. 

Mr. Stroup owns 40 acres of land in Monroe Township, and at the time 
he retired from active farming, was very successful. He is a Republican in 
politics, and one of the reliable and substantial members of his community. 

Carsten Pape, deceased, was a well known farmer of Monroe Township, 
Daviess County, and at the time of his death he owned 120 acres of land 
where his widow now lives. He was born in Hanover, Germany, and was 
brought up on a farm there. In 1871 he came to New York, later going to 
Michigan, where he worked for one winter in the lumber camps and on a 
farm. 

Mr. Pape came to Daviess County, in 1877, and purchased 80 acres of 
land in Monroe Township, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Lewis 
Mitchell. They farmed together for ten years, when Mr. Pape bought the 
farm for himself, making extensive improvements. 

June 11, 1887, Mr. Pape was married to Catherine Henners, also a na- 
tive of Hanover, Germany. She came from Germany in 1871, and was 
married in Monroe Township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Pape were the parents of five children, as follows: Anna, 
a trained nurse, educated in Maryville Normal School and now engaged in 
her profession at Prescott, Ariz.; Mary, Cleveland, Ohio; Elizabeth, a 
teacher, North Dakota ; Tena, now Mrs. Grafton Chubbuck, San Francisco, 
California ; John, at home. 

Carsten Pape died July 22, 1910. He was an independent voter. Dur- 
ing his life as a farmer and stockman, Mr. Pape was always known to have 
a fine grade of Shorthorn cattle. He was a man of integrity, a believer in 
progressive methods in his work, and was always ready to support the best 
interests of his community. 

Henry Holmes, an enterprising farmer and stockman of Union Town- 
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 183 acres of well improved land, was 
born Jan. 16, 1858, in Caldwell County, the son of Henry and Tressia 
Holmes. 

Henry Holmes, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Germany. After his marriage he came to this country and settled in Mis- 
souri. By trade he was a brick mason, but after moving to Missouri he 
settled on a farm in Caldwell County. Tressia Holmes, the mother of Hen- 
ry Holmes, died in 1870, and Mr. Holmes was married the second time to 
Mary Cherrie. Five children were born to this union as well as five to the 
first. Mr. Holmes died in Pueblo, Colo., in 1882, at the age of 63 years. 



910 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Henry Holmes was reared on a farm in Missouri. When a young man 
he worked as a farm hand, later making railroad ties, and cutting lumber 
of all kinds. He also worked for some time in Colorado cutting saw logs. 
In 1891 he purchased his present farm in Union Township, where he has 
been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. 

April 12, 1891, Mr. Holmes was married to Eva McDow, a daughter of 
F. M. and Euritta (Huff) McDow. She was born Nov. 9, 1873, in Union 
Township, Daviess County. Mr. McDow is now deceased, and his widow 
lives in Gallatin. To Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have been born six children, as 
follows: Lena, the wife of Theodore Peniston, Union Township; Mabel, the 
wife of Boyd Beck, Kansas City, Mo. ; Ora, at home ; Chester, at home ; 
and Era and Vera, twins, both living at home. Mr. Holmes has two grand- 
children, Edwin and Elenor Peniston. 

Mr. Holmes is identified with the Republican party in politics and is a 
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 167, Gallatin. He has 
always been a man of enterprise and ambition, and is a reliable citizen of 
Union Township. 

V. E. Knight, a successful farmer and stockman of Union Township, 
Daviess County, was born Feb. 21, 1872, in this township, a son of James 
and Sarah (Peniston) Knight. 

James Knight was a native of Virginia, boi'n Jan. 8, 1843. During the 
Civil War he was a soldier, and came to Daviess County, after the war 
and settled in Union Township, where he farmed the remainder of his life, 
owning at his death, June 21, 1889, 120 acres of well improved land. Sarah 
(Peniston) Knight was a native of Livingston County. She died in 1883. 
To Mr. and Mrs. James Knight seven children were born, as follows: Oma, 
wife of George Jones, Jamesport ; Verona, deceased, was the wife of George 
Ginder; V. E., the subject of this sketch; M. N., Jackson Township; Jesse, 
Bates County; Elizabeth, the wife of Eugene Roeark, Sedalia; Mary, de- 
ceased, was the wife of Robert Williams. 

V. E. Knight was reared on a farm, and at the age of 16 years he be- 
gan farming for himself. He rented land for a number of years and in 
1915 purchased his present farm in Union Township, where he has been 
successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns 79 '/2 acres 
of well improved land, and is widely known as a breeder of Duroc Jersey 
hogs. His farm is improved with a modern residence and newly built 
barns. 

On April 9, 1896, Mr. Knight was married to Julia Nicholes, who was 
born April 1, 1876 in Jackson Township, Daviess County, a daughter of 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 911 

John and Belle (Snyder) Nicholes, natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mr.s. Nicho- 
'es were among the early settlers of Daviess County. 

To Mr. and Mrs. V. E. Knight seven children have been born, as fol- 
lows: Hazel, deceased; Jesse, married to Grace Carter, Aug. 6, 1921; John 
at home ; Glenn M., deceased ; Maybelle, at home ; Mary F., at home ; Virgil 
Ellis, at home. Jesse Knight enlisted for service in the World War, and 
was stationed at Cameron, in the Student Army Corps. He was never 
called into active service. 

Mr. Knight is a Democrat, and has served on the school board for nine 
years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Mercantile Company of Gallatin. 
Mr. Knight is a member of the Methodist Church, a member of the Inde- 
pendent Oi'der of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He 
is a public spirited citizen who takes an active interest in local affairs, and 
the Knight family is very prominent in the community. 

M. H. Palterson, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born Sept. 3, 1856, at Indianola, Iowa, a son of 
H. H. and Jane (Patterson) Patterson. 

H. H. Patterson was born in Tazewell County, Va., Sept. 2, 1824. In 
October, 1844, he was married in Virginia. His wife was born in Tazewell 
County, Va., Oct. 12, 1831. She died in 1903. Mr. Patterson during his 
early life was a carpenter and cabinet maker. Before the Civil War he 
went west to the gold fields. He came from Livingston County, Mo., in 
1866 and to Daviess County, where he was successfully engaged in farm- 
ing. He purchased and improved many farms in Missouri, and had retired 
many years before his death at Gallatin, Feb. 22, 1914, having been a resi- 
dent of Gallatin for about 40 years. He was a Democrat, a member of the 
Methodist Church, and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. 
Patterson were the parents of four children, of whom M. H., the subject 
of this sketch, is the only survivor. 

M. H. Patterson was reared on a farm and was educated in the public 
schools. At the age of 12 years he came to Daviess County, with his par- 
ents. In 1883, Mr. Patterson bought his present farm and made extensive 
improvements. 

On Sept. 2, 1875, Mr. Patterson was married to Laura J. Martin, 
a daughter of Elisha and Margaret Ann (Miller) Martin, natives of Piatt 
County. In about 1865, Mr. and Mrs. Martin settled on a farm in Jackson 
Township, where Mrs. Patterson was reared. She was educated in the dis- 
trict schools and taught one year of school. Mrs. Patterson was born Oct. 
16, 1856. 

Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are the parents of the following children: 



912 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Oscar M., Pasadena, Calif.; Albert H., deceased; Frank W., deceased; 
Daisy, Gallatin ; Guy S., St. Joseph ; Leonard E., at home ; and Lillie B., at 
home. Leonard E. Patterson was drafted during the World War, having 
the first number to be drawn in the draft at Washington, D. C., from 
Daviess County. He was sent to Camp Funston, and sailed with Company 
C, 89th Division, 356th Infantry, as a sergeant. At the end of the war, he 
was sent to Germany with the Army of Occupation, and was stationed at 
Schweich, near Coblenz. He was discharged from the army June 18, 1919, 
at Camp Funston, Kan., after which he returned home. During the entire 
war Hemery Ramsbotton was his "buddy." They were together constantly 
until the Battle of the Argonne when Ramsbottom was wounded. They 
were with a company of 75 or 80 men that were thought lost for three days 
and nights. In the meantime they had advanced toward the German lines, 
capturing a German officer. Later they were joined by the rest of their 
company. 

Mr. Patterson owns 160 acres of land in Jackson Township and 60 
acres in Union Township, and has been very successful in farming and 
stock raising. He is a Democrat and one of the progressive and enter- 
prising citizens of Jackson Township. 

Lew Wallace Powell, a successful farmer and stockman of Union 
Township, is a native of Daviess County and was born on the farm where 
he now resides, March 13, 1875. He is a son of W. L. and Mary (Miller) 
Powell. 

W. L. Powell was a prominent pioneer citizen of Daviess County. He 
was born in Montgomery County, Ind., Feb. 25, 1837, his parents both be- 
ing natives of Kentucky. His father died when W. L. Powell was nine 
years of age, and early in life the responsibility of assisting his widow 
mother fell upon him. His mother afterwards married and removed to 
Boone County, Ind. W. L. Powell received a meager common school edu- 
cation and came to Missouri in 1857 and settled in the Civil Bend Country 
where he worked at the carpenter's trade for a few years. On April 1, 
1860 he was married to Miss Mary Miller and in the fall of that year they 
moved into a one room log cabin on his wife's farm of 240 acres, two miles 
southeast of Gallatin. Here they resided until Mr. Powell enlisted in the 
Union Army on Feb. 3, 1862, becoming a member of the First Regiment, 
Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, State Militia. He was a non-commissioned 
officer and was in active service until the close of the wai-. 

After receiveing his honorable discharge from the army, Mr. Powell 
returned to the farm and was successfully engaged in farming and stock- 
raising for many years. He gave special attention to raising fine horses. 
By his thrift and industry he accumulated more land and made substantial 



M 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 913 

improvements on his place. He remained on the home farm until April, 
1903 when he moved to Gallatin with his family where he died July 11, 
1905. He was a member of the Christian church, having united with that 
denomination at Old Union in 1858 and for a number of years was a mem- 
ber of the board of trustees of the Christian Church at Gallatin. He was 
a member of the school board of his district for years. He was a staunch 
Republican and well known and highly respected in Daviess County. 

Mary (Miller) Powell, wife of W. L. Powell was born in Liberty Town- 
ship, Daviess County, July 4, 1843. She was I'eared in this county and re- 
ceived a common school education and has always resided here. She now 
lives in Gallatin. Mrs. Powell has been a member of the Christian church 
for 63 years, having united with that church at Old Union in 1859. She 
is a daughter of Tobias and Catherine (Brawner) Miller, both natives of 
Garrard County, Ky., the foraier born Jan. 27, 1807 and the later Feb. 22, 
1825. They were married in Clay County, Mo., Nov. 6, 1839, and the fol- 
lowing children were born to them: Elizabeth, now Mrs. John P. Sweaney; 
Caroline, man-ied W. P. Heyser and is now deceased ; Jacob Miller, de- 
ceased ; George W. Miller, Norman, Okla. ; and Mary, married W. L. Powell. 
The father died Aug. 9, 1851 when Mrs. Powell was eight years old, and the 
widowed mother with her five small children resided on the home place 
until the death of the mother, Sept. 22, 1854. After her death the chil- 
dren were reared and educated by David Henderson and wife, prominent 
citizens of Marion Township. 

Tobias Miller was one of the earliest settlers of Liberty Township, 
coming from Kentucky in 1834. He was one of the prominent men of 
Daviess County, owning several hundred acres of land; he was also a 
botanic doctor and was noted for his honesty and integrity. He held sev- 
eral offices of trust and responsibility. He was appointed county commis- 
sioner in 1840 and held that office for years. In 1842 he was appointed 
commissioner of public buildings and served in that capacity when the first 
court house was erected. In 1846 he was elected county judge and served 
until 1849 when he resigned to engage in the mercantile business with 
Philip Wirt. While in St. Louis buying goods he died from cholera, Aug. 9, 
1851. 

To W. L. and Mary (Miller) Powell were born the following children: 
Sarah Frances, born April 22. 1861, married M. P. McNamee of Harrison 
County, Feb. 11, 1883 and died Aug. 21, 1884; Elizabeth Ann, married H. 
C. Butts of Carroll County, Sept. 16, 1891 and they reside in Chillicothe 
and have two children, Lottie Lucile and George C; James Henry, born 
May 28, 1866 and died Aug. 27, 1873; Dora, resides in Gallatin with her 
mother; Lulu J., married E. E. McCue of Harrington, Wash., March 2, 



914 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

1908, died at Walla Walla, Wash., March 15, 1913; Lew Wallace, whose 
name introduces this i-eview ; and Mamie, born Oct. 2, 1883, died Nov. 6, 
1886. 

Lew Wallace Powell was educated in the district school, the public 
schools of Gallatin and Grand River College. He has been engaged in farm- 
ing and stock raising practically all his life and is now part owner and man- 
ager of a well improved and valuable farm of 350 acres, located 2'/' miles 
southeast of Gallatin. 

On Dec. 5, 1915, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Annabel Pearl Zim- 
merman, a daughter of Alvah L. and Mary Emma (Shambaugh) Zimmer- 
man. Mrs. Powell was born at Weatherby, Mo. Her father was born at 
Six Points, Ind., Sept. 28, 1853 and her mother was born at Weatherby, 
Mo., Feb. 2, 1862. They were married Dec. 25, 1880, and now reside at 
Weatherby. To Mr. and Mrs. Powell has been born one daughter, Mary 
Lucille, born Oct. 27, 1916. 

Mr. Powell united with the Christian Church at Gallatin in 1896 and 
has served on the church board since 1902. He has been a member of the 
executive board of the Gallatin Y. M. C. A. He is a Republican and one of 
the widely known and substantial citizens of Daviess County. 

J. S. Litton, a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson Township, 
Daviess County, and owner of 565 acres of land, was born March 12, 1856, 
in Sampsel Township, Livingston County, the son of Thomas and Maria 
(Barnes) Litton. 

Thomas Litton was born in Laurel County, Ky., in 1831, and came to 
Missouri in 1847, locating in Livingston County. He lived on the same 
farm in Livingston County until his death in 1896. Mr. Litton was a mer- 
chant at Lock Springs for 30 years, but always made his home on a farm. 
Maria (Barnes) Litton was also a native of Laurel County, Ky. She died 
in 1910 at the age of 86 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Litton 13 children were 
born, of whom seven are now living. 

J. S. Litton was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. 
When a very young man he rented land and carried on general farming and 
stock raising. He later inherited 40 acres of land. In 1879 he purchased 
his first farm in Livingston County. Since that time he has bought land 
from time to time. He purchased his present farm in 1907, on which he 
has made extensive improvements. 

Mr. Litton was married the first time Dec. 27, 1877, to Nancy Ann 
Bland, a native of Daviess County. She died in 1884, at the age of 22 
years. Two children were born to this union: Maria Elizabeth, the wife 
of Walter Gooman, Chillicothe ; Hester, the wife of William Stockesberry, 
Jackson Township, Daviess County. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 915 

Mr. Litton then married the second time in 1889 to Rosa E. Waters, a 
native of Indiana. To this union eight children have been born, as follows: 
Bessie May, wife of William Rupe of Livingston County; Nannie Bell, wife 
of Newton Gibson, Livingston County ; John Raymond of Livingston Coun- 
ty ; Ransome Faye, wife of Clarence Richards, Kansas City, Kan. ; Elsie 
Ellen, at home; Lawrence Speed, at home; Charles Oscar, at home; and 
Delmar Harold at home. Mr. Litton has 16 grandchildren living. 

Mr. Litton is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America and 
Eastern Star, is a reliable and substantial member of his community, and 
a man known for his integrity and progressive ideals. 

W. F. Houston, an efficient farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born March 20, 1876, near Lock Springs, the son 
of James and Fredonia Jane (French) Houston. 

James H. Houston was born in Jackson Township, Daviess County. 
He followed farming during his entire life. Mrs. Houston was born in Ben- 
ton County, Tenn. Both Mr. and Mrs. Houston are now deceased. To 
James H. Houston and Fredonia Jane (French) Houston two children were 
born: Ida, the wife of J. S. Ho.skins, Comanche, Okla., and W. F., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

W. F. Houston grew up on his father's farm in Jackson Township, 
Daviess County, and was educated in the district schools. He started out 
for himself in life at the age of 20 years, and later inherited the old home 
place, where he still resides. Mr. Houston has been unusually successful 
in general farming and raises high grade stock on his 197 acre farm, which 
is modern in every respect. 

On Feb. 19, 1902, Mr. Houston was married to Bessie McClure, a na- 
tive of Jackson Township, Daviess County, and daughter of Abraham and 
Mary Ann (Litton) McClure. To this union three children have been born, 
as follows : Dortha, the wife of Olen Stephens, Jackson Township, Daviess 
County ; Frank F., at home ; and Jewell, at home. 

In politics Mr. Houston is a Democrat ; he is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Co-operative Store at 
Lock Springs. Mr. Houston is a progressive and enterprising citizen who 
stands high in his community. 

William E. Bray, the efficient and well known mayor of Jamesport, 
was born April 29, 1866, in DeKalb County, a son of Samuel and Mary 
(Lindley) Bray. Mr. and Mrs. Bray were the parents of 13 children, 11 
of whom are now living. 

Samuel Bray was born in 1824 near Raleigh, N. C. He was a farmer 
during his entire life and came to DeKalb County, Mo., in 1859, settling on 



916 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

a farm in Polk Township. In 1874 he sold out and moved to Maysville, lo- 
cating south of there on a farm where he resided for 40 years. He then 
moved to Maysville, where he lived for eight years before his death in 1911. 
During the Civil War, Mr. Bray was a soldier, having enlisted in DeKalb, 
County, in the Volunteer Infantry. He was a Republican and a member of 
the Methodist Church. Mrs. Bray was born near Raleigh, N. C, in 1826. 
She died in 1904, and both she and her husband are buried in the Mays- 
ville Cemetery. 

William E. Bray grew up on his father's farm and was educated in 
the public schools and the Maysville High School, later attending the 
Stansbury Normal and Chillicothe Normal schools. He then taught school 
for 17 years, and was the principal of the Maysville and Fairport Schools 
during the last terms of his teaching. Mr. Bray also owned and operated 
a farm for 20 years. In 1902 he went into the real estate business at Mays- 
ville, where he was engaged until 1911, when he removed to Jamesport, 
and conducted a hardware store there for three years. While in Maysville, 
Mr. Bray was in partnership with his brother, Ollie Bray, in the hardware 
and implement business. He is now active in the real estate business in 
Jamesport, and has been very successful in a great many large land deals. 
Mr. Bray also owns 160 acres of land in Gove County, Kansas. 

Mr. Bray was elected mayor of Jamesport, in 1920. In politics he is 
a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch, Mays- 
ville, the Blue Lodge, Jamesport, the Eastern Star of Jamesport, the 
Knights of Pythias, Yeoman, Modern Woodmen of America, and the 
R. N. A. 

On July 12, 1892, Mr. Bray was married to Martha E. Hart, a native 
of DeKalb County, and the daughter of N. S. and Mary Jeanette (Van 
Ausdal) Hart, natives of Preble County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hart came to 
Missouri in 1880 and located in DeKalb County, where Mr. Hart died. He 
served as county clerk of DeKalb County for four years. Mrs. Hart is now 
living at Jamesport. 

To W. E. and Martha (Hart) Bray eight children have been born, as 
follows: Hart W., automobile machinist, Kansas City, Mo.; Jeanette, teach- 
er at Jamesport, a graduate of Jamesport High Shool and one year at the 
State University, also a year at Warrensburg Normal School ; Barbara, the 
wife of Clyde L. Robinson, Jamesport Township ; Virginia, attending Wash- 
ington University, St. Louis, Mo.; Margaret, stenographer, St. Joseph; 
Gertrude, attending business college at St. Joseph ; Priscilla, a senior at 
Jamesport High School ; Caroline, at home. 

Mr. Bray is a member of the Methodist Church, and was superintend- 
ent of the Sunday School at Maysville. He has always had high standards 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 917 

and progressive ideals in civic affairs and therefore, stands iiigh in his 
community and in Daviess County. 

George Dowe Harris, M. D. A physician and surgeon of Jamesport, 
Mo., who has had unusual success since beginning practice at Jamesport, 
in 1911, and in 1914 was honored by election to the office of vice president 
of the Missouri Electric Medical Society. Through his grandparents on 
both sides. Doctor Harris is identified with pioneer times in northwest 
Missouri, since the families have lived here 80 years or more, and the first 
to come had to hew homes out of the wilderness. 

George Dowe Harris was born in Grundy County, Mo., Jan. 1, 1884, a 
son of James P. and Jennie (Anderson) Harris, his father a native of 
Grundy County, and his mother of Livingston County. The father was 
the first white child born in Jefferson Township, Daviess County. 

James P. Harris, the father of Doctor Harris was born July 22, 1839, 
on the old farm in Grundy County, and has spent the greater part of his 
life on the same place. When he was a boy he attended a school supported 
by subscriptions and kept in a log cabin, which had a fireplace at one end, 
split slab benches, puncheon floors, and the open space that by courtesy 
was called a window was covered with greased paper. It was the custom 
of each pupils' parents to furnish one load of wood, and that wood was pre- 
pared and placed in the fii-eplace by the boy pupils. James P. Harris lived 
at home with his parents throughout their lives and at their death became 
one of the heirs to the home place. Mr. Harris was married the first time 
to Miss Elizabeth Crockett, two children were born to this union, now de- 
ceased. His second marriage was to Miss Jennie Anderson, who died 
shortly after the birth of her only son. Doctor Harris. The third marriage 
was to a sister of the second wife, Miss Ella Anderson, no children were 
born to this union. His last wife was Lucenda Coy, she is now living. 

The mother of Doctor Harris, Jennie (Anderson) Harris was born in 
Livingston County, in 1850 and died March 3, 1884. She was the daugh- 
ter of Geo. W. and Jean (Leeper) Anderson, natives of Kentucky, and were 
early settlers of northwest Missouri, locating in Livingston County. The 
family and most of their household goods were conveyed in a covered 
wagon. Dtiring the excitement over the California gold discoveries, Geo. 
W. Anderson made two trips across the plains with covered wagon and ox 
team. Before coming to Missouri he was a school teacher in Kentucky, 
and in Livingston County served for more than 20 years as justice of the 
peace. He was a farmer by occupation, but never owned any land. He was 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Doctor Harris' grandfather was Jesse Harris, a native of Kentucky, 
who came to Grundy County, 1836; he was a farmer. Jesse Harris married 



918 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mary, known as Polly Embrey. Mr. Jesse Harris was the father of James 
P. Harris. Jesse Harris came to this country by wagon and oxen team ; he 
entered a section of Government land in Jefferson Township. This land 
is now owned by Dr. Harris' father, who inherited it. Both Jesse Harris 
and his wife belonged to the Baptist Church. 

Doctor Hart-is' great-grandfather was a soldier twice in the Revolu- 
tionary War, his name was Richmond Harris, a native of Kentucky. The 
Harris' ancestors came from Wales to the United States about 1600. Dr. 
Harris' father was a soldier of the Civil War. 

Dr. Harris was reared on a farm and attended the district schools and 
Chillicothe Normal, Cincinnati Night High School at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 
1907 he again entered the Normal School at Chillicothe, and graduated the 
same year. The following fall he was a student at the Eclectic Medical 
School of Cincinnati, Ohio, and after two years there he entered a regular 
school of medicine, the Bennett Medical College of Chicago, where he was 
graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1911. Prior to his graduation he 
served as interne in Jefferson Park Hospital at Chicago, his services in 
that connection altogether being about six months. In July 1911 Doctor 
Harris returned to Missouri, and located at Jamesport, where he became as- 
sociated in practice with Dr. Charles Gordon McKinley, under whom he had 
received his first instructions in medicine. This was one of the best known 
firms of physicians and surgeons in Daviess County, and they had a large 
general practice both in Jamesport and in the surrounding country. Dr. 
McKinley died in 1917. 

Doctor Harris has professional associations with the Daviess County 
Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Society, the Missouri Eclectic 
Society, of which he was elected vice president in June 1914, and the Na- 
tional Eclectic Society. He is also serving as a member of the Jamesport 
Board of Health, and is examiner of several life insurance companies. He 
is a member of the Baptist church, while in politics he is a Republican, 
and affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias. On 
December 24, 1911, Doctor Harris was married to Miss Mrytle Sebastian, 
of Jamesport, a daughter of James E. and Marticia (Ware) Sebastian, her 
father being a Daviess County farmer. Doctor Harris has one child, Aur- 
and Harris, born July 4, 1915. 

J. H. Robinson, a progressive and enterprising young man of King 
City, Mo., was born Aug. 13, 1898, in Lincoln Township, Daviess County, 
the son of D. H. and Dora (Freeman) Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson 
were the parents of ten children, of whom J. H., the subject of this sketch, 
was the fifth in order of birth. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 919 

J. H. Robinson was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
public schools of Jamesport. After completing his education, Mr. Robin- 
son returned to his father's farm where he was engaged in assisting his 
father until he became 18 years of age. In 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson 
removed to Jamesport Township, Daviess County, purchasing the farm 
upon which they now reside. After leaving the farm, Mr. Robinson be- 
came foreman on the Daviess County Bridge building. In 1918 he resigned 
and then worked for one year with his father in road grading in various 
parts of the county, also in Grundy, Livingston, and Harrison counties. 
After his marriage, Mr. Robinson moved to Jamesport, where he became 
engaged in the cabinet and carpenter trades. In April, 1922, he came to 
King City, where he now resides. 

On Aug. 17, 1919, Mr. Robinson was married to Mary Fay Wiest, a 
native of Union Township, Daviess County, and a daughter of Oscar T. 
and Harriett (Helms) Wiest. Oscar T. Wiest is a native of Penn- 
sylvania and his wife a native of Union Township, Daviess County. They 
now reside in Gallatin. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have no children. 

Mr. Robinson learned the cabinet making business through study and 
hard work. He has made some very fine pieces of furniture, among them 
being a walnut buffet, 60 inches long and 40 inches high. The wood was 
taken from a residence built about 85 years ago. It is a very attractive 
piece of furniture, being highly polished and valued at $100.00. 

Mr. Robinson is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the 
Christian Church at Gallatin. He is well known in his community and one 
of the leading representative young men of Gentry County. 

E. G. Yoell, well known in Gallatin and the surrounding community 
as a successful real estate, insurance, and farm loan operator, is a native of 
Illinois, born in Fulton County, Oct. 5, 1875, the son of J. W. and Rillie E. 
(Beckelheimer) Yoell. 

J. W. Yoell was born in Monroe County, and was a man of excellent 
education. While he was attending college in Quincy, 111., he met and 
married Rillie E. Beckelheimer, also a student in the college. Prior to this 
time Mr. Yoell had been the superintendent of schools at Carthage, 
Sarcoxie, and Bethany, Mo. Later in his life he began the practice of medi- 
cine and located in the city now known as Des Moines, Iowa. He died thei'e, 
and his widow now lives there. To their union only two children were 
born: Charles, deceased; and E. G., the subject of this sketch. 

E. G. Yoell grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from the Des 
Moines High School. In 1893 he entered the Normal at Chillicothe, Mo., 
and was a student in that institution for two years. Following the com- 



920 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

pletion of his college work, he entered the real estate business in Iowa. He 
worked for the railway for a time, and then went to Maysville, Mo., where 
he opened a real estate office, which he operated for three years. In 1907 
he came to Gallatin, and went into a partnership in the Hull and Phares 
Real Estate Office. In 1909 he opened an office for himself in the First 
National Bank Building and has established an excellent business. 

Mr. Yoell was married Sept. 24, 1906 to Cora W. Woodward, born near 
McFall, the daughter of G. F. E. and Mary Ellen (Steele) Woodward. Mr. 
and Mrs. Woodward were early settlers of Daviess County and are both 
now dead. 

Mr. Yoell is a Republican in politics, is identified with the Methodist 
Church, and is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the 
Royal Arch, the Chapter, and the Order of the Eastern Star lodges. He 
is a substantial member of the community, a man of keen business intelli- 
gence, and of marked capacity for success. 

W,. A. Johnson, a retired farmer of Daviess County and a veteran of 
the Civil War, is now living in Union Township, Daviess County, with his 
son, Phillip M. Johnson. 

Mr. Johnson was born on a farm, Sept. 5, 1830, in Rappahannock 
County, Va., the son of David and Frances (Huff) Johnson. They were 
the parents of nine children, two of whom are now living; W. A., the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; and E. M., Paola, Kan. 

David Johnson was born in Virginia in 1806. He carried on general 
farming during his life, removing to Daviess County, in 1858, where he 
located on a farm now owned by his grandson, Phillip Johnson. His wife, 
Frances (Huff) Johnson was also born in Virginia in 1806. She died in 
1894, and her husband died in 1887 in Daviess County. They are both 
buried in the Johnson Cemetery in Union Township, Daviess County, which 
was owned by David Johnson. 

W. A. Johnson removed to Daviess County two years before his par- 
ents made the trip. He drove from Green County, Ohio, to Missouri. 
Upon his arrival there he erected a log cabin on heavy timber land, which 
he cut and cleared himself. Hamilton, Mo., was the first railroad trading 
post in that section when Mr. Johnson came to Missouri. He located on a 
farm in Grand River Township, Daviess County, and five years later moved 
to Union Township. During the Civil War Mr. Johnson served for eight 
months. 

Oct. 7, 1851, Mr. Johnson was married in Virginia to Mary Yates, who 
was born in 1820. She died in 1888. To this union seven children were 
born, one of whom died in infancy. The others are as follows: James W., 
Gilman City ; Phillip M., Union Township, Daviess County ; Garrette, Gal- 




W. A. JOHNSON 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 921 

latin; David G., California; Lucy, deceased; Belle, the wife of Lewis Hitch- 
cock, Washington. Phillip M. Johnson was married in 1882 to Lucy Cor- 
nell, a native of Worth County. Four children have been born to this 
union as follows: Charles L., Union Township, Daviess County; Virgil P., 
Grand River Township, Daviess County; George W., banker, Jameson; 
Mary, the wife of Marion Pags, Monroe Township, Daviess County. 

W. A. Johnson has been retired for a number of years, but is still 
very active. He thinks nothing of walking five miles a day, and derives 
great pleasure from fishing. In politics Mr. Johnson is a Democrat, and 
he is a member of the Methodist Church. To men such as Mr. Johnson 
we today owe much. They braved the dangers of frontier life and, by their 
work, made possible the industrial and civic growth that have duiai, ..,. 
Daviess County. 

Dr. J. N. Barger, a prominent physician and surgeon of Albany, Mo., 
was born Nov. 22, 1873, in New Hampton, the son of Alexander and Nancy 
Jane (Mowery) Barger. 

Alexander Barger was born in Breckenbridge County, Ky., April 28, 
1842, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison County, Mo. During 
the Civil War, Mr. Barger enlisted in the mihtia and was a captain in Har- 
vey Lynch's regiment. He was engaged in farming after the war, and 
died in 1920. His wife was bom in Casey County, Ky., in 1842. 

Dr. J. N. Barger was reared on his father's farm. He attended the 
district schools, and later the University of Kansas City, known as the 
Kansas University. He studied medicine and was graduated from there 
in April, 1898. Dr. Barger began his practice in Lone Star, Mo., and later 
in Darlington. In 1909, he came to Albany, where he has since practiced. 
He has served in the capacity of coroner and county and city physician. 
Dr. Barger belongs to the American Medical Association and the Missouri 
Valley Medical Association. He is now examining physician for pensions. 

In 1896, Dr. Barger was married the first time to Nettie Carter, who 
was born in 1876 in Gentry County, and died in 1903. To this union one 
child was born, Edythe, now deputy county clerk. She was educated in 
the Albany High School and Palmer College, after which she became book- 
keeper in the First National Bank of Albany. Miss Barger held this 
position for three years, after which she was appointed deputy county 
clerk. 

Dr. Barger was married the second time to Ruby Pearl Cravens, a 
native of Kentucky. No children have been born to this union. 

In 1906 Dr. Barger assisted in organizing the Gentry County Medical 
Association, and during the same year he was president of the 3rd District 



922 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of the Missouri State Medical Association. During the World War, Dr. 
Barger was one of the physicians on the registration board in the local 
district. 

Doctor Barger has one of the finest practices of his profession in the 
county. He is a skilled physician and deserving of the rapid progress he 
has made in his work. He also owns 100 acres of land in Athens and How- 
ard Townships. Doctor Barger owned the first automobile in Gentry 
County, known at that time as the Rambler make of car. 

Doctor Barger is a Knight Templar and Royal Arch Mason and a mem- 
ber of the Eagles. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church and is known in his community as an upright and 
reliable citizen and an able physician. 

Penn Love, a well known citizen of Gallitan, Daviess County, was 
born at Trenton. Dec. 1, 1874. His parents were S. H. and Elizabeth (Dil- 
lon) Love. 

S. H. Love was a native of Indiana. He taught school for a time in his 
youth, engaged in mercantile pursuits in Missouri, and for the last 35 years 
of his life was the manager of the T. W. Ballew Lumber Yard at Trenton. 
He died in December, 1915. His widow, Elizabeth (Dillon) Love, now lives 
at Jefferson City, where she is superintendent of the governor's mansion. 

Penn Love was reared at Trenton, where he attended the public schools. 
In 1893 became connected with the Trenton Electric Light Company as a 
student of the business. Two years later he became the manager of the 
Trenton Telephone Company. He held that position until 1896, when that 
company was consolidated with the Gas and Electric Light Works of 
Trenton. Mr. Love then became the manager of the enterprise known as 
the Trenton Gas and Light Company. In 1898 he went to Chickasha, Okla., 
where he was connected with the telephone business. In 1900 he located at 
Gallatin, and bought the Gallatin Telephone Company. He found 128 tele- 
phones when he bought the business, and, when he sold it to E. 0. Turner 
on Oct. 1, 1921, he left a flourishing business of 900 telephones. Besides 
his interest in the telephone business, Mr. Love acted as manager of the 
Gallatin Electric Light Plant from April 7, 1904 to July, 1914. 

On April 7, 1904, Mr. Love was married to Vennie GiUihan. Mrs. Love 
was born at Gallatin, the daughter of Judge W. C. and Mary Jane 
(Brosius) Gillihan. Mr. and Mrs. Gillihan now live at Gallatin. Mr. and 
Mrs. Love had three children born to their union ; Mary Elizabeth, Penelope, 
and Penn, Jr., who died at the age of two years. 

Mr. Love is an independent voter in politics. In 1916 he was elected 
mayor of Gallatin on the Republican ticket, and filled that office with 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 923 

marked efficiency for two years. During his term of office, many of the 
sidewalks were improved. Mr. Love was one of the patriotic men who de- 
voted most of his time to war work during the period of the World War. 
He helped to organize the Red Cross in Daviess County, and acted as the 
county chaii-man of that organization. He was also the chairman for the 
Allied War Funds Association during the year 1918. He is a member of 
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America lodges. 
He is a man who has been prominent in local affairs, and has the high re- 
gard of his community. 

W. T. Lay, a retired farmer of Caldwell County now living north of 
Hamilton, Mo., is one of the pioneers of Daviess County. He was born Nov. 
4, 1866, in Monroe Township, Daviess County, a son of John L. and Nancy 
J. (Cunningham) Lay. Mr. and Mrs. Lay were the parents of three child- 
ren: W. T., the subject of this sketch ; Oura, now residing on the old home 
place in Monroe Township, Daviess County ; Bessie, also living at home. 

John L. Lay was born in Tennessee in 1836. He came to Daviess 
County before the Civil War, and was a farmer during his entire life. At 
the time of his death, in 1919, he was the owner of 500 acres of land in 
Monroe and Harrison Townships. Nancy J. (Cunningham) Lay was born 
in Daviess County, Nov. 1, 1844. She died Jan. 5, 1918. Mr. Lay was a 
Republican. 

W. T. Lay received his education in the district schools, and received 
practical training in farm management and work on his father's farm. 
After his marriage in 1899, Mr. Lay bought 190 acres of land which he im- 
proved and lived on for 16 years. He then purchased 78 acres, which he 
rented for four or five years. After selling his 190 acres in 1918, he moved 
to Hamilton, Mo., where he has since made his home. His farm near 
Hamilton contains 15 acres, and his wife owns 160 acres of land in Monroe 
Township. 

Nov. 22, 1899, Mr. Lay was married to Nitha T. Cox, a native of Dav- 
iess County, and a daughter of Samuel and Lucy M. (Railsback) Cox. Mr. 
and Mrs. Cox were natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri when they 
were children and located in Monroe Township, Daviess County. Mr. Cox 
was a farmer during his entire life. He was born Feb. 13, 1837, in Knox 
County, Ky., and came to Daviess County in 1842 with his parents, Levi 
and Sophia (Parker) Cox, natives of Kentucky. When they made the trip 
it required three months, and they came in wagons. Mrs. Cox was born 
June 28, 1845, in Hamilton, Mo. Mr. Cox died May 11, 1917. They were 
the parents of three children, as follows: Mrs. W. T. Lay; Vader Cox, 



924 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Caldwell County ; Pearl, the wife of A. D. Campbell, now deceased. Mr. 
Cox was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a member of 
the Christian Church. He was a Republican. 

Mr. Cox was a soldier during the Civil War, having enlisted from 
Daviess County, in the 7th Missouri Cavalry. He served three years and 
six months, and was wounded. He was also a prisoner of war for eight 
months at Tyler, Texas. 

Mrs. Lay was educated in the schools of Gallatin, and the Kidder Insti- 
tute. She taught four years in the Kidder Institute in the bookkeeping 
and shorthand departments, as well as literary department. She also 
taught for nine years in the district schools before teaching in Kidder In- 
stitute. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lay are the parents of two children: Ada, at home; and 
Cuma, attending high school and living at home. 

Mr. Lay is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows. He is a reliable citizen, and was able to build up a successful 
farming business by his integrity and progressive methods. 

Daniel Railsback, a prominent farmer and stockman of Monroe Town- 
ship, and owner of 80 acres of well improved land, was born July 2, 1854, 
in Estill County, Ky., a son of David and Martha E. (Tuggle) Railsback. 

David Railsback was born May 8, 1808. His place of birth is unknown. 
He began work at the age of eight years on a farm. In 1857 he came 
from Kentucky to Monroe Township, Daviess County, and the following 
year moved to Caldwell County. Some time later he returned to Daviess 
County. Mr. Railsback was married the first time to Mary Vaughn, Jan. 
27, 1826, and to this union five children were born. Martha E. (Tuggle) 
Railsback, mother of Daniel Railsback, was married first to William Smith, 
and to this union five children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Railsback were the 
parents of three children, as follows: Richard, deceased; Lucy, the wife of 
Samuel Cox; Daniel, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Railsback was born 
Sept. 30, 1812, in Kentucky, and died June 7, 1882. Mr. Railsback died Jan. 
30, 1887, in Monroe Township. 

Daniel Railsback was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, 
and was educated in the district schools, having attended school in a log 
cabin. He began farming for himself when about 24 years of age, renting 
some of his father's land. In 1896 he purchased his present farm of 80 
acres, upon which he has made extensive improvements. 

June 16, 1886, Mr. Railsback was married to Mary E. Black, a daugh- 
ter of John and Rachel (McGarvin) Black, natives of Kentucky and Dav- 
iess County, Mo. Mrs. Railsback was born in Sheridan Township. Mr. 
Black is deceased, and his wife is living in Kansas. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 925 

To Mr. and Mrs. Railsback three chilren have been born: Nora, the 
wife of Herbert Connor, Caldwell County, who are the parents of two chil- 
dren, Lloyd and Pauline ; Nitha, the wife of Ott Pearse, Caldwell County ; 
and John, at home. 

Mr. Railsback is a Democrat, and has served on the school board of 
Monroe Township. He is now a member of the Township Board. He has 
also been a justice of the peace. Mr. Railsback is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church and one of the enterprising farmers and stockman of his com- 
munity. 

Charles L. Downning, deceased, was a native of Monroe Township, 
born March 15, 1855, a son of Pohatan and Hannah (Gilbert) Downning. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Downning were natives of Kentucky who removed to 
Missouri at a very early date, settling in Daviess County. They were the 
parents of five children, all of whom are deceased. 

Charles L. Downning was reared on a farm and received his education 
in the district schools. He carried on general farming during his entire 
life and was successful in his work. 

Mr. Downning was married the first time to Thusa Richardson, and 
to this union one child was born: Virgie, now the wife of Roy Whitt of 
Monroe Township. After his wife's death, Mr. Downning later married 
Thusa C. Culver on March 15, 1898. She is a native of Monroe Township, 
and a daughter of James and Mary (Gillhan) Culver, natives of Ohio and 
Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Culver were among the pioneer settlers of 
Daviess County. 

At the time of his death, Jan. 7, 1921, Mr. Downning was the owner of 
333 acres of land in Monroe Township. Mrs. Downning now owns 120 acres 
in that Township, where she resides. 

Mr. Downning was a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. 
He was industrious, earnest and sincere. He merited the high regard in 
which he was held by the community. 

James M. O'TooIe, a leading farmer and stockman of Union Township, 
was born June 30, 1886, in Monroe Township, Daviess County, a son of 
John and Virginia (Tuggle) O'Toole. 

John O'Toole was born in Ireland, but was bought to this country when 
six months of age by his parents, who settled in St. Louis. When he was 
six years old, his parents moved to Daviess County, and settled on a farm. 
During his early life Mr. O'Toole was a railroader, and was an overseer on 
section work, etc. Later he engaged in farming in Monroe Township. In 
1905 he retired and removed to Colorado for his health. He also was inter- 
ested in the gold fields there. Since that time he has made his home there. 



926 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mrs. O'Toole was born in Daviess County, and is a daughter of John and 
Maria (Hemery) Tuggle. Mrs. O'Toole now makes her home in Cameron, 
and is the owner of 320 acres of land in Monroe Township. 

To John O'Toole and Virginia (Tuggle) O'Toole nine children were 
born, as follows: William, California; Myrtle, the wife of Dennis Moran, 
Caldwell County; Maud, the wife of P. J. Kelly, Houston, Tex.; James M., 
the subject of this sketch ; Maria, the wife of Ed Foley, Monroe Township; 
Sarah, the wife of George Mabry, Los Angeles ; Thomas, Kansas City, Mo. ; 
Lettie, the wife of Marion Place, Cameron ; Mary Florence, living with her 
mother in Cameron. 

James M. O'Toole was brought up on a farm and educated in the dist- 
rict schools. He helped on his father's farm until he was 23 years old. 
After his marriage he rented land in Colorado for one year, after which he 
returned to Daviess County, and purchased 32 acres in Monroe Township. 
He made extensive improvements on the land and sold it in 1914. He then 
rented land from his mother for five years. He purchased the D. D. 
Heaston farm in 1918, which is located a mile east of Gallatin. Here he 
has made his home, having made many improvements. Mr. O'Toole raises 
Spotted Poland China hogs, and has a dairy herd of 14 cows, in which 
business he has been very successful. He owns 180 acres of good land in 
Union Township. 

Feb. 9, 1910, James M. O'Toole was married to Orlie D. Green, a 
daughter of W. H. and Mina (Biddle) Green, natives of Monroe Township, 
and Butler County, Ohio. Mrs. O'Toole was born Dec. 28, 1890 in Monroe 
Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Green are now deceased. They were the 
parents of nine children, six of whom are now living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. O'Toole one child has been born, James W., born Nov. 
13, 1913, and living at home. Mr. O'Toole is a Democrat and a member of 
the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. O'Toole are well known in Gallatin and 
Union Township and have many friends. 

0. S. Youtsey, a well known farmer and stockman and owner of 80 
acres of land in Union Township, Daviess County, was born May 24, 1852, 
in Union Township, a son of A. S. and Maria E. (George) Youtsey. 

O. S. Youtsey was the second of 14 children born to A. S. and Maria E. 
Youtsey. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the dist- 
rict schools. He remained on his father's farm until he was 24 years of 
age, when he moved to his present farm in Union Township, which he pur- 
chased and improved extensively. 

Mr. Youtsey was married in 1877 to Medora Mitchell, a native of Union 
Township. She died the same year of their marriage. In May, 1879, Mr. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 927 

Youtsey was married to Mary E. Johnson, a native of Grand River Town- 
ship, and daughter of Levi and Sarah (Brown) Johnson, natives of Illinois 
and Indiana. They had lived in Missouri since they were very small chil- 
dren. They both died several years ago. They had two children besides 
Mrs. Youtsey ; Robert and John, both residing in Cherryvale, Kan. 

Mr. Youtsey is a Democrat and served on the school board for 12 
years and is now clerk. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and one 
of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Daviess County. 

E. B. Day, manager of the Farmers Mercantile Company of Lock 
Springs. Mo., was born in Callaway County, Mo., Dec. 6, 1877, the son of S. 
H. and Maggie (Fitzgerald) Day, natives of Callaway and Livingston 
Counties. S. H. Day is deceased and his widow lives in Jefferson City. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Day nine children were born, of whom two are deceased. 

E. B. Day was reared on his father's farm and received his education 
in the district schools and attended the Fulton High School, from which 
he was graduated in 1895. He then farmed for one year. Following this 
he served as an apprentice in the blacksmith, machinist and carpenter 
trades, and worked at them all for a time. In 1901 Mr. Day came to Lock 
Springs, Mo., and worked for the Daviess Burnt Clay Company, and four 
years later he conducted a blacksmith shop of his own. He also did con- 
tracting work, building residences at Lock Springs. 

In 1914 Mr. Day entered the Rahe Auto School at Kansas City, Mo. 
After being graduated from the course he worked at the business for about 
a year. He then conducted a meat market and restaurant at Lock Springs. 
Feb. 1, 1921, he became manager of the Farmers Mercantile Company of 
Lock Springs, which position he now holds. 

Mr. Day was married the first time in 1899 to Emela Reifsteck, who 
was born in Callaway County. She died Feb. 7, 1917. No children were 
born to this union. On Feb. 10, 1918, Mr. Day was married to Bessie 
Buchanan, daughter of J. A. and Mary Buchanan. She was born in Vir- 
ginia but was brought up on a farm in Livingston County, Mo. She is a 
graduate of Lock Springs High School, and clerked for several years in dif- 
ferent general merchandise stores in Lock Springs. Her mother died on 
the farm and her father died at Lock Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Day have 
two children, Edmond, Jr., and Bethe Sue, both at home. 

Mr. Day is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. He is 
a member of the Masons, Gallatin Chapter, the Independent Order of Fel- 
lows, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Day has held the office 
of Master of the Lock Springs Masons Lodge three different times. He 



928 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

retired from the office in January, 1922, and is a highly respected citizen 
of the community. 

The Day family originally came from Virginia and were among the 
early settlers of Callaway County, Mo. 

George R. Gay, an enterprising larmer and stockman of Jamesport 
Township, was born in Daviess County, June 14, 1866, and is a son of 
James and Anna F. (Gillilian) Gay. 

James Gay was a native of Greenbrier County, W. Va., and came to 
Daviess County with his parents when a young man. He became a leading 
farmer and stockman of Jamesport Township, and was a widely known 
breeder of high grade stock. Mr. Gay owned 720 acres of land. During 
the Civil War, he enlisted from Missouri and served for almost two years. 
He is now deceased, and is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery of James- 
port. James Day and wife were the parents of the following children: 
Mary, the wife of Worth Miller, farmer, Jamesport Township ; George R., 
the subject of this sketch ; Minnie, the wife of 0. R. Nickell, farmer, 
Jamesport Township ; Eva, the wife of Isaac Haines, farmer and stockman, 
Jamesport Township ; Nathan, living with his mother in Jamesport Town- 
ship ; Robert ; and James, a farmer, Jamesport Township. 

George R. Gay grew up on his father's farm in Jamesport Township, 
and received his education in the district schools. He began farming on 
his father's farm, where he remained until 1890, when he purchased his 
present farm of 201 acres. Mr. Gay has a very fine stock farm and he is 
well known as a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China 
hogs. He has a modern two story residence and good barns. 

On Sept. 15, 1889, Mr. Gay married Liddia M. Bear, a native of James- 
port Township, and a daughter of George and Ageline (Seat) Bear. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bear were the parents of six children, as follows: Sylvester, 
Jamesport Township, Mollie Mary, deceased; Cassie, the wife of Jasper 
Neitherton, retired farmer, Gilman City ; George Henry, address unknown ; 
A. I., the wife of S. Huffman, retired farmer, Trenton ; and Mrs. Gay. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bear are deceased, and are buried in Pilot Grove Ceme- 
tery. To George R., and Liddia (Bear) Gay, seven children were born, as 
follows: Claude, deceased; 0. L., farming with his father; Laura, the wife 
of Orville Wells, Grand River Township, Daviess County ; Onna, deceased ; 
Lila, deceased ; Victor, deceased ; the seventh child died in infancy. Mrs. 
Gay died March 29, 1918, and is buried in Pilot Grove Cemetery, No. 2. 

In politics Mr. Gay is a staunch Democrat. He is a member of the 
Modern Woodman of the World. He is well known throughout the county 




GEORCE li. <;AY 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 929 

for his progressive ideas and he and his family are highly respected 
citizens. 

Thomas J. Edwards, one of the successful farmers and stock raisers 
of Jackson Township, Daviess County, was born Oct. 4, 1862, in Clark 
County, Iowa, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Hatfield) Edwards. 

Thomas Edwards was born in Claiborne County, Tenn., Feb. 22, 1816. 
He carried on general farming during his entire life and at one time owned 
a distillery in Tennessee. In 1844 he removed to Iowa, where he lived in 
three different counties. Later, in 1864, he came to Missouri, settling in 
Livingston County, where he remained for one year, after which he moved 
to Daviess County, where he died July 6, 1887. During the Civil War, Mr. 
Edwards was a soldier in the Confederate Army for 90 days. He was a 
deacon of the Baptist Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge. In 
politics Mr. Edwards was a Democrat. Mrs. Edwards was born April 18, 
1818, in Hancock County, Tenn., and died April 12, 1904. To Thomas and 
Sarah (Hatfield) Edwards 12 children were born, seven of whom are now 
living. A brother of Thomas J. Edwards now residing in Jamesport, Mo., 
is 82 years of age. 

Thomas J. Edwards was reared on his father's farm and received his 
education in the district schools, for a time he taught school as a substi- 
tute. He then engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Edwards in- 
herited his father's farm of 80 acrfes of land in Jackson Township, Daviess 
County, where he lived with his sister, Catherine. He is unmarried. 

Mr. Edwards is a well known breeder of Shorthorn cattle, and has 
made many exhibits at Jamesport, Mo., of some of the finest pure breeds 
in this section of the country. He is the breeder of a two thousand pound 
Shorthorn cow, and the name of his herd leader is "Count Edward." 

Mr. Edward is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge and 
has been the Deputy Head Council of the Modern Woodmen of America for 
15 years. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
Mr. Edward is an enterprising farmer and a leader in the affairs of the 
community. 

E. H. Greenwood, prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- 
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 140 acres of well improved river bottom 
land, was born in Caldwell County, Mo., Sept. 29, 1868, a son of Joseph 
and Caroline J. (Herbert) Greenwood. 

Joseph Greenwood was born in Indiana, Sept. 19, 1844, and is now liv- 
ing with his daughter, Mrs. Campbell, in Caldwell County. He came to 
Caldwell County when about nine years of age. He enlisted during the 
Civil War, in Caldwell County. His wife, Carolina Greenwood was born 



930 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

in Harrison Township, Daviess County. She died a number of years ago. 
Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood were the parents of seven children, two of whom 
died in infancy. The others are as follows: E. H., the subject of this 
sketch ; William, Livingston County ; Thomas, Caldwell County ; Chas. S., 
attorney, teacher and farmer. He is now superintendent of the Consoli- 
dated School at Sampsel, Mo. ; Mary, the wife of Claude Campbell, Caldwell 
County. 

E. H. Greenwood was reared on his father's farm, and was educated 
in the district schools and attended the Chillicothe Normal School and the 
State University. He began teaching when 20 years old, and taught for 
ten years. He taught two terms in the Clear Creek District and was prin- 
cipal at Mooreville, Nettleton, and Lock Springs. In 1904, Mr. Greenwood 
bought his present farm and has lived there since. Before purchasing this 
land Mr. Greenwood had lived for seven years near Breckenbridge, and a 
year and a half in California. 

Mr. Greenwood was married the first time to Nellie Encell, daughter 
of Chas. K. and Drydan (Wood) Encell, born in Illinois. Mrs. Greenwood 
died in California in 1915, at the age of 43 years. Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood 
were the parents of one child, Harold Edmond. Mr. Greenwood then 
married Mrs. Dora (Brown) Newsome, a native of Illinois. Harold Green- 
wood makes his home with his father and is married to Elnora Will. They 
are the parents of three children, as follows : Edmond H., Charles N., and 
David E. 

Mr. Greenwood is a Republican and has very capably filled the office 
of township trustee of Harrison Township, where he resided for seven 
years. He is a member of the Christian Church, and a member of the 
Knights of Pythias. The Greenwood family are well known and among 
the substantial citizens of Jackson Township. 

Dr. Charles Pipkin, a well known and successful physician and sur- 
geon of Jamesport, was born Sept. 4, 1847, in Hillsboro, Jefferson County, 
Mo., a son of Judge Phillip and Sallie (Parke) Pipkin. To Judge Phillip 
and Sallie (Parke) Pipkin six children were born, two of whom are now 
living; William M., Boise, Idaho, a retired miner. During the Civil War 
he resigned from the navy to go into the Confederate Army, and served 
throughout the entire war. He also enlisted during the Spanish American 
War with some Idaho troops. Charles Pipkin, the subject of this sketch 
is the only other son now living. 

Judge Phillip Pipkin was born in Davidson County, Tenn., and came 
to Missouri with his parents in 1835. They settled in St. Louis, on the spot 
where the Anheuser-Busch Brewery now stands. Judge Pipkin was at 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 931 

various times a member of the Legislature and was a member of two con- 
stitutional conventions. He was a Democrat. His father, Phillip Pipkin, 
commanded a Tennessee regiment of volunteer infantry under Andrew 
Jackson during the Seminole War and also under Jackson at New Orleans. 
The Pipkin family has always been very prominent in the affairs of the 
county in which they live. Mrs. Pipkin was born in St. Louis. After her 
death. Judge Pipkin was married to Sophia B. Thomas, a native of Jeffer- 
son County, Mo. To this union four children were born, as follows: J. Wil- 
ton, Omaha, Neb.; Emily P. Simmons, Macon, Mo.; Delia E., deceased; 
Merrill, attorney, living at Mimia, Okla. Judge Pipkin died in Farming- 
ton, Mo. 

Dr. Charles Pipkin was reared on a farm and was educated in the 
district schools and attended Arcadia Semenary. After completing his 
education, he was engaged in farming with his father. They erected a 
log cabin, split rails, and underwent the other hardships of those early 
days. In 1867, Dr. Pipkin entered the Missouri Medical College and was 
graduated in March, 1870. He began practicing medicine at Hillsboro, 
and in 1880 removed to Jamestown, where he practiced for 20 years. He 
then practiced for ten years at Gallatin. After this he went to Kansas 
City, Mo., to take his son's place who was a physician in a hospital there. 
Four years later Dr. Pipkin moved to Jamesport Township, Daviess Coun- 
ty, where he has since resided. He still does some medical work but has 
practically retired. For some time he was coroner of Jefferson County. 

Doctor Pipkin was married Nov. 28, 1872, to Mary Frances Garrett, 
a daughter of George H. and Ann (Pratt) Garrett, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and England. Mrs. Pipkin was born Aug. 9, 1852, in St. Louis. To 
this union six children were born, as follows: George P., physician and 
surgeon, superintendent of the Minnequa Hospital, Pueblo, Colo. ; Charles 
M., in the publicity department of the Stock Yards, Kansas City ; Bertha 
C, deceased, was the wife of W. T. Hutchison; Mary, deceased; Robert G., 
deceased ; Lois, deceased. Dr. Pipkin has seven grandchildren. 

Dr. Pipkin is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch, Gallatin, and the 
Eastern Star. Dr. Pipkin has been very prominent in his profession and is 
really a remarkable gentleman. He is one of the four oldest physicians 
now living in Daviess County, and stands high in the community. 

W. E. Jenkins, well known retired farmer of Jamesport Township, 
Daviess County, was born July 27. 1844, in Highland County, Ohio, the 
son of Elections and Rachael (Crum) Jenkins. They were the parents of 



932 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

three children, of whom W. E., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest, 
and is now the only survivor. 

Elections Jenkins was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1815. During 
his entire life he was a farmer and in 1855 he removed from Ohio to 
Grundy County, Mo. He lived at Jamesport from 1869 until his death 
in 1882. At the time of his death, Mr. Jenkins owned 120 acres of land two 
miles east of Jamesport. The Jenkins family dates back to Virginia and 
can be traced to the sixteenth century in Germany and England. Rachael 
(Crum) Jenkins was born in Virginia in 1819. She died soon after the 
death of her husband in Jamesport. They were both members of the 
Methodist Church. 

W. E. Jenkins was reared on his father's farm in Ohio. During the 
Civil War he enlisted at Chillicothe, Mo., in March, 1863, in the 11th Mis- 
souri Volunteer Cavalry. In July, 1864 he reenlisted in the 43rd Missouri 
Volunteer Infantry. He took part in many skirmishes in Missouri 
in the western division. After the war, Mr. Jenkins went into partner- 
ship with I. H. Jones, in the grocery business, and they also had the 
postoffice and Mr. Jenkins served as deputy. In 1872, Mr. Jenkins 
began farming his 80 acres of land in Jamesport Township, which he 
farmed until 1910, when he retired and moved to Jamesport. He now 
owns 120 acres in Jamesport Township. 

On Jan. 4, 1872, Mr. Jenkins was married to Caroline Drummond, a 
daughter of J. P. and Sidney (Nickell) Drummond. Mrs. Jenkins was born 
June 26, 1851, in Daviess County. To W. E. and Caroline (Drummond) 
Jenkins seven children were born, two of whom are deceased. The others 
are: Velma, the wife of Lon Hines, Jackson Township; Elizabeth P., the 
wife of Farley Burge, Jackson Township; William, Jackson Township; 
James E., Grand River Township ; LeRoy, born Jan. 12, 1890, a mile east 
of Jamesport, educated in Jamesport and Gallatin Academy. He worked 
on the farm with his father for three years. He then went into the hard- 
ware business with 0. L. Gildow in 1915. He enlisted during the World 
War at Kansas City, Mo., and was sent to Chicago, 111., and later to Camp 
Joseph E. Johnson at Jacksonville, Fla. Seven months later he went to 
Newport News, Va., and was stationed with a Motor Supply Train No. 413. 
He sailed for overseas and was assigned to the Third Corps Headquarters, 
later to the Fourth Corps. Mr. Jenkins was engaged in the Saint Mihiel 
battle, Meuse-Argonne drive and others. During the entire time Mr. 
Jenkins drove a motor truck. After the war, he was sent with the Army 
of 'Occupation to Coblenz, Germany. He spent two months in the company 
office as clerk while on occupation duty. June 23, 1919, he left Germany 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 933 

and went to Brest, France, sailing for Hoboken, N. Y., on June 30, 1919. 
He was mustered out of service July 19, 1919. at Camp Zachary Taylor, 
Ky. Mr. Jenkins is now engaged in the hardware and implement business 
at Jamesport. 

W. E. Jenkins is a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic Post at Trenton. He is a member of the Methodist Church. 
Mr. Jenkins is one of the substantial citizens of this county and has a host 
of friends. 

W. T. Caraway, an efficient fanner and stockman of Jamesport Town- 
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 250 acres of well improved land, was 
born May 25, 1858, in Grand River Township, Daviess County, the son of 
Joseph P. and Mary (Kipper) Caraway. 

Joseph P. Caraway was born in Greenbrier, W. Va. In 1837 he pur- 
chased land in Jamesport and Grand River Townships. On the trip from 
Vii-ginia to Missouri he rode horseback. To Joseph P. and Mary (Kipper) 
Caraway eight children were born, of whom five are now living, as fol- 
lows: Rebecca, the widow of Ed Wynne, Gallatin; Margaret, Gallatin; W. 
T., the subject of this sketch ; John A., Gallatin ; George, Jamesport Town- 
ship. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Caraway was married to 
Rebecca McNeil, a native of Ohio, and to this union three children were 
born, one of whom is now living, Eliza, the wife of Minor Wynne, Grand 
River Township. Mr. Caraway died in 1892. 

W. T. Caraway was reared on the farm and educated in the district 
schools. He then worked by the month, receiving $15.00 per month. 
While working for this small wage he learned the carpenter trade under 
John McNeel. He worked at this trade for seven years. In 1885, Mr. 
Caraway began farming, purchasing 48 acres of land in Jackson Township. 
From time to time he added to his land holdings and now owns land in four 
different townships. In 1921 he moved to his present location in James- 
port Township, where he has made extensive improvements. Mr. Caraway 
carries very high grade stock on his farm and is well known throughout 
Daviess County as a substantial farmer and stockman. 

On Aug. 16, 1883, Mr. Caraway was married to Sallie M. McClung, a 
native of Jamesport Township, and a daughter of E. C. and Elizabeth C. 
(Ray) McClung, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Daviess County. 
To. W. T. and Sallie (McClung) Caraway three children have been born, 
as follows: Harley, farming the home place; Marvin, Jackson Township; 
and Orville, at home. Harley and Marvin are twins. Mr. Caraway has 
two grandchildren ; Irvin and John, the children of Orville and Ada 
(Nichols) Caraway. Ada (Nichols) Caraway is deceased. 



934 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Caraway is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Church, and 
a trustee of Grand River Township. He is a progressive farmer and a 
pubHc spirited citizen. He and his family are among the leading citizens 
of the county. 

James C. Hill, a retired merchant and farmer of Jamesport, now en- 
joying the freedom from active business cares, was born April 13, 1842, in 
Jamesport Township, then known as Grand River Township, Daviess 
County. He is the son of Richard and Anna (Gillilan) Hill. 

Richard Hill was born in Pocahontas County, W. Va., and came to 
Daviess County, Mo., in 1835, locating on a farm 2^ 2 miles west of James- 
port. Anna (Gilliland) Hill was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., and 
died at the old homestead in Daviess County. They were the parents of 
five children, of whom James C, the subject of this sketch, is the only 
son living. He has a sister, Mrs. Mary Thompson, residing in Jamesport. 
Richard Hill was married the second time to Agnes Miller, and to this 
union three children were born, a son, Buchanan Hill, now lives in Wyom- 
ing. Both Mr. Hill and his second wife, Agnes Miller, died in Elmwood, 
Kan. 

James C. Hill was the first white child born in Grand River Township. 
He was reared on a farm and enlisted during the Civil War from Daviess 
County. He served a little less than a year. After the war he purchased 
40 acres of land in Grundy County, Mo., which he later sold, removing to 
Jamesport where he has resided for the past 25 years. From 1880 to 1883, 
Mr. Hill conducted a hardware store at Winston, after which he came to 
Jamesport, where he engaged in the hotel business. He and his wife con- 
ducted a hotel there for 17 years, when Mr. Hill retired. Before coming to 
Jamesport he was engaged in the hotel business for short periods of time 
in Braymer, Spickard, and Pattonsburg. 

On Oct. 27, 1874, Mr. Hill was married to Mattie Coulson, a native 
of Gallatin, born two miles south of the city. She is the daughter of 
Judge John D. and Mary (Lewis) Coulson, natives of Tennessee and Vir- 
ginia, and pioneer settlers of Daviess County. To James C. and Mattie 
(Coulson) Hill seven children were born, four of whom are now living, as 
follows: Mary Ann, the wife of Elwood Morrison, St. Joseph; John R., 
Concordia, Kan. ; Addie, the wife of James Callison, Jackson Township ; 
and Fay, the wife of Boyd Chamberlain, Gallatin. 

Mr. Hill is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church South. 
He has been an energetic and industrious man and a highly esteemed 
citizen. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 935 

R. E. Maupin, a prominent and successful business man of Pattons- 
hurg, Mo., was born Oct. 8. 1865, in Monroe County, Mo., a son of L. D. 
and Elizabeth (Moore) Maupin. 

L. D. Maupin was born in Virginia and was one of the pioneer settlers 
of Missouri. He was a carpenter and contractor by trade. Mr. and Mrs. 
Maupin were the parents of the following children: Susan, deceased, was 
the wife of John Hamilton, attorney at Huntsville, Mo.; A. N., Sedalia, 
Mo. ; Nannie, the widow of M.H. Morris, Sedalia, Mo. ; Joseph, living retired 
in Sedalia, Mo.; Minnie, the wife of T. A. Mitchell, farmer and stockman 
of Sedalia, Mo. ; Lillie, the wife of A. B. Armstrong, superintendent of 
schools in Wartrace, Tenn. ; Dollie, the wife of W. B. Austin, dentist, 
Huntsville, Mo. ; and R. E., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Maupin died in 
1882 and her husband died in 1907. They are both buried in the Holliday 
Cemetery, Monroe County, Mo. Mr. Maupin was a member of the Masonic 
Lodge and a Democrat. He was a member of the Methodist Church. 

R. E. Maupin was reared in Missouri and attended the public schools. 
He was graduated from the St. Louis School of Pharmacy in 1888, 
following which he opened a drug store in Pattonsburg, Mo., on July 10, 
1888. Mr. Maupin was in the drug business until 1914. He was elected 
president of the Pattonsburg Savings Bank and has been active in the 
bank since 1896. Mr. Maupin served as school director for one year and 
was secretary of the Pattonsburg Fair Association for 15 years. He is 
Past Master of the Masonic Lodge, No. 65, and Past High Priest of Gallatin 
Royal Arch Chapter No. 11, and also District Grand Master of Daviess, 
DeKalb, Grundy and Gentry Counties. 

On Nov. 21, 1888, Mr. Maupin married Lulu E. Grant, a native of 
Missouri, and daughter of T. J. and Elizabeth (Fields) Grant. T. J. Grant 
was a native of Kentucky. He came to Missouri in the early days, settling 
in Monroe County, and later in Randolph County. Mr. Grant was one of 
the largest land holders of the county, and was a prominent stockman. He 
was a well known breeder of mules, driving 300 head at one time to New 
Orleans, La. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and belonged to 
the Christian Church. Mr. Grant died in 1902, and his wife died in 1900. 
They were buried in Moberly,Mo. They were the parents of the following 
children: James T., deceased; Charles, deceased; Anna, the wife of Charles 
Ragsdale, farmer and stockman, Renick, Mo. ; and Mrs. Maupin. To R. E. 
and Lulu E. (Grant) Maupin five children have been born, as follows: 
Lucile, attended the grade and high schools of Pattonsburg, and was also 
graduated from the Christian College of Columbia, Mo. She is now the 
wife of Omer Gurthlet, residing in Oklahoma ; Goldena, the wife of T. L. 



936 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Smart, clothing merchant of Pattonsburg, Mo. ; and R. G., assistant cashier 
of the Pattonsburg Savings Bank ; Curtman, served during the World War, 
now in the real estate business in Pattonsburg; and Ellen K., attending 
school. 

Mr. Maupin has an extensive acquaintance in Daviess County and 
stands high in the community. 

The Pattonsburg Savings Bank was organized in 1882 with the follow- 
ing officers : James T. Prichard, president ; John P. Smith, cashier. The 
board of directors elected at the first meeting held Sept. 5, 1882, were: 
Jacob M. Poge, James T. Prichai'd, John M. Graham, Joseph Medows, 
David Groomer, G. W. Welden, and William Watson. The present officers 
of the bank are as follows: R. E. Maupin, president; Arthur Best, vice 
president; J. B. McDonald, cashier; R. G. Maupin, assistant cashier. The 
board of directors are: R. E. Maupin, Arthur Best, A. E. Utz, 0. A. 
Reynolds, D. B. Kooger, W. J. Groamer, and G. N. Groamer. 

The Pattonsburg Savings Bank has had a rapid growth, due to the 
efficiency of its officers and directors. It is now one of the leading 
banking institutions of Daviess County. 

John R. Gillett, farmer and stockman of Lincoln Township, has been 
on a farm all of his life and is now the owner of 760 acres of well improved 
land. 

Mr. Gillett was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, April 13, 1857, a son 
of Lester T. and Elzan (Riley) Gillett. Lester T. Gillett was a native of 
Hartford, Conn., and came to Missouri when he was a young man, and was 
an agent for Seth Thomas Clocks throughout the county. Later, in 1842, 
he moved to Iowa, where he remained the rest of his life. Mr. Gillett was 
among the earliest settlers of Iowa, and became an extensive farmer and 
stockman, raising high grade stock. He owned 900 acres of land in Jeffer- 
son County, Iowa. Mr. Gillett was a Democrat. He died Dec. 28, 1868 and 
his wife died in May, 1905. They are buried in Abington Cemetery, Iowa. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gillett were the parents of 13 children, as follows: Ellen, 
deceased; one child died in infancy ; Penolope, the wife of James D. McCoy, 
both deceased; James, deceased; Orlin H., dceased; Eliza, the widow of 
John Pollock, resides in California; Zacharias T., deceased; Fillmore, de- 
ceased ; Jeanette, deceased, was the wife of William Wells ; William R., 
farmer, resides in Iowa; John R., the subject of this sketch; Edward M., 
banker, Sterling, Colo. ; Lester banker, resides in Washington state. 

John R. Gillett was reared on his father's farm in Iowa, and received 
his education in the district schools. He began life working on a farm 
for $12 per month. Later, he with his brother, William, rented their 




MR AND MUS. JOHN K. CII.I.ETT 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 937 

father's farm for three years, after which Mr. Gillett purchased a farm of 
200 acres in Iowa. He remained there for five years, after which he came 
to Missouri in 1887, setthng on a farm of 80 acres, in Grundy County. 
Mr. Gillett moved to Lincoln Township. Daviess County, a year later, pur- 
chasing his present farm. Mr. Gillett now owns 760 acres of land in 
Lincoln, Washington, and Grand River Townships, and is one of the big- 
gest and most successful stockman of the county. He .specializes in the 
breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

John R. Gillett was married on Oct. 7, 1886, to Emma V. Wells a native 
of Brookville, Iowa, and a daughter of Rufus Morgan and Mary (Groves) 
Wells, natives of Virginia and Indiana. To John R. Gillett and wife seven 
children were born, as follows: Earl, deceased; two children died in in- 
fancy; Edith, a graduate of Jamesport High School, residing at home; 
Ralph, farmer, Lincoln Township; Inez, graduated from Jamesport High 
School and the Gem City College, receiving B. A. degree, and now the wife 
of Frank Gildow, of Daviess, County, residing in Gallatin ; J. Fern, farmer 
and stockman, residing with his father. 

Mr. Gillett is a Democrat in politics. He is a reliable and efficient 
member of the community and has the esteem of his fellow citizens. 

Marion Edgar Pangburn, the capable prosecuting attorney and one 
of the leading members of the Daviess County Bar is one of the widely 
known and successful attorneys of this state. He was born on a farm 
in Clark County, Ind., Feb. 12, 1871, a son of Derrick A. and Dicia (Las- 
well) Pangburn. He belongs to a family which originated in Wales and 
was connected with the nobility, and his great-grandfather, Stephen Pang- 
burn, emigrated from the north of Wales to the American Colonies prior 
to the War of the Revolution, in which he served as a member of the Fifth 
Company, New Jersey Militia. He married Miss Hannah Fitz Randolph, 
daughter of John Randolph, the founder of Princeton University and a 
signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

William Pangburn the grandfather of Marion E. Pangburn, was 
born in Pennsylvania, from which state he migrated to Clark County, Ind., 
as a pioneer. During the War of 1812, in which he served as a soldier, 
he visited this community and became as favorably impressed with its 
advantages and opportunities that in 1820 he returned to the region and 
purchased a tract of land which had originally belonged to the grant of 
George Rogers Clark, given for services rendered by Clark during the 
Revolutionary War. 

Derrick A. Pangburn was a babe when taken to the undeveloped 
country of Clark County, Ind. There he met and married Dicia Laswell, 
who was born in Kentucky, and in 1837 they moved to their own home, a 



938 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tract of land located about 5 J/ miles from the original Pangburn purchase, 
and on that farm continued to reside during the remainder of their lives. 
Six children were born to them, of whom Marion Edgar was the fourth in 
order of birth and the only one not living in Clark County, Ind., except one 
who is deceased. Derrick A. Pangburn followed agricultural pursuits all 
his life and was able to accumulate a fair competency. He had no public 
nor military service, was a plain citizen and all his life gave his attention 
to his own interests. 

The common schools of Clark County, Ind., furnished Marion E. Pang- 
burn with his early education, but he had aspiration far beyond those of 
many of the youths of his community, and proceeded to enter in 1890, the 
State University, at Bloomington, Ind., managing to complete his academic 
course by the hardest kind of work. For the following two years he taught 
and attended school alternately, earning money by teaching with which 
to further his education, and after these two years spent two consecutive 
years as an educator. In 1896 Mr. Pangburn secured the election to the 
office of the county treasurer of Clark County, Ind., as the first Republi- 
can to be elected to that office in that county, and in 1898 was given the 
reelection, his term of office expiring Jan. 1, 1901. In 1902 he entered 
the University of Louisville, Ky., and in 1905 was graduated from the law 
department, having so assiduously devoted himself to his studies that he 
finished the four year course in three years. Following his graduation 
Mr. Pangburn was employed by the Fall City Construction Company, con- 
tractors and builders as Superintendent, paymaster and timekeeper and 
in 1906 in this capacity came to Gallatin to assist in the construction of the 
Courthouse here. He was favorably impressed with the country and peo- 
ple here and located at Pattonsburg where he bought the law practice of 
Henry Eads. He has built up a large practice and is recognized as one of 
the leading lawyers of Daviess County and his practice extends over sev- 
eral other counties in northwestern Missouri. 

Politically, Mr. Pangburn has always been a Republican and has been 
active in the ranks of his party. In 1908 he was the candidate of his party 
for the office of prosecuting attorney of Daviess County and in 1910 he 
was nominated for the legislature. In 1920 he was his parties' candidate 
for prosecuting attorney and was elected by a very satisfactory majority. 
He is now serving in that capacity and has made a record as an able, 
fair and fearless prosecutor. He has served as city attorney of Pattons- 
burg for a number of years and in 1909 he was appointed assistant sergeant 
at arms in the House of Representatives at Jefferson City for the Forty- 
Fifth Session of the Legislature. In 1910 he was appointed census enum- 
erator for Pattonsburg. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 939 

On April 29, 1922 Mr. Pangburn married Myrtle M. McPherron, a na- 
tive of Cornice Bluff, Iowa. She is the Daughter of F. T. and Anna Belle 
(Henderson) McPherron, natives of Henry County, Iowa. Mrs. Pangburn 
was reared near Stanberry, Mo. She is a graduate of the University of 
Missouri and State Teachers College at Maryville, and taught school for 
seven years. 

Mr. Pangburn is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men, The Modern Woodmen 
of America and is a Shrine Mason. He also holds membership in the Re- 
beccas, Pythian Sisters and the Order of the Eastern Star. 

Henry H. Green, a well known merchant of Pattonsburg, was born in 
Marion County, Mo., near Monroe City, June 19, 1890. He is a son of Aug- 
ust H. and Laura H. (Hatch) Green. 

August H. Green was born in Marion County, Mo., and was a promi- 
nent grain dealer during his life. He owned 140 acres of land and carried 
on general farming with his grain business. He died in April, 1908, and is 
buried in Monroe City, Mo. Mr. Green was a member of the Episcopal 
Church. Mrs. Green's father, Henry, Hatch, at one time owned what is 
now a part of the Wabash Railroad, which ran from Pattonsburg to Bruns- 
wick, Mo. For a number of years, Mr. Hatch was treasurer of the Burling- 
ton and Southwest Railroad. He served as mayor of Chillicothe, for three 
terms. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Mr. Hatch died in California in 
in 1920. To August H. and Laura (Hatch) Green two children were born, 
as follows: Henry H., the subject of this sketch; Amy, born March 26, 
1892, and Died Feb. 26, 1921. She is buried in Monroe City, Mo. 

Henry H. Green was reared in Monroe City, and received his educa- 
tion in the public schools. In 1906 Mr. Green engaged in the grain busi- 
ness at Monroe City, Mo., and in 1914 began traveling as a grain buyer for 
a St. Louis grain company. In July, 1917, Mr. Green came to Pattonsburg, 
where he became engaged in the Pattonsburg Milling and Elevator Com- 
pany, and has been successful in this business. He is also interested in 
the grain elevator of Lock Springs, Mo., which ships 300 cars of grain a 
year. He is widely and favorably known throughout Daviess County as a 
grain dealer. 

On July 6, 1917, Mr. Green was married to Ruth Haynie, a native of 
Hannibal, Mo., and daughter of Mr. Haynie and Margaret (Woodard) 
Haynie. Mrs. Haynie was born in Kentucky and is now residing in Monroe 
City, Mo. Mr. Haynie died in 1907 and is buried in Hannibal Cemetery. 
Mr. and Mrs. Haynie were the parents of three children, as follows: Lilas, 
the wife of Ray Yowell, automobile agent. Mission, Texas; Chester, en- 
listed among the first men during the World War in 1917, and was sent 



940 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

to France from Camp Funston. He was gassed during the war, having 
taken part in many battles. 

To Henry H. and Ruth (Haynie) Green one child has been born, 
Henry H. Green, Jr., born Jan. 12, 1919. 

In politics Mr. Green is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic 
Lodge and a member of the Episcopal Chmxh. Mr. Green has an extensive 
acquaintance in Daviess County and stands high in the community. 

Wade D. Moody, the efficient and well known cashier of the Daviess 
County Bank, was born in Albany, Mo., Dec. 31, 1898, a son of W. H. and 
Nettie (Dills) Moody. 

W. H. Moody was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri at the age 
of 14 years. He arrived in St. Joseph, Mo., the day that Jesse James was 
killed. In 1893 Mr. Moody was married to Nettie Dills, a native of Gentry 
County, Mo., and to this union two children were born, as follows: Wade D., 
the subject of this sketch; and Malcolm, farmer and stockman, residing 
at home. For Many years Mr. Moody has been a prominent farmer and 
stockman of Daviess County. At one time he owned 360 acres of land in 
Gentry County, Mo., and was a well known breeder of Shorthorn cattle 
and Poland China hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Moody, are now living retired in 
Albany, Mo. Mr. Moody is a graduate of the State University and served 
as county assessor for six years. He is a Democrat and a member of the 
Baptist Church. 

Wade D. Moody was educated in the grade and high schools of Albany, 
Mo. Upon completion of his education, Mr. Moody entered the banking 
business in Albany, Mo., where he was assistant cashier of the Bank of 
Albany for two years. During the World War he enlisted in the Navy on 
April 22, 1918, and served on the U. S. S. Mississippi. He also did radio 
work in Harvard University. Mr. Moody was discharged from ser\'ice 
in May, 1919. He then returned to Pattonsburg, Mo., where he was ap- 
pointed assistant cashier of the bank, which position he now holds. 

On Oct. 29, 1921, Mr. Moody married Etta Coffey, a native of Pat- 
tonsburg, and daughter of A. J. and Laura (Pyles) Coffey. Mr and Mrs. 
Coffey are the parents of the following children : Mark, attended the public 
and high schools of Pattonsburg, Mo., and is now a drug clerk in Dunham's 
Pharmacy of Pattonsburg ; Etta, attended the public and high schools of 
Pattonsburg, from which she was graduated and has taught school for 
thi'ee years in Daviess and DeKalb Counties ; and Mi's. Moody. Mr. Coffey, 
was mayor of Pattonsburg for four years. He is a Republican and a 
member of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Coffey are now residing in 
Pattonsburg. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 941 

Mr. Moody is an energetic and progressive young man. He is well 
known in Daviess County and has many friends. 

Benjamin A. Yates, a pioneer merchant of Pattonsburg, has been in 
the hardwai-e business for 33 years in the same location, and is the oldest 
established hardware merchant in the state of Missouri. He was born in 
Virginia, Aug. 21, 1855, a son of James A. and Louisa (Kibler) Yates, 
natives of Virginia. 

James A. Yates was born and educated in Virginia. He taught school 
for several years, and was a constable. He died when Benjamin A., the 
subject of this sketch, was three years of age. James A. Yates was a 
member of the Baptist Church and a Democrat. His wife died in March, 
1918, and is buried in Pattonsburg. To James A. and Louisa (Kibler) 
Yates three children were born, as follows: M. Byrd, postmaster ot Pat- 
tonsburg; Fanny, deceased; and Benjamin A., the subject of this sketch. 

Benjamin A. Yates was reared in Virginia and received his education 
in the district schools. In 1876 he came to Missouri and started in the 
grocery business at Gallatin, which was known as Y'ates and Yates. In 
1889, Mr. Yates engaged in the hardware business, and has been in the 
same location in Pattonsburg since that date. He has been very successful 
and during his many years of experience has built up a fine business. 

In April, 1880, Mr. Yates married Minnie Gabel, daughter of James 
and Priscilla (Itson) Gabel, natives of Kansas and Ohio. Minnie (Gabel) 
Yates was born in Ohio. James Gabel was a veteran of the Civil War, 
enlisting from Ohio. He later moved his family to Kansas, where he be- 
came a prominent farmer and stockman, owning 320 acres of land. Mr. 
and Mrs. Gabel, both deceased, were the parents of the following children: 
Harry, living in Washington; Nellie, the widow of E. A. White, living in 
Washington; J. A., residing in Washington; Lucy, the wife of Mr. Mead, 
farmer and stockman, Spokane, Wash.; James, Chehalis, Wash.; Tipp, 
living in Centralia, Wash. ; and Mrs. Yates. To Benjamin A. and Minnie 
(Gabel) Yates the following children have been born: Helen, a graduate 
of high school and Lexington College, who taught in Lexington College for 
one term and is now the wife of Gilbert Groomer, M. D., residing in St. 
Joseph, Mo., Lee, attended public and high schools, also gi-aduated from 
college in Sherman, Texas, and is now the wife of C. V. Agee, clothing 
merchant of Mount Ayr, Iowa. 

In politics Mr. Yates is a Democrat. He is a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. 
Yates are members of the Methodist Church. The Yates family are sub- 
stantial and influential citizens and are well known throughout the county. 



942 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

J. B. McDonald, the capable cashier of the Pattonsburg Savings Bank, 
was born April 22, 1878, in Buchanan County, Mo., a son of James and 
Mary (Kessler) McDonald. 

James McDonald was a native of Kentucky and his wife was born in 
Buchanan County, Mo. They were the parents of the following children: 
Lulu, the wife of J. A. Jordan, St. Joseph ; Jennie, the wife of John Millen ; 
Charles, St. Joseph ; Dollie, the wife of Edgar Kirtley, retired farmer of 
Union Star; Edward, living on a ranch in Montana; and J. B., the subject 
of this sketch. Both Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are now deceased and are 
buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery, King City. During the Civil War, 
James McDonald enlisted in Company C, 11th Missouri Cavalry from 
Andrew County. He was in service for two years and nine months. After 
the war, Mr. McDonald carried on farming and stock raising in DeKalb 
County, Mo., and owned 160 acres of good farm land. He was a well known 
breeder of Shorthorn cattle. Mr. McDonald was a Republican and belonged 
to the Methodist Church. Mrs. McDonald's mother was Anna Kessler. 
She lived to be 101 years of age and was the mother of nine children. 

J. B. McDonald was educated in the public school of Pattonsburg and 
graduated from the High School in 1897. He was graduated from the St. 
Louis College of Pharmacy and for several years afterward was employed 
in a drug store in Pattonsburg. Mr. McDonald then was engaged in the 
Pattonsburg Savings Bank as assistant cashier. A year later he was pro- 
moted to cashier, which position he has held for the last ten years. Before 
becoming cashier of the Pattonsburg Savings Bank, Mr. McDonald was 
offered the position of paymaster in Porto Rico Island. 

Mr. McDonald has served in the office of cashier of the Pattonsburg 
Savings Bank in a very efficient manner, and he has an extensive 
acquaintance in Daviess County. He stands high in his community. 

M. F. McAllister, manager of the Swift and Company of Pattonsburg, 
Mo., is a native of Missouri. He was born Feb. 16, 1892, in Sedalia, Mo., a 
son of Frank and Sophia (Myers) McAllister. 

Frank McAllister was born in Belfast, Ireland, and came to the United 
States when he was 30 years of age. His wife was a native of Germany, 
and came to this country when a young girl. For some time after his 
arrival in Missouri, Mr. McAllister was engaged in the clothing business 
and later in the wholesale liquor business. He was mayor of Sedalia, for 
one term. Mr. McAllister went to Washington, D. C, with Coxey's army. 
In politics he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. McAllister are now living 
retired in Sedalia, Mo. They are the parents of the following children: 
Leo, deceased ; Daniel deceased ; Marie, deceased ; Patrice, deceased ; 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 943 

Edward, in the garage business, Sedalia, and M. F., the subject of this 
sketch. 

M. F. McAllister was reared in Sedalia, and was educated in the grade 
and high school and the Sacred Heart College. He has been engaged in 
the packing and produce business, and has been connected with every 
packing house in the country except the Wilson Company. He is now 
manager of the Swift Company branch of Pattonsburg, which position 
he has held for several years. 

On Nov. 29, 1917, Mr. McAllister was married to Bessie Haltsberry, 
a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Haltsberry, natives of Ohio. Mrs. 
McAllister has four stepsisters and brothers as follows : Anna, the wife of 
John Blevin. locomotive engineer, Dayton, Ohio ; Enid, the wife of William 
Boyd, passenger brakeman, Belleview, Mo. ; Percival, electrical construction 
worker, Lima, Ohio; and Asily, the wife of John Borrows, residing in 
Payne, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Haltsberry are now living in Barton, Ohio, 
where they are engaged in the grocery business. They are members of 
the United Brethren Church and are identified with the Democratic party 
in politics. 

To M. F. and Bessie (Haltsberry) McAllister two children have been 
born, as follows: Marie born in Sedalia, Mo., in 1914, now attending school; 
and Francis, born in 1915, also attending school. 

Mr. McAllister is an enterprising and progressive citizen and is 
widely and favorably known in Daviess County. 

Charles N. Lowrey, deceased, was a native of Daviess County, and a 
prominent farmer and stockman of Benton Township. He was born near 
Pattonsburg, a son of Green and Ruth (Williams) Lowrey. Green Lowrey 
was a native of South Carolina, and a pioneer settler of Daviess County. 
He owned 280 acres of good farm land and was a leading stockman of this 
section. Both Mr. and Mrs. Green Lowrey are deceased and are buried 
in Old Town Cemetei-y, near Plattonsburg. They were the parents of the 
following children : William, John, Charles, Loton, Alonzo all of whom are 
deceased and Laura, the wife of George Montgomery, Harrison County; 
and Charles N., the subject of this sketch. 

Charles N. Lowrey was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, 
and received his education in the grade and high schools. He also attended 
Stanberry Normal School. Mr. Lowrey was a farmer during his entire life. 
He owned 476 'j acres of well improved land near Pattonsburg at the 
time of his death, and was a leading stockman, specializing in the breeding 
of Poland China hogs and black Angus cattle. 

On March 7, 1908, Mr. Lowrey was married to Cora D. Feurt, a daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Glaze) Feurt, natives of Ohio and Illinois. 



944 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Feurt are deceased and are buried in Hickory 
Creek Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: 
Nathaniel, Gabriel, Lydia, the wife of John C. Gerrish, farmer and stock- 
man ; Mary, living on the old homestead ; John G., farmer, resides north of 
Jameson ; Bell, the widow of John Knott, resides at home ; and Mrs. 
Lowrey. 

Mr. Lowrey died Sept. 8, 1912, and is buried in the Odd Fellows Ceme- 
tery at Pattonsburg. Mrs. Lowrey now operates a farm of 233 acres, and 
a fine two story residence. She has living with her now a niece, Addie D. 
Gerrish, who clerks in the 0. K. Store at Pattonsburg. 

Mr. Lowrey was a Democrat and belonged to the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows. He was a director of the Daviess County Bank for a 
number of years and was one of the first depositors of the Pattonsburg 
Savings Bank. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Lowrey 
was an energetic man who stood well in the esteem of his neighbors and 
fellow citizens. 

William M. Prichard, a well known and highly respected citizen of 
Grand River Township, Daviess County, was born Nov. 22, 1873, in Ray 
County, the son of Enoch S. and Ruth (McClung) Prichard. 

Enoch S. Pritchard was born in 1827 in eastern Tennessee, near Knox- 
ville. In 1830 he moved to Ray County, Mo., with his parents. He carried 
on general farming and stock raising in Missouri until his death, Jan. 25, 
1890. He died on the farm now occupied by his son, William M., and is 
buried in Hickory Creek Cemetery. Mrs. Prichard was born in 1835 in 
Virginia. At the age of six years, her parents brought her to Benton 
Township, Daviess County. She was the daughter of Alexander and Eliza- 
beth McClung, who were the parents of 11 children. In making the trip 
to Missouri from Virginia, they came in a wagon drawn by a team of oxen. 
Mrs. Prichard died in 1916 on the home farm in Grand River Township, 
and is buried in Hickory Creek Cemetery. To Enoch S. and Ruth 
(McClung) Prichard nine children were born, as follows: Benjamin A., 
married Mary Creekmore Coffey ; Dr. James B., married Estelle Pauley, 
St. Louis, Mo. ; Edward E., deceased ; George H., deceased ; Dr. Joseph A., 
married Ida Ringen, St. Louis; Mattie S., the wife of John J. Anselm, St. 
Louis,; Charles S., St. Louis; William M.. the subject of this sketch; and 
Margaret, the wife of Albert Thompson, Hiawatha, Kan. 

Enoch S. Prichard's sister, Martha Prichard taught the first school 
in Grand River Township, Daviess County, and it was located on the 
Prichard farm. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Smith) 
Prichard, and was self educated. 




wiM.iA.M M. ri;i( iiAi;ii Axn family 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 945 

William M. Prichard received his education in the Jameson High 
School, the Palmer College of Albany, and the Grand River College of Gal- 
latin. After completing his education, Mr. Prichard taught school in 
Daviess County, from 1896 until 1904. He then engaged in farming and 
stockraising in Grand River Township, Daviess County, on the old farm 
of his parents. He now owns 280 acres of good farm land and is a well 
known breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle, Shropshire sheep. Spotted Pol- 
and China hogs, and other high grade stock. Mr. Prichard also raises 
seed wheat, which he ships out for sale. In the early days the old stage 
route ran through Mr. Prichard's farm. 

Mr. Prichard is now vice prisident of the Farmers Bank of Jameson, 
which was organized in 1910. The first president was Thomas A. Feurt, 
who held that office until his death on Feb. 14, 1922. The first vice pres- 
ident of the bank was Dr. Chas. P. Martin, who died in 1912, and was suc- 
ceeded by Sanford Smith, who died in 1918. Mr. Prichard then became 
vice president, which office he now holds. The first cashier was Edward 
Jenkins, who was succeeded by George W. Johnson, who is now serving in 
that capacity. The directors of the bank are, as follows: Thomas Feurt; 
William M. Prichard; Oscar Smith; Homer Feurt; Crit J. Feurt; S. C. 
Schaffer; George W. Johnson. The bank was organized with a capital 
stock of $1,500.00 and now has a surplus of $3,000.00. The bank building 
is located on the main street of Jameson and is modern in every respect. 

Mr. Prichard is also a member of the Jameson Consolidated Schools, 
District No. 1, which was the first school of consolidation in Daviess. 
County. The school was built at a cost of $25,000.00, and has all branches 
of study, including agriculture and domestic science. J. C. McDonald 
helped greatly in the founding of this school with a gift of $1,500.00 in 
books. 

Mr. Prichard was married to Almeda Lawson, a daughter of Oscar D. 
and Mary E. Lawson, natives of Livingston and Daviess Counties, Mo. 
After their marriage they settled in Harrison Township, Daviess County, 
where Mr. Lawson carried on general farming. Mrs. Prichard's grandpar- 
ents were Mr. and Mrs. John Blakely, pioneer settlers of Missouri. They 
came to Missouri before any railroads were built, making the trip by boat 
as far as Lexington, Mo., and the remainder of the trip by wagon. They 
were natives of Kentucky. To William M. and Almeda (Lawson) Prichard 
two children have been born ; George W. and Robert V. 

In politics Mr. Prichard is a Democrat. He belongs to the Knights of 
Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the 
Methodist Church. Mr. Prichard is one of the progressive and prominent 



946 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

■farmers and stockmen of this county, where his name has always stood for 
enterprise, industry and integrity. 

Hayden Millstead, popular merchant of Pattonsburg, was born, June 
3, 1876, in Iowa, a son of Thomas C. and Margaret (Briner) Millstead. 

Thomas C. Millstead is a native of Indiana. When a very young man 
he moved to Iowa, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising. 
At one time he owned 120 acres of land, and was a prominent feeder of 
cattle and hogs. Mr. Millstead is now living in Kansas City, Mo., where he 
has been employed by the Swift Company for 20 years. He is a staunch 
Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife was born in 
Indiana and died June 30, 1916. She is buried in the Odd Fellows' Ceme- 
tery of Pattonsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Millstead were the parents of the 
following children: James, living in Florida; Elizabeth, the wife of Gordon 
Sullivan, electrical engineer, living in Arizona; and Hayden, the subject 
of this sketch. 

Hayden Millstead was reared on his father's farm in Iowa. When he 
had completed his education he worked in a hotel for several months, later 
going into the livery business for two years in Jamesport, Mo. He then 
had a transfer business at Gallatin, Mo., for several years, after which he 
worked in a grocery store in Gallatin for nine months. In 1915, Mr. Mill- 
stead removed to Pattonsburg, and in a few months purchased the business 
of Raider Company, grocers. He then opened a grocery and meat market. 
Mr. Millstead now owns one of the finest stores of its kind in Pattonsburg, 
where he has built up a splendid business. 

On Sept. 15, 1908, Mr. Millstead married Minnie Clay, a native of 
Gallatin, and daughter of Bell and Cora (Morrow) Clay, natives of Ken- 
tucky and Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Clay were the parents of the following 
children : Ellen, deceased ; Mandel, deceased ; Fordie, living in Homer, La. ; 
Bess, the wife of Ward Wiltrout, Kansas City, Mo. ; Ethel, lives in Florida ; 
Jessie, the wife of J. F. Millstead, Florida; Robert, Kansas City, Mo.; 
John, deceased, served during the World War, being drafted May 1, 1918, 
was discharged from service Feb. 13, 1919, and died Nov. 17, 1919. Mr. 
Clay died August 14, 1914, and his wife died June 2, 1902. To Hayden 
and Minnie (Clay) Millstead one child was born, Elaine, now attending 
school in Gallatin. They have three stepchildren, as follows: Ralph Mill- 
stead, Philip, South Dakota ; Frank, Kirkville, Mo. ; and Morris, in business 
with his father. 

Mr. Millstead has served as school director for two terms. He is a 
Democrat and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the 
Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 947 

member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Millstead is a descendant of 
Henry Clay on her father's side and Daniel Boone on her mother's side. 
She is a member of the Royal Neighbors, Rebeccas Auxiliary and is a 
Republican, having been chairman of the Republican Committee of Pat- 
tonsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Millstead are among the dependable citizens of 
Daviess County, and are widely and favorably known. 

M. B. Yates, the popular postmaster of Pattonsburg, Mo., is a native 
of Virginia. He was born in January, 1852, a son of James A. and Louisa 
(Kibler) Yates, natives of Virginia. 

James A. Yates was reared and educated in Virginia. He was a school 
teacher for several years, and also served as constable. He died when M. 
B., the subject of this sketch was six years old. Mr. Yates was a member 
of the Baptist Church and a Democrat. His wife died in March, 1918, 
and is buried in Pattonsburg, Mo. To James A. and Louisa (Kibler) Yates 
three children were born, as follows: M. B., the subject of this sketch; 
Fanny, deceased; and Benjamin A., hardware merchant of Pattonsburg. 

M. B. Yates was educated in the schools of Virginia. He was then 
engaged as clerk in Philadelphia in the road master's office. Some time 
later he removed to Missouri, where he was appointed mail clerk under 
President Cleveland's administration. Later Mr. Yates went into the 
hardware business with his brother in Pattonsburg. He was appointed 
postmaster of Pattonsburg a few years later, which office he now holds. 

On Sept. 30, 1891, Mr. Yates was married to Anna Wright, a daughter 
of Fayette and Lucinda (Buchanan) Wright, natives of Kentucky and 
Missouri. Mr. Wright was a prominent farmer and stockman of Missouri 
for many years. He owned 320 acres of land and was a well known breeder 
of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. For many years Mr. Wright 
served as justice of the peace, and was known as a squire. He was a 
Republican and a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Wright died Aug. 
31, 1906, and his wife died July 10, 1910. They are buried at Plattsburg, 
Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Wright were the parents of the following children: 
Mollie, deceased; Endora, deceased; Florence, deceased; John J., deceased; 
and Alford N., deceased; Ednomonia, the wife of Harry H. Burkett, resid- 
ing in Oklahoma ; Millissa, the widow of Joseph Biggerstaft, living in 
Oklahoma ; William R.', farmer and stockman, Smithville, Mo. ; Woodson, 
resides in Kansas City, Mo.; James C, Smithville, Mo.; Walter, Oklahoma 
City, Okla. ; and Mrs. Yates. To M. B. and Anna (Wright) Yates four 
children were born, as follows: Mary, graduate of Central College, Lexing- 
ton, Mo., is assistant postmaster of Pattonsburg, and also teaches music; 
Dorothy, graduate Central College, Lexington, Mo., and taught school for 



948 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

two years, is now the wife of Curtman Maupin, Pattonsburg, Mo. ; Virginia, 
graduated from college in class of 1922 ; and Elizabeth, now attending high 
school. 

In politics Mr. Yates is a Democrat. He is a member of the Christian 
Church. He and his family are highly respected citizens and stand high 
in Daviess County. 

Mrs. Ada M. Royston, owner of the Merchants Hotel of Pattonsburg, 
Mo., and dealer in musical instruments for 40 years, is a native of Alham- 
bra, 111. She is a daughter of George W. and Augusta (Wise) Mead, 
natives of New York and Pennsylvania. 

George W. Mead was born in Warsaw, N. Y., and came to Illinois 
when a very young man. During the Civil War he was engaged in the 
piano business. By profession, Mr. Mead was an attorney, but his interests 
were many. He taught school and was also a prominent farmer and 
stockman. He owned 240 acres of land, and was a dairy farmer. Mr. 
Mead was a graduate of Yale University, and for some time held a county 
judgeship. In politics he was a Democrat. He died April 21, 1904, and his 
wife died April 17, 1921. She was an excellent musician. They were the 
parents of the following children: Mamie, deceased; Augustus, deceased; 
Bertie, deceased; Bessie, deceased; George, living in Galesburg, 111.; Lewis, 
Litchfield, 111. ; Eva, Edwardsville, 111. ; the wife of Frank Steel ; Emma, the 
wife of Emil Mueller, Summerf ield, 111. ; H. H., Edwardsville, Mo. ; Esther, 
the widow of Elmer Moore, Grant City, 111. ; Grover, Carlyle, 111. ; and Mrs. 
Ada M. Royston. All of the Mead family are musicians and owners of 
music stores. 

On March 28, 1892, Ada M. Mead was married to Henry Royston, a 
native of Jameson, Mo., and son of Frank and Elizabeth (Clore) Royston, 
natives of Tennessee and Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Royston were the 
parents of the following children: Maggie, the wife of Alvie Parks, farmer, 
Jameson, Mo. ; Charlie, Lawrence, Kan. ; James, Fremont, Neb. ; and Henry 
deceased. Frank Royston was a prominent farmer and stockman of Mis- 
souri, and owned 700 acres of land. Both Mr. and Mrs. Royston are now 
deceased, and buried in Hickory Creek Cemetery. 

To Henry and Ada M. (Mead) Royston two children were born, 
as follows: Gladys Elizabeth, the wife of Robert Fanning, a farmer and 
stockman of Pattonsburg, Mo., and they have one child, Betty Lou; and 
Lucile Dugusta, a graduate of the high school and Fayette College, where 
she won a gold medal for the highest grades, is also a graduate of the State 
University, where she won the highest honors in the class of Journalism 
and received from the University the degree A. B. Miss Royston is now 
teaching school in Leon, Iowa. Henry Royston was a substantial farmer 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 949 

and stockman and owned 150 acres of land in Grand River Township. He 
was a well known breeder of cattle and hogs. In politics Mr. Royston was 
a Republican, and he belonged to the Methodist Church. He died April 29, 
1901, and is buried in Hickory Creek Cemetery. 

Mrs. Ada M. Royston owns 164 acres of land, and manages a stock 
farm. She specializes in the breeding of Shetland ponies. Mrs. Royston 
manages the Merchants Hotel in Pattonsburg, and with her daughters 
owns eight residences and 14 acres of the 164 acres is within Pattonsburg. 
For 12 years she taught music throughout the state of Missouri, and for 
the past 20 years has owned a music store in Pattonsburg, where pianos, 
phonographs, and musical instruments of all kinds are on sale. 

In politics Mrs. Royston is a Democrat. She is a member of the Yeo- 
mens' Royal Neighbors, Modern Brotherhood of America, and belongs to 
the Christian Church. Mrs. Royston is a woman who possesses energy, 
industry and business foresight. She is prominent and well liked through- 
out the country. 

Dr. Earl Shackleford, a well known osteopath of Pattonsburg, was 
born in Harrison County, Mo. He is a son of J. H. and Millie (Harding) 
Shackleford. 

J. H. Shackleford is a native of Indiana. He came to Missouri with 
his parents and settled in Harrison County. Mr. Shackleford became a 
prominent farmer and stockman, and owns 80 acres of well improved land 
in Harrison County. He is a Republican and belongs to the Methodist 
Church. To J. H. and Millie (Harding) Shackleford five children were 
born, as follows : Leo M., farmer, resides in Grant City ; Jesse, further 
mention of whom is made below; Esther, the wife of Leonard Tramaell, 
World War veteran, residing in Eagleville; Dr. Earl, the subject of this 
sketch ; and 0. J., teacher, resides in Harrison County. Jesse Shackleford 
enlisted during the World War and served 18 months in France. He was 
promoted from the ranks while in France, and served with the 89th Divi- 
sion. Mr. Shackleford is now located in Des Moines, Iowa, where he is 
in business. 

Dr. Earl Shackleford was educated in the public and high schools of 
Harrison County. He also attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, 
after which he taught school for several years. Dr. Shackleford later 
entered the College of Osteopathy, and has been practicing since 1917 in 
Pattonsburg. He has been very successful in his work, and is widely and 
favorably known. 

Doctor Shackleford is serving his second term as commander of the 
American Legion Post of Pattonsburg, and is a charter member. He 



950 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

organized Post No. 227. During the World War, Dr. Shackleford enlisted 
and was stationed at Camp Dodge, Iowa, in the Medical Corps, for 16 
months. He was discharged after the armistice. 

In politics Doctor Shackleford is a Republican. He belongs to the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Methodist 
Church. Dr. Shackleford is a substantial citizen and stands high in the 
county. 

Amaziah A. Graham, owner of a saw and grist mill in Pattonsburg, 
is a native of Missouri He was born near Unionville, in Putnam County, 
Feb. 2, 1852, a son of David and Elizabeth (Curby) Graham. 

David Graham was born in Greenbrier County, Va., and came to 
Indiana when a very young man. Later, he removed to Missouri, settling 
in Daviess County. By trade, Mr. Graham was a shoemaker. During the 
Civil War, he made coffins for the government, and continued in this line of 
work until his death 1890. Mr. Graham was a Democrat and a member 
of the Methodist Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Graham are deceased. They 
were the parents of the following children : Lou, deceased ; Lottie, 
deceased ; Bell, deceased ; Malissa, deceased ; Mary the widow of James 
Miller, Omaha ; and A. A. Graham, the subject of this sketch. 

Amaziah A. Graham was reared in Missouri and received his edu- 
cation in the district school. He began life farming, but later went to 
Pattonsburg, in 1885, where he started a saw and grist mill, which he still 
operates. Mr. Graham has made a success of his work and is widely and 
favorably known throughout Daviess County. He owns his residence in 
Pattonsburg, as well as other property. 

On Nov. 17, 1877, Mr. Graham married Margaret Blankenship, a 
native of Daviess County, and a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Camp- 
bell) Blankenship, natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Blankenship were 
the parents of the following children: Emily, deceased; Vonnie, deceased; 
Benjamin, deceased; Remithy, deceased; Agnes, deceased; Betty, the 
widow of George Hall, King City ; Willis, Daviess County ; and Mrs. 
Graham. Mr. and Mrs. Blankenship are both deceased. To. A. A. and 
Margaret (Blankenship) Graham the following children were born : David, 
general superintendent of the electric plant and pumping station of Hugo, 
Colo. ; Minnie, the wife of C. L. Burcher, resides in Kansas ; Mary, milliner, 
lola, Kan. ; Claud, head miller and millwright, Excello Feed Mill Company, 
St. Joseph ; Derias, served during the World War with the 89th Division, 
342 Field Artillery, and was on the firing line for 88 days. He was gassed 
during the war, but was sent with the army of occupation to Germany 
after the armistice. He is now the chief refrigeraton engineer for the 
Swift Company, and resides in Pattonsburg; Samuel W., electrical and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 951 

steam engineer, now associated with his father in business. Carl also 
served in the army during the World War at Camp Funston. Mr. Graham 
has seven grand children. 

In politics Mr. Graham is a Republican. He is a member of the Pente- 
costal Church. Mr. Graham is progressive, public spirited and one of the 
valued citizens of Daviess County. 

Hardin N. Stovall, a well known retired farmer and stockman of Pat- 
tonsburg, was born May 20, 1846, in Hardin County, Ky., a son of John 0. 
and Rachael (Newman) Stovall. 

John O. Stovall was a native of Hardin County, Ky. He was a promi- 
nent farmer and stockman of that country during his entire life. During 
the Civil War, H. H. Stovall, a son of John O. Stovall, enlisted in Company 
H, 6th Kentucky Infantry, and served throughout the entire war, taking 
part in practically every important battle of the war. John 0. Stovall 
owned 900 acres of land in Kentucky. He died in March, 1887, and is 
buried in Kentucky. Mr. Stovall was a Democrat and a member of the 
Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Stovall were the parents of the following 
children: Matilda, deceased; George W., deceased; Barnetta, deceased; 
John H., Lakeland, Ky. ; James B., deceased; Rachael, deceased; Polly, 
deceased; Christopher, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; and Hardin N., the 
subject of this sketch. 

Hardin N. Stovall received his education in the district schools, and 
grew to manhood on his father's farm. He then rented land for four 
years, after which he purchased 25 acres of land in Hardin County, Ky. 
At one time Mr. Stovall owned 200 acres of well improved land in Gentry 
County, and was a leading stockman of the county. He has been very 
successful in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 
Mr. Stovall is now living retired in Pattonsburg, where he owns an attrac- 
time home. 

Mr. Stovall was married the first time in Oct. 19, 1868, to Mary 
Jane Carnahan. To the union of Wm. and Elizabeth Carnaham the follow- 
ing children were born: John, Jesse, William, George, Zickel, and Thomas. 
Mrs. Stovall died Aug. 6, 1903, and is buried in the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows Cemetery of Pattonsburg. Later, Mr. Stovall was married 
to Josephine Watson, a native of Daviess County, and a daughter of David 
and Elizabeth (Cannady) Watson. David Watson was born in Ohio 
and came to Missouri with his parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Watson are 
deceased and are buried in Daviess County. To Hardin N. and Mary Jane 
(Carnahan) Stovall, two children were born: John H., Horton, Kan.; and 
Henry S., now living at Newton, Kan. 



952 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Stovall is a Democrat and is a member of the Baptist Church. 
He has always been one of the enterprising citizens of the township, and 
is widely known. 

Davis E. Waters, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Salem Town- 
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 615 acres of well improved land, is a 
native of Daviess County. He was born Nov. 15, 1861, and is a son of 
Gardner and Sarah (Reed) Waters. 

Gardner Waters was born in Ohio, and came to Daviess County in 
1849, settling north of Jameson. He began farming with his brother, 
Davis. During the Civil War, Mr. Waters enlisted in the state Militia, and 
served for six months. Mr. Waters became one of the most successful 
farmers an stockmen of the county, and owned 735 acres of land with his 
brother. He died Nov. 18, 1872, and his wife died Nov. 17, 1917. They 
were the parents of five children, as follows: Margaret E., deceased; John, 
Daviess County; Edith, (Ingram), deceased; Myrah, the wife of John L. 
Allen ; and Davis, the subject of this sketch, and who is the oldest. Gard- 
ner Waters was a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. 

David E. Waters was reared on the farm he now operates. He re- 
ceived his education in the district schools. During his entire life he has 
been a farmer and stockman, and is one of the leading stockmen of the 
county ; he is also a feeder of cattle and hogs. Mr. Waters' farm is modern 
in every respect, and contains a fine watering system. His home is a two 
story structure, and is one of the attractive residences of the community. 

On March 14, 1889, Mr. Waters married Stella Heath, a daughter of 
David M. and Eliza (Kerr) Heath, natives of Ohio and Virginia. Mrs. 
Waters was born near McFall. His father was a leading farmer of Daviess 
County. In his early life he was a minister and missionary worker. He 
died Dec. 30, 1901, and his wife died July 2, 1899. They are buried in 
Heath Cemetery. Mr. Heath was also a veteran of the Civil War. 

To Davis E. and Stella (Heath) Waters seven children were born, as 
follows : Aaron, farmer and stockman, Jameson ; Audrey , the wife of Louis 
Kroschen, farmer and stockman, Daviess County ; Irma, the wife of Carl 
Netherton, farmer and stockman, near Jameson ; Austin, farmer and stock- 
man, resides west of Jameson ; Alice, the wife of Emil Salmon, farmer and 
stockman, resides south of Bethany ; Davis E., Jr., at home and Robert, at 
home. 

Mr. Waters served as justice of the peace for four years, and has also 
been a member of the township board for six years. He has served as 
school director and district clerk. He belongs to the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows and is a Republican. The Waters family are members of 





DAVIS E. WA'l'KRS 



MRS. DAVIS E. WATKUS 




RESIDENCE OF DAVIS K. WATERS 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 953 

the Methodist Church and among the leading families of Daviess County. 
Mr. Waters has always been progressive, public spirited, and is a citizen 
of real worth. 

The picture of Mr. and Mrs. Waters which appears here was taken 
when they first began life together on the farm, which was then all prairie 
and unimproved. By hard work and good managment they have become 
well-to-do. 

Amanda M. Bell, a pioneer settler of Daviess County, was born in 
Jackson County, Ind. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Rob- 
ertson) Anderson. 

William Anderson was a native of Virginia. When a young man he 
moved to Ohio, and after his marriage he moved to Indiana, where he 
became engaged in farming and stock raising. Some years later, Mr. 
Anderson left Indiana, and settled in Daviss County, where he owned 
80 acres of good farm land. He was a well known breeder of cattle, sheep, 
and horses. Mr. Anderson was a Republican and a member of the Meth- 
odist Church. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried in the 
Methodist Cemetery of Daviess County. They were the parents of ten 
children, as follows : Margaret, deceased ; Morgan, deceased ; Nancy, 
deceased; Mary Ann, deceased; David, deceased; Sarah Jane, deceased; 
Elizabeth, deceased ; Jacob, a Civil War veteran now resides in Cameron ; 
John Joseph, retired, Gallatin; and Amanda M., the subject of this sketch. 

Amanda M. Bell was reared in Daviess County and received her 
education in the district schools. On March 28, 1867, she married William 
H. Bell, a son of Henry and Mercier Bell, natives of Ohio, and pioneer 
settlers of Daviess County. William H. Bell was born June 3, 1847. Dur- 
ing his entire life he was a farmer and stockman. At one time he owned 
500 acres of land, and he was a prominent breeder of Shorthorn cattle 
and Poland China hogs. During the Civil War Mr. Bell enlisted from Ohio 
in the 66th Ohio Infantry, and served for over two years. He was engaged 
in practically all of the important battles of the war, and was with Sher- 
man in his march to the sea. Mr. Bell died Jan. 12, 1916, and is buried 
in the Methodist Cemetery, near Civil Bend, Daviess County. He was a 
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Masonic lodges, and 
belonged to the Methodist Church. To William H. and Amanda M. (Ander- 
son) Bell seven children were born, as follows: Henry, Portland, Ore.; 
Alora, the wife of Donar Milton, Daviess County ; Everett, Victor, Colo. ; 
Martha, the wife of John Booker, Colorado; Thomas, Pattonsburg. He 
enlisted in the army in 1913, and was stationed in the Phillippine Islands, 
and was discharged March 3, 1921 ; Oras, Oklahoma ; and Claud, Daviess 



954 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

County. Mrs. Bell has 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 
Two of her grandchildren served during the World War. Asel Bell was 
killed four days before the signing of the armistice and Bertram Bell 
served as corporal of his company while in France. 

In politics Mrs. Bell is a Republican. She is now 75 years of age and 
is enjoying exceptionally good health. Mrs. Bell is a very interesting 
woman and has many friends throughout the country. 

White Bayless, a successful merchant of Pattonsburg, was born in 
Tennessee, Jan. 18, 1882, a son of A. B. and Amanda (Snyder) Bayless. 

A. B. Bayless was a native of Tennessee. He came to Missouri in 
1884, settling in Daviess County, where he engaged in farming and stock 
raising. Mr. Bayless was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist 
Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Bayless five children were born, as follows: 
White, the subject of this sketch; Alex, resides in Wyoming; Carrie, the 
wife of George Rader, Pattonsburg; Letitia, the wife of John V. Henry, 
chief of police, Redondo, Calif. ; and Leah, at home with her brother. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bayless are both deceased, and are buried in the New Hope 
Church Cemetery, Pattonsburg. 

White Bayless was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County and 
was educated in the district schools. He began life fanning but later 
worked in Kansas City, Mo. After several years, Mr. Bayless returned to 
Pattonburg, where he became engaged in the restaurant business for 
three years. He then sold out and went into the grocery business. Since 
that time, Mr. Bayless has enlarged his business and now handles 
groceries, dry goods, shoes, etc. He has been in the same location for the 
past eight years and has a fine business built up. 

On Dec. 27, 1910, Mr. Bayless married Delia Cunningham, a native 
of Daviess County, and a daughter of J. L. and Jane (Bowman) Cunning- 
ham. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham are now living retired in Coffey. Mr. 
Cunningham has been a prominent farmer and stockman of Daviess County 
for many years, and owns 40 acres of well improved land. He is a Demo- 
crat and a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham 
are the parents of eight children, as follows: Lillie, deceased; Maud, the 
widow of John Harrington, Coffey ; Martha, deceased ; Austin, Coffey ; 
Dewey, Coffey ; Gifford, enlisted during the World War, and was in ser- 
vice for three years in this country ; Edna, attending school ; and Mrs. 
Bayless. To White and Delia (Cunningham) Bayless one child has been 
born, James Vance Bayless, deceased. 

In politics Mr. Bayless is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
Methodist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. Mrs. Bayless 



HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 955 

belongs to the Eastern Star Lodge. Mr. Bayless is a progressive and 
successful citizen of Pattonsburg, and stands high in the community. 

Edwin O. Turner, the efficient and well known president and General 
Manager of the Daviess County Telephone Company, was born March 15. 
1873, in Green County, 111., in the town of Athensville. He is a son of T. C. 
and Martha (Vanbebber) Turner. 

T. C. Turner was born in Kentucky and was married the first time to 
Jane M. Rhodes, a native of Illinois. To this union the following children 
were born: George B., deceased; Sarah, the wife of A. M. Calhoun, retired 
farmer residing in Franklin, 111. ; Theresa, the widow of D. N. Houser, now 
living in Illinois ; John A., banker of Palmyra, 111. Mrs. Turner died and 
is buried in Rhodes Cemetery, 111. Mr. Turner later married Martha Van- 
bebber, a native of Tennessee, and to this union the following children 
were born: Minnie, the wife of Frank E. Vandaver, farmer, Whitehall, 
111. ; Cora, the wife of Lloyd Hettick, farmer and stockman, Fayette, 111. ; 
T. M., farmer and stockman of Athenswell, 111. ; and Edwin O., the subject 
of this sketch. Mr. Turner was the owner of 210 acres of land in Illinois, 
and was widely known as a breeder of high grade stock. For a number of 
years he was township supervisor and commissioner. He was a member 
of the Masonic Lodge and belonged to the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. 
Turner was a Democrat. He died July 13, 1921, and his wife died May 22, 
1907. They are both buried in Rhodes Cemetery in Illinois. 

Edwin 0. Turner was educated in the public and high schools of Ill- 
inois. He also attended the Commercial College of Bushnell, 111. After 
completing his education, Mr. Turner was engaged for some time in the 
furniture and undertaking business in Illinois. Later he became interested 
in the telephone exchange work, and is one of the pioneers in that line of 
work. He installed the telephone exchange in Scottsville, 111., and Tarkio, 
Mo. In 1916, Mr. Turner came to Pattonsburg, and is now a resident of 
Gallatin. He has served in the offices of township collector and township 
clerk while in Illinois. 

Mr. Turner married Alice Mitchell, a daughter of J. G. and Lizzie H. 
(Hubbell) Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were the parents of the follow- 
ing children: Rosie, died in infancy; Laura, Oscar, prominent attorney of 
Duluth, Minn. ; John , farmer and stockman, Greenfield, 111. ; Ella, the wife 
of S. M. Hix, farmer and stickman, Greenfield, 111. ; Emma, the wife of 
George N. Hill, lumber business, Greenfield, 111. ; Richard, resides in Min- 
nesota ; Charles, fruit grower, living in Florida ; Edgar, engaged in the oil 
business, Texas; and Grover, Indiana. J. G. Mitchell, the father of Mrs. 
Turner was born in Tennessee and moved to Indiana, later going to 
Illinois in 1840. He was a prominent farmer and stockman, owning 400 



956 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

acres of good farm land. Mr. Mitchell died Feb. 19, 1914, and his wife 
died Jan. 16, 1920. They are buried in Illinois. To Edwin 0. and Alice 
(Mitchell) Turner two children were born, as follows: Bernice, born March 
4, 1904, now attending Stevens College, Columbia, Mo. ; and Troy M., 
deceased, was born Aug. 28, 1895, and died Dec. 13, 1895. 

Mr. Turner is a Democrat and trustee of the Baptist Church. His 
wife is an active church and welfare worker and is interested in politics, 
being a Democrat. Mrs. Turner taught school for 12 years, and was 
known as one of the most successful teachers in the state of Illinois. Mr. 
Turner is one of the substantial and influential citizens of Gallatin, and is 
well known throughout the county. 

Dr. William H. Hargis, a prominent dentist of Pattonsburg, Mo., was 
born in Gallatin, Mo., Oct. 24, 1873, a son of William Abel and Lilly 
(Comer) Hargis. 

William Abel Hargis was a native of Kentucky but moved to DeKalb 
County, Mo., with his parents in the early days, settling in Weatherby. He 
made the trip by wagon. During the Civil War, Mr. Hargis enlisted in 
the Volunteers of Missouri, and served throughout the war. After the 
close of the war, he began practicing law in Gallatin, in Daviess County, 
and at the time of his death, Sept. 24, 1874, Mr. Hargis was one of the 
most noted attorneys of the state. Mrs. Hargis was a native of Richmond, 
Mo. She died Feb. 7, 1905, and is buried in Gallatin with her husband. 
Mr. Hargis was a member of the Christian Church and his wife belonged 
to the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of one child, William 
H., the subject of this sketch. 

Dr. Willaim H. Hargis was educated in the public and high schools of 
Gallatin, Mo., and was also graduated from the Grand River College at 
Gallatin and the Kansas City Dental College in Kansas City, in the class of 
April, 1899. He began practicing dentistry in 1899 in Gallatin, where he 
remained for 11 years. He then practiced in St. Louis and Chicago for 
about ten years, after which he returned to Gallatin. In 1817, Dr. Hargis 
moved to Pattonsburg, Mo., where he is now located. He has an excep- 
tionally fine practice built up, due in no small part to his many years ex- 
perience. 

On July 15, 1909, Dr. Hargis was married to Martha Easton, a 
daughter of F. F. Easton and Marrietta (Weed) Easton. Mrs. Hargis was 
born in Coin, Iowa. 

Dr. Hargis is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and 
is a member of the Northwestern Dental Association and the National 
Dental Association. He is identified with the Democratic party in politics 
and is a member of the Methodist Church. Dr. Hargis is a public spirited 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 957 

and progressive citizen, and is prominent and well liked throughout the 
county. 

William H. Brown, a Civil War veteran and prominent pioneer citizen 
who now is residing at McFall is a native of Kentucky. He was born in 
Nicholas County, Aug. 18, 1834. He is a descendant of Scotch-Irish 
ancestors on his father's side, his grandfather and grandmother having 
been born, reared and married in Ireland and emigrated from that country 
to the United States. On his mother's side, Mr. Brown belongs to an old 
colonial family. His maternal grandfather was a native of Holland and 
served in the American army during the Revolutionary War. He lost an 
arm at the battle of Yorktowh. 

William H. Brown received such education as the common schools of 
Kentucky afforded, during his boyhood days. During the Civil War he 
served as first lieutenant in a company of Kentucky home guards for 
three years. The government furnished them with arms and ammunition 
and they furnished their own uniforms and other equipment and expenses. 
They were called out twice under United States officers, during General 
Morgan's raid, in Kentucky. While serving in the home guard, Mr. Brown 
was commissioned Colonel of the 84th Capital Regiment of Enrolled Militia 
by the Governor of Kentucky. He organized the regiment into companies 
and battalions but was never called into service. He enlisted as a private 
in June, 1864 in Company I, 1st Regiment Capital Guards. 

Mr. Brown was married at Bethel, Ky., Jan. 16, 1856 to Joann Patrick 
and to them were born the following children : two died in infancy ; Mary 
E. Stokes, Butler, Mo. ; Emma H. Baird, McFall, Mo. ; Joshua B. who owns 
a stock and grain farm near Larned, Kan., and has served in the office of 
county treasurer of Pawnee County and for four years was deputy county 
treasurer of Pawnee County, Kan. ; William P. and James N. who composed 
the firm of Brown Bros, hardware dealers at McFall ; L. L. Brown who is 
the present county clerk of Pawnee County, Kan., and lives at Larned ; and 
Thomas O. who lives near Fort Lupton, Colo. 

After the close of the Civil War, Mr. Brown served as a justice of the 
peace in Kentucky. In 1875 he moved to Kansas with his family and 
settled at Larned, Pawnee County and bought a quarter section of land in 
that vicinity. After moving to Kansas he was elected justice of the peace 
there and served two years. In 1879 he was elected treasurer of Pawnee 
County, and was re-elected to that office twice, serving six years and he 
served as deputy county treasurer there for two years. In 1888 Mr. Brown 
came to Missouri and bought a farm IVi miles from McFall. Here he was 
engaged in general farming and stock raising until he moved to McFall 
where he is the owner of four acres of ground within the city limits. He 



958 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

makes a speciality of raising strawberries and is widely known as a suc- 
cessful strawberry grower. 

Mr. Brown was born and reared in the Presbyterian faith, having 
become identified with that denomination when he was 14 years old ; while 
he was a resident of Larned, Kan., he was a ruling elder in the church. 
He is now a member of the Methodist Church at McFall. 

Mr. Brown supports the policies and principals of the Republican party 
and has been identified with that party since 1860. He is one of the 
substantial citizens of Gentry County. 

W. P. Brown, a member of the firm of Brown Brothers, general hard- 
ware merchants at McFall, Mo., is a native of Kentucky. He was born in 
November, 1864 and is a son of W. H. Brown, a biographical sketch of 
whom appears in this volume. 

W. P. Brown received his education in the public schools and began 
life as a farmer and stockman with his father. He then engaged in the 
hardware business in 1889 and was interested in that business until 1892 
when he sold out and worked as a clerk in a general merchandise store 
for seven years at McFall. The firm of Brown Brothers was then 
organized at McFall and since that time they have carried on a general 
hardware business. They have a large trade which extends over a wide 
scope of territory, and are recognized as leading business men of Gentry 
County. 

Mr. Brown was married Nov. 10, 1896 to Miss Fannie Christie. They 
have no children. 

Mr. Brown is a Republican and takes an active part in politics ; he has 
served as chairman of the Gentry County Republican Central Committee. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian church and one of the substantial busi- 
ness men of McFall and Gentry County. 

George D. Ewing, a prominent business man of Pattonsburg, Mo., 
was born Jan. 2, 1842, in Trimble County, Ky., a son of Fulton Ewing and 
Rachel Watkins (Robbins) Ewing. 

Fulton Ewing was boim Nov. 4, 1809, in Henry County, Ky. He was 
a prominent farmer and stockman of his locality, owning 630 acres of land. 
His mother was a decendant of the Douglas clan and connected with the 
Scotch nobility. She was a graduate of Edinburg University, and taught 
the first high school for girls at Frankfort, Ky., ever opened in that 
state. She was a first cousin of Sir Walter Scott, her maiden name being 
Scott (Robina). In 1879, Mr. Ewing was elected to the state legislature. 
He was chairman of the Educational Committee and Charitable Institu- 
tions. Both of Mr. Ewing's mother's grandfathers were soldiers in the 
Revolution. Their names were John Robbins and Even Watkins. John 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 959 

Robbins, after serving for most of the war, was killed in a skirmish with 
a British foraging party, at Yorktown, Va., only a short time before the 
surrender of the British Army. 

The following children were born to Fulton Ewing and wife: James; 
Robina Scott ; Mary Frances, William Pryor, Augustus Mortimer, George 
D., Thressa H, Abel R., Elizabeth, and Christopher Clark. James, Robina, 
Thressa and Christopher, died in childhcod. The others living to past 
middle age, most of them to old age. All are now dead but George D. 
Ewing. 

George D. Ewing was educated in the county of his birth. Owing 
to the interest his father, and a few neighbors took in education, he was 
afforded better educational opportunities than most of the schools then 
afforded. His father and others employed a college professor from Ohio 
to teach the district school for a number of terms. No other school in the 
country had such a competent teacher. 

On July 13, 1865, George D. Ewing, and Miss Artimesa Bain, of the 
same county were married. To them were born four children ; Mattie E., 
Charles B., Ira Scott and Iva Watkins, twin sons, who died in childhood. 
The father and mother of Mrs. George Ewing were Charles C. and Nancy 
(Trout) Bain. Their children were Sarah J., Jeremiah Trout, Elvina, 
Mary A., William A., Artimesa, Eliza J., and Matilda. All the children 
were married and all are dead except Mrs. Eliza Hisle. 

Augustus M. and George D. Ewing were soldiers in the Confederate 
Army, belonging to Company A 4th Kentucky Cavalry. Both saw hard 
service and were engaged in many battles, but neither was wounded or 
captured. In 1863 George D. Ewing, was transfered to Brigade Head- 
quarters, with rank of orderly sergeant, but usually acted as aid-de-camp 
during battles. 

In 1885, George D. Ewing and family came from their home in Ken- 
tucky, and settled in Pattonsburg, Mo. The daughter, Mattie E., in 1888, 
became the wife of Truman C. Beasley, a merchant of Pattonsburg, 
Mo., they living at Pattonsburg until 1910, when they moved to Chillicothe. 
Mr. Beasley becoming president of the First National Bank in that city. 
T. C. Beasley and Chas. B. Ewing still own the Pattonsburg Mercantile 
Company Store, known as the "O. K. Store." The same has been under the 
management of Chas. B. Ewing since the removal to Chillicothe of T. C. 
Beasley. 

George D. Ewing has always taken quite an interest in civic affairs, a 
strong believer in the law, and its enforcement. Believing that the better 
way to secure civic righteousness 4s to elect capable persons to official posi- 



960 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

tions. He was mayor of Pattonsburg for five years, justice of the peace 
for a number of years and has been engaged in insurance, notarial work 
and real estate business for many years. 

His wife, Artimesa Ewing, died Sept. 24, 1918, they having been per- 
mitted to walk life's pathway together for more than fifty-three years. 

In March, 1913, Charles B. Ewing and Mrs. Dora M. Hart were 
married. They live in Pattonsburg, Mo. Since the death of Mrs. G. D. 
Ewing, Mr. Ewing has lived with them. 

Samuel A. Jarrett, of Salem Township, is one of the honored pioneers 
of Daviess County. He was born Aug. 17, 1843, in Salem Township, 
Daviess County, a son of Andrew and Susan (Graham) Jarrett. 

Andrew Jarrett was a native of Virginia, and came from Greenbrier 
County, Va., to Daviess County, in 1837. During his entire life he was a 
farmer and stockman owning 60 acres of land. He was a well known 
breeder of horses, hogs and sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jarrett are both 
deceased and are buried in the Bethel Cemetery, Daviess County. They 
were the parents of the following children : Mary Jane, deceased ; Ruth 
Angeline, deceased; James Madison, deceased; Sidney Unice, deceased; and 
Samuel A., the subject of this sketch. 

Samuel A. Jarrett was reared on a farm in Salem Township, Daviess 
County, and received practically no education. He began farming when 
a very young man, renting land. He later purchased his brothers' and 
sisters' claims on the old home farm, owning 160 acres of good farm land. 
Mr. Jarrett now owns 710 acres of land in Salem Township. He is one of 
the prominent farmers and stockmen of the county and was a successful 
breeder of Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, and other stock. His 
farm is known as Maple Grove Farm, and is located near Pattonsburg. 
Mr. Jarrett is now living retired on his farm. 

On Dec. 20, 1863, Mr. Jarrett was married first time to Angelina 
Black, a native of St. Joseph, and a daughter of William and Mary Black, 
natives of Kentucky. To this union ten children were boi-n, as follows: 
Ami, deceased; William Elwood, Springfield; James, Jameson; Lieumma, 
the wife of William Read, Salem Township; Minnie, the wife of M. W. 
Addy, Marion Township; Rebecca, the widow of C. Burris, Marion Town- 
ship; Mortica, Coffey; Virgia, the wife of Samuel Stitt, Denver, Colo.; 
John, Montavesta, Colo.; Delia, married E. Brodbeck, Ft. Scott, Kan. 

Mr. Jarrett was married the second time to Almira Wilson, a native of 
Daviess County, and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Nickel) Wilson, 
natives of Indiana and Ohio. Mr. Wilson came to Missouri and settled near 
Coffey. He was a prominent farmer and stockman, owning 100 acres of 




SAMTF-I- A. ANIi AlMIl'.A i W 1 1 .S( l.\ i .1 A KlIKI'T 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 961 

land. He died Jan. 3, 1913, and is buried in Hickory Creek Cemetery. His 
wife resides at Coffey, and is 85 years old. To Samuel A. and Almire (Wil- 
son) Jarrett six children were born, as follows: Helen, deceased; Ross, 
living near Nebraska City, Nebr. ; Paul, Salem Township; Lloyd, Salem 
Township ; Yvonnie, the wife of Grant Cox ; S. A., Jr., living at home. 

In politics Mr. Jarrett is a Democrat. He is a member of the Metho- 
dist Church, and one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of 
Daviess County. 

R. F. Wood, the well known superintendent of schools in Pattonsburg, 
Mo., was born April 20, 1888, in Nebraska. He is a son of James M. and 
Laura (Rader) Wood, natives of Indiana and Missouri. 

James M. Wood was born in Boone County, Ind., and came to Daviess 
County, Mo., in 1865, at the age of seven years. He became one of the 
most prominent farmers and stockman of Daviess County, where he lived 
the remainder of his life. Mr. Wood was a well known breeder of Short- 
horn cattle and Poland China hogs. He owned 450 acres of land in Neb- 
raska and 120 acres in Grundy County, Mo. For several years Mr. Wood 
served as a director on the school board. He was a Democrat in politics and 
a member of the Baptist Church. He died Feb. 2, 1921, and is buried at 
Pilot Grove, Mo. Mrs. Wood is now 52 years of age. To James M. and 
Laura (Rader) Wood the following children were born: Etta May, 
deceased ; Alfa 0., deceased ; James Vernon, deceased ; Earl, farmer and 
stockman of Grundy County, Mo. ; Earnest, farmer and stockman of 
Grundy County, Mo., enlisted during the World War in Trenton, and was 
sent to Columbia, Mo., where he remained until the signing of the armi- 
stice ; Eleanora, the wife of Forrest Barriff , farmer and stockman of 
Grundy County, Mo. ; Pearline, the wife of Roy Collins, farmer and stock- 
man of Shelbina, Mo. ; Thomas H., attending school at Trenton, Mo. ; 
Rupert, living at home; and R. F., the subject of this sketch. 

R. F. Wood received his education in the public and high schools of 
Daviess County, and was graduated from the State Teachers College with 
the degree of Bachelor of Science. He taught school for several years 
and was superintendent of the Pattonsburg schools, where he is now 
located. He has managed the schools in a very efficient manner and has 
proven his capability. 

On May 30, 1917, Mr. Wood married Minnie B. Edwards, a native of 
Winston, Mo., and daughter of James B. and Nanna(Webb) Edwards. 
Mr. Edwards owns 94 acres of land and is a well known farmer and stock- 
man of Daviess County. For a number of years he served as school 
director and has been justice of the peace. In politics Mr. Edwards is a 



962 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the 
Masonic Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are the parents of four children, 
as follows: Lena, the wife of Clyde Zentz, merchant of Kingman, Kan.; 
Fred, farmer and stockman of Winston, Mo.; Mrs. Wood; and Victor, 
merchant in Mable, Mo. He served overseas during the World War. He 
contracted influenza while there and has never regained his health. To 
R. F. and Minnie B. (Edwards) Wood one child has been bom, Janet 
Susan, born in Jamesport, Mo. 

Before coming to Pattonsburg, Mo., Mr. Wood was engaged as rural 
mail carrier in Jamesport, Mo. He is a Democrat and belongs to the 
Masonic Lodge. He is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Wood has 
taken a commendable interest in the affairs of Pattonsburg, and has many 
friends here. 

W. H. Feurt, a leading farmer and stockman of Washington and Salem 
Townships, Daviess County, was born in Daviess County, May 10, 1863, a 
son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Glaze) Feurt. 

Thomas Feurt was a native of Ohio. He was one of the earliest 
settlers of Daviess County, having come to Missouri in 1845. He became a 
prominent farmer and stockman, owning 500 acres of well improved land. 
Mr. Feurt, was a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle, hogs, sheep and 
horses. He was a Democrat. Mr. Feurt died March 23, 1869, and his wife 
died Dec. 25, 1890. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: 
Nathaniel, deceased; Liddie, the wife of John Gersh, residing in Arkansas; 
Mary J., residing with her brother John G., John G., Washington Town- 
ship; Bell, the widow of John W. Knott, resides with her brother, John G. ; 
W. H., the subject of this sketch ; and Cora, the widow of Charles Lowery, 
now resides in Pattonsburg. 

W. H. Feurt was reared on a farm in Daviess County, and attended 
the district schools. He has always been a farmer and stockman. He 
began farming with his brother, John G., and was in partnership with him 
until his marriage. Mr. Feurt owns 540 acres of land and his wife owns 
140 acres. He has been unusually successful in the breeding of Shorthorn 
cattle and Duroc hogs. The residence is located in Washington Township. 

On Dec. 14, 1898, Mr. Feurt was married to Lora E. Meadows, a native 
of Salem Township, Daviess County, and a daughter of Joseph T. and Mary 
(Everly) Meadows. Mr. Meadows was a native of Virginia, and came to 
Missouri at the age of four years with his parents. He became one of the 
prominent and prosperous farmers and stockmen of Daviess County, owing 
at one time 1600 acres of land. John Meadows, father of Joseph T. was a 
native of Virginia. He came to Daviess County, Mo., in 1838 with a team 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 963 

and covered wagon, and was engaged in farming until his death in 1880. 
In Virginia he was married to Miss Gwynee and they reared a large family. 
Joseph Meadows died Dec. 17, 1920, and is buried in the Bethel Cemetery. 
Mr. and Mrs. Meadows were the parents of the following children : John C, 
deceased; W. H., Pattonsburg; Charles L., Salem Township; James E., 
Salem Township; Clara, the wife of R. W. Welden, McFall ; Alice, the wife 
of John Street, Maryville ; Mrs. Feurt ; Carlia, at home ; Lillie, the widow of 
Robert Welden, Salem Township ; Mollie May, the widow of Jesse Maize, 
Harrison County; Oscar P., Pattonsburg. Mrs. Meadows is now living in 
Salem Township and is 81 years of age. To W. H. and Lora (Meadows) 
Feurt three children have been born, as follows: John C, born Oct. 13, 
1899, living with his parents; Joseph, born June 21, 1902, at home; and 
Henry K., born Dec. 20, 1905, attending school. 

Mr. Feurt is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Jameson. He is a 
Democrat and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Feurt is a member of 
the Baptist Church. Mr. Feurt is a progressive farmer and a public 
spirited citizen and the Feurt family are well known and among the sub- 
stantial citizens of Daviess County. 

Hugh Elwood O'Hare, a successful farmer and stockman of Salem 
Township, Daviess County, was born on Aug. 17, 1866, on his father's 
farm in Salem Township. He is the son of Martin H. and Catherine (Ed- 
monds) O'Hare, pioneer settlers of Daviess County. 

Martin H. O'Hare, Sr., was born in Logan County, Ohio, and came to 
Missouri in the early days, where he settled in Salem Township, Daviess 
County. During the Civil War, Mr. O'Hare enlisted in Company B. and 
served three years and six months in the 1st Cavalry Regiment of Mis.souri 
State Militia. He took part in many battles and skirmishes, among them 
being the first battle of Kansas City, Mo. Following the war, Mr. O'Hare 
engaged in farming and stock raising. He was very successful in the 
breeding of sheep, hogs and horses. Mr. O'Hare was the owner of 280 
acres of well improved land in Daviess County. There were no railroads 
during the early days, and he drove his live stock to Jameson, Mo. He also 
drove oxen from St. Joseph, Mo., to Salt Lake City, Utah, and walked from 
Illinois to Kansas with his brother, Hugh O'Hare. To Martin H., Sr. and 
Catherine (Edmonds) O'Hare five children were born, as follows: Hugh 
Elwood, the subject of this sketch; Dora, deceased; Amanda Levina, 
deceased ; Eff ie, deceased ; Thomas Preston, farmer, residing in Washing- 
ton Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. O'Hare are deceased, having died in 
September, 1911. They are buried with their children in Hickory Creek 



964 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Cemetery. Mr. O'Hare was a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

Hugh Elwood O'Hare received his education in the district schools 
and grew up on his father's farm, of which he was manager. He now owns 
280 acres of land in Salem Township, Daviess County, and is widely known 
as a breeder of high grade stock, including cattle, Poland China hogs, 
horses and mules. 

On Nov. 9, 1892, Mr. O'Hare was married to Alice Heath, daughter 
of Rev. David and Eliza (Kerr) Heath, natives of Virginia. Mrs. O'Hare 
is a native of Daviess County, Mo. To Rev. David and Eliza (Kerr) Heath 
seven children were boi-n, as follows: Sarah, the wife of George Morris, 
Daviess County ; John, postmaster of Pattonsburg ; Mollie. decea-sed ; Ada, 
the wife of E. H. Tulery, Fort Worth, Texas ; Stella, the wife of Davie E. 
Waters, farmer of Salem Township, Daviess County ; Alice, the wife of H. 
E. O'Hare ; Rosa, deceased, the wife of Homer Read, also deceased. This 
was the second marriage of Rev. David Heath. By his first marriage he 
was the father of the following children: Elisia B., deceased; James K., 
deceased; William, deceased. All three were soldiers during the Civil War 
and James K. Heath was a first lieutenant. The father of Rev. David 
Heath also served as first lieutenant in the Civil War. 

Mr. and Mrs. O'Hare are the parents of two children : Walter, born 
Dec. 19, 1900, educated in the University of Missouri in the agricultural 
school, now farming with his father; and Virgil K., born Dec. 8, 1903, at 
home. 

Mr. O'Hare is a director of the Bank of Coffey, Mo. He is a member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a Democrat, 
while Mrs. O'Hare is a Republican. Mr. O'Hare is a substantial citizen and 
a progressive type of man. He is a good farmer and stockman and a suc- 
cessful manager. 

William P. Hutcherson, a well known retired farmer and stockman of 
Salem Township, Daviess County, was born Dec. 8, 1851, in Virginia. He 
is a son of W. J. and Mary (Finks) Hutcherson. 

W. J. Hutcherson was a native of Virginia and owned 300 acres of 
land. He carried on general farming and stock raising. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Hutcherson are deceased and are buried in Virginia. They were the par- 
ents of six children, as follows: Sarah, Thomas, Adolph, Robert F., William 
P., the subject of this sketch and Elmer Frank, of whom William P. is the 
only one living. 

William P. Hutcherson was reared in Virginia and came to Missouri 
in 1880, settling in Daviess County. After his arrival in Missouri, Mr. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 965 

Hutcherson worked for $16.00 per month farming. He later, in 1887, pur- 
chased 160 acres of land, and became a successful farmer and stockman, 
breeding Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Hutcherson now 
owns 80 acres of land in Salem Township. 

On Aug. 21, 1887, Mr. Hutcherson married Elizabeth Higgins, a native 
of Daviess County, and a daughter of Thomas and Christina (Myers) Hig- 
gins. Ml-, and Mrs. Higgins were natives of Indiana. They settled in 
Daviess County in 1840, where Mr. Higgins became a well known farmer. 
For several years he served as justice of the peace and was road overseer. 
Mrs. Higgins died May 21, 1915, and is buried in the Coffey Cemetery. 
Mr. Higgins is now 88 years of age, and resides in Harrison County. He is 
a staunch Republican and a member of the Christian Church. Mr. and 
Mrs. Higgins were the parents of the following children: Emma, deceased; 
Robert Y., deceased; Mrs. Hutcherson; Louisa J., the wife of John Gal- 
brath, Harrison County ; Abraham, Oilman ; Joseph, living on the old home- 
stead. 

To William P. and Elizabeth (Higgins) Hutcherson three children 
were born, as follows: Mary Duane, the wife of William McCoy, Washing- 
ton Township ; Christina Ada, the wife of M. T. Carroll, Washington Town- 
ship; William T., living with his father, married Fantella Ellis, July 6, 1921. 

Mr. Hutcherson's farm is known as the Cypress Hill Farm. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hutcherson are members of the Christian Church and Mr. Hutcherson 
has been an elder in the church for 35 years. He is a Democrat and a sub- 
stantial and reliable citizen. 

Sterling Harrison Creighton, a successful and well known veteri- 
nary surgeon of Coffey, was born April 26, 1870, a son of George and Marie 
(Harrison) Creighton. He was born in Daviess County. 

George Creighton was born in Ohio on Dec. 1, 1837, and came to Mis- 
souri in 1868, settling in Daviess County, where he engaged in farming and 
stock raising. Mr. Creighton became a prominent farmer and stockman of 
Missouri, but later in his life he moved to Kansas, where he farmed the re- 
mainder of his life. He owned 100 acres of land in Daviess County, and 
240 acres in Kansas. Mr. Creighton was a Democrat and a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. He died Oct. 18, 1919, and his wife died May 20, 
1915. They are buried in Okmulgee, Okla. Mr. and Mrs. Creighton wei'e 
the parents of the following children: Elmer, deceased; May, the wife of 
J. F. Seward, Calif.; Sterling Harrison, the subject of this sketch; Ernest, 
Thomas. Omaha, Neb., Bertha, the widow of Mr. Bush, California; Nellie, 
the wife of Benjamin B. Welder, Kansas City, Lillian, the wife of W. B. 
Williamson, Okmulgee. Okla. 



966 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Sterling Harrison Creighton was reared in Lyon County, Kan., and 
received his education in the district schools. He was also graduated from 
the Ontario Veterinary College in 1895. Dr. Creighton then began prac- 
ticing in Emporia, Kan., where he remained for some time. Later, he 
moved to Winfield, Kan., where he remained until 1904. He then came to 
Coffey, and has built up a fine practice in veterinary surgery. 

On Aug. 22, 1897, Dr. Creighton married Ella Galbreath, a native of 
Daviess County, and a daughter of Squire and Martha Jane (Brown) Gal- 
breath, natives of Kentucky and Indiana. Squire Galbreath was one of 
the pioneer settlers of Daviess County, and became a prominent farmer. 
He owned 180 acres of land and was widely known as a successful stock- 
man. During the Civil War, he enlisted in Company D, Volunteer Missouri 
Cavalry, and served for three years, taking part in the most important 
battles of the war. Mr. Galbreath is a Republican and a member of the 
Christian Church. Mrs. Galbreath died Dec. 3, 1913, and is buried in 
Coffey. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, 
the widow of Joseph Gotschall, Nevada, Mo. ; Billie, deceased ; John A., 
Daviess County ; James, deceased ; Dr. J. W., Ulrich, Mo. ; Mrs. Creighton ; 
David 0., deceased; Gertrude, the wife of Claud Yarbough, Coffey. To 
Sterling H. and Ella (Galbreath) Creighton eight children have been born, 
as follows: Bill, living at home; Carma, teacher, at home; Gertrude, grad- 
uated from high school in May, 1922 ; James A., graduated from high 
school in May, 1922 ; Nellie, deceased ; Squire George, deceased ; Sterling 
Lee, attending school ; and Rex E., attending school. 

Dr. Creighton owns his attractive home in Coffey. In politics he is a 
Republican. The Creighton family are members of the Christian Church. 
Dr. Creighton is a public spirited and representative citizen of Daviess 
County. 

P. A. Mooney, a substantial farmer and stockman of Salem Township, 
Daviess County, was born Jan. 7, 1871; in Harrison County, a son of Reuben 
W. and Nancy (Johnson) Mooney. 

Reuben W. Mooney was a native of Tennessee. He came to Missouri 
in 1866, settling in Harrison County, where he carried on general farming 
and stockraising. During the Civil War Mr. Mooney enlisted in Company 
D, 14th Regiment, Missouri Volunteers, and served throughout the war. 
He was badly wounded. He was with a Company of about 30 men when 
they rode upon about 300 rebels and the attack began and Lieutenant 
Mooney was shot through the neck with a minnie ball. Ruben W. Mooney 
and wife walked from near Springfield, 111., to Missouri. He enlisted in the 
Army. His second enlistment was at Lexington, Mo., where he formed a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 967 

company of men and became a Lieutenant. Mr. Mooney owned 280 acres 
of land in Daviess County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mooney are deceased, Mr. 
Mooney having died Dec. 8, 1912, and his wife Oct. 23, 1905. They were 
the parents of 14 children, as follows: Saphrona, deceased; Mary, the wife 
of Elaman Alley, Harrison County ; Martha A., the widow of William Beals, 
Harrison County ; J. C, retired, Jamesport ; Henrietta, the wife of William 
Timmons, now deceased; J. F., farmer, Arkansas; W. J., Tulsa, Okla.; 
Nancy A., the widow of C. F. Dooley, lola, Kan.; John, farmer, South 
Dakota; Reuben, deceased; Frank, deceased; Sherman, Nebraska; Emma, 
deceased, was the wife of W. A. Mendenhall ; and P. A., the subject of this 
sketch. 

P. A. Mooney was reared on a farm in Harrison County and was edu- 
cated in the district schools. He then began farming on rented land. He 
now owns 63 acres of land in Daviess County, and is a successful breeder 
of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

On April 9, 1891, Mr. Mooney was married the first time to Mary 
Shira, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Lyman and Christina (Bar- 
ley) Shira. To P. A. nd Mary (Shira) Mooney ten children were born, as 
follows: Roy F., Harrison County; Christina, deceased; Cloe, deceased; 
Harry C, Kansas ; Loretta, the wife of Marcellis Chadwick, Jameson ; 
Elmer, resides with his father; Clarence, with his father; Junior, with 
father; Raymond, living with father; Winnie, Jameson. Mrs. Mooney died 
Jan. 10, 1920, and is buried in Salmon Cemetery. 

Mr. Mooney was married the second time Sept. 30, 1920, to Oddie 
Robertson, the daughter of William and Bessie (Richardson) Turner, 
natives of Daviess County. Mr. Turner died in 1890 and his wife is now 
living in Troy, Kan. 

Mr. Mooney is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. He 
is a good farmer and stockman and a successful manager. 

Frank H. Cook, a progressive and enterprising young farmer and 
stockman is engaged in farming in the vicinity of King City. He was born 
June 19, 1900 and is a son of Walter H. and Mary M. (Kemp) Cook both 
natives of Wisconsin. Walter H. Cook came to Gentry County a number 
of years ago and was here successfully engaged in farming and stock rais- 
ing until the time of his death, May 17, 1920. His remains are buried at 
King City. He was the owner of a quarter section of land and recognized 
as one of the successful citizens of Gentry County. He was a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a Republican. He held 
membership in the Methodist church. His widow now resides at King City. 

Frank H. Cook is one of the following children born to his parents: 



968 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Irene, married Guy Hobson, a farmer and stockman and they live in Okla- 
homa; Elmer J. lives west of King City ; Fred S., is a farmer and stockman 
living west of King City ; Clark W., is also a farmer and stockman near 
King City ; Delbert, is also a farmer and stockman near King City ; Ines E., 
married Earl Gofarth, King City and Frank H., the subject of this sketch. 

Frank H. Cook was married Jan. 4, 1922 to Ruby K. Dieter a native of 
Gentry County and a daughter of Thomas Dieter of King City, a sketch 
of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. 

Mr. Cook is one of the well known young men of King City, and is 
making good. He is operating 80 acres of land. 

Cornelius Yost, a well kown retired farmer of Salem Township, is a 
veteran of the Civil War. He was born Sept. 15, 1828, in Belmont County, 
Ohio, a son of William and Catherine (Bixler) Yost. 

William Yost was a native of Ohio, born in 1800. In 1857 he came to 
Missouri, settling in Salem Township, Daviess County, where he became 
a prominent farmer and stockman. Mr. Yost was a lieutenant during the 
war of 1812, and served for six months. He owned 100 acres of land in 
Salem Township. Mr. Yost was a member of the Methodist Church. He 
died Dec. 6, 1876, and his wife died in August, 1886. They are buried in 
Hickory Creek Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Yost were the parents of three' 
children, as follows ; Nancy Ann, deceased, was the wife of John Walker ; 
Cornelius, the subject of this sketch ; and Mary Jane, deceased. 

Cornelius Yost was reared on his father's farm in Ohio, and came to 
Illinois in 1840 and came to Missouri in 1857 settling on present farm, 
i/urmg the Civil War, Mr. Yost enlisted in Company D, 27th Missouri 
Intantry, and served for three years. He took part in many important 
battles of the war. After the close of the war, he returned to his farm, 
in Salem Township. He became a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle 
and other high grade stock. Mr. Yost retired several years ago, and is 
now living on his farm of 230 acres. He is 95 years of age. 

On Aug. 14, 1853, Mr. Yost married Lucinda Chapman, a native of 
Marion, Ohio, and a daughter of Zada and Matilda (Chapel) Chapman. 
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were the parents of six children, as follows: 
George, deceased ; Caroline, deceased ; Minnie, deceased ; Matilda, deceased ; 
Mary, the widow of Mr. Walker ; and Mrs. Yost, also deceased. To Cornelius 
and Lucinda (Chapman) Yost 12 children were born as follows: William, 
Cherryvale, Kans. ; Jane, the wife of John Cunningham, Cherryvale, Kans. ; 
Martha, the wife of John McCrandy, both deceased; Catherine, the wife 
of William Hawk, Kansas City, Kans. ; Mary, now living with her father 
in Salem Township; Alice, the wife of Samuel Reed, Colorado; Elsworth, 




CORNELIIS Yi.ST 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 969 

farmer and stockman, Gentry County; Gilbert, residing with his father; 
Albert, twin brother of Gilbert, farming the Blair farm in Daviess County ; 
Raymond, Beloit, Kans. ; Nancy, the widow of Elbert McCrandy, resides 
at Glasco, Kans.; Charles, Pattonsburg; Mr. Yost has 24 grandchildren and 
nine great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Yost is identified with the Republican party in politics. Before 
the Civil War he voted the Abolition ticket. He is one of the interesting 
men of his community, and a highly respected citizen of Daviess County. 
Mr. Yost built his present residence in 1865, a log cabin of all hued logs 
and native timber. He did the hueing and built it mostly himself. 

James H. Nickerson, deceased, was a prominent farmer and stock- 
man of Daviess County. He was born March 3, 1856, in Daviess County, 
a son of Benjamin and Anna Eliza (Nickel) Nickerson. 

Benjamin Nickerson was a veteran of the Civil War. Both he and his 
wife are deceased. 

James H. Nickerson was reared on his father's farm in Daviess 
County, and received his education in the district schools. On Feb. 25, 
1903, he married Mary D. (Hoover) Mullican, a native of Gallatin. She 
is the daughter of Henry M. and America (Nichols) Hoover, both natives 
of Ohio. Mr. Hoover settled in Missouri in 1874, and became a prosperous 
farmer and stockman. He owned 160 acres of well improved land, and was 
a successful breeder of cattle and hogs. During the Civil War, Mr. Hoover 
enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, and served one year. He died March 
29, 1914, and is buried in Coffey. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover were the parents 
of the following children: Jacob A., resides in Kansas; Mariah, the wife of 
William Conaway, both deceased; Mrs. Nickerson; Charles William, de- 
ceased ; W. S., farmer, Salem Township, Daviess County ; Barbara, the wife 
of Isaac Stevens, Carlow, Mo. ; Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Nelson Barnes, 
Cypress Creek; Edward, farmer and stockman, Salem Township, Daviess 
County. Jacob A. Hoover is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted 
in Company B, Missouri State Volunteers. He served throughout the 
entire war, but was injured, having been thrown from his horse. Mr. 
Hoover is now at Phillipsburg, Kan. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge 
and is a member of the Christian Church. 

James H. Nickerson died several years ago, and his widow is now 
living on her farm of 110 acres in Salem Township, Daviess County. In 
politics she is a Republican. Mrs. Nickerson is a member of the Christian 
Church. 

Mr. Nickerson was highly respected and was one of the substantial 
citizens of Daviess County. 



970 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mrs. Nickerson was married the first time in 1872 to Thomas B. Mul- 
lican. He was a farmer and stockman and later in life was a merchant in 
Kansas where he died in 1888. No children were born to either union. 

Mrs. Nickerson's brother, W. S. Hoover, is now conducting the farm 
which is owned by Mrs. Nickerson. 

J. E. Meadows, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Salem Town- 
ship, and owner of 340 acres of well improved land, is a native of Daviess 
County. He was born June 14, 1868, a son of Joseph Taylor and Mary E. 
(Everly) Meadows. 

Joseph Taylor Meadows was born in Virginia. He was one of the very 
early settlers of Daviess County, making the trip from Virginia with a 
team of oxen. Mr. Meadows became one of the most successful farmers 
and stockmen of Daviess County, owning 879 acres of land. He died Dec. 
17, 1920, and is buried in Bethel Church Cemetery. Mrs. Meadows is now 
81 years of age. and resides in Salem Township, Daviess County. Mr. and 
Mrs. Meadows were the parents of 13 children, as follows: John C, 
deceased; W. H., Pattonsburg; C. L., farmer and stockman, Salem Town- 
ship; J. E., the subject of this sketch; Clara, the wife of Richard Welden, 
McFall ; Alice, the wife of John Street, Maryville ; Lora, the wife of Henry 
Feurt, Washington Township, Daviess County; Corley, resides with her 
mother; Lillie, the widow of Robert Welden, resides with her mother; 
Mollie, widow of Jesse Maize, Harrison County ; Nancy Jane and Hannah 
E. died in infancy and Oscar now living one mile west of Pattonsburg. Mr. 
Meadows was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. 

J. E. Meadows was reared in Daviess County, and attended the district 
schools. He then began life farming with his father and is now owner of 
340 acres of land in Salem Township. Mr. Meadows is widely known as a 
successful stockman. He has a fine residence, and his farm is modern 
throughout, including a first class watering system. 

On Jan. 3, 1890, Mr. Meadows married Cynthia Ann Slaughter, a 
daughter of D. M. and Virginia (Hawk) Slaughter, natives of Ohio. Mrs. 
Meadows was born in Daviess County. Mr. Slaughter settled in Daviess 
County in 1865, and became a leading farmer and stockman, owning at one 
time 400 acres of land. Mr. Slaughter was a Democrat and a member of 
the Baptist Church. He died July 13, 1921, and is buried in the Old Town 
Cemetery. Mrs. Slaughter is now 77 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. 
Slaughter were the parents of the following children: Ermina, the wife of 
J. B. Everly, Salem Township ; Theodosia, deceased ; Mrs. Meadows ; Jane, 
the wife of Virgil Farr, St. Joseph ; Virginia, the wife of N. G. Ellis, Pat- 
tonsburg; R. M., farmer and stockman, Salem Township. To J. E. and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 971 

Cynthia Ann (Slaughter) Meadows seven children have been born, as fol- 
lows: Edith, the wife of Edward Stamper, Salem Township; Brooks, 
farmer and stockman, Washington Township; Myrrl, at home; Menyard, 
at home; Josephine, at home; Catherine, at home; Elizabeth, at home. 
Mr. and Mrs. Meadows have two grand children. 

Mr. Meadows is a Democrat and is a member of the Baptist Church. 
He is well known throughout the country for his progressive ideas and he 
and his family are highly respected citizens. 

Kimbro Smith, a retired farmer of Daviess County, now living on his 
farm in Washington Township, has been known for years as a successful 
breeder of pure breed Red Pole registered cattle. Mr. Smith was born Aug. 
16, 1847, in Carroll County, Va., a son of William and Rachael (Rankins) 
Smith. Mr. and Mrs. William Smith were both born in Virginia and are 
now deceased. 

Kimbro Smith was reared on his father's farm in Virginia, and 
received his education in the district schools. He began life working on a 
farm for $14.00 per month. In 1882, Mr. Smith came to Missouri, making 
the trip on foot, which required two years' time, as he stopped and worked 
on the way. He engaged in farming and stock raising near Weatherby, 
Mo. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land in Washington Town- 
ship, Daviess County. 

Mr. Smith was married in 1885 to Rosa Walker, a native of Carroll 
County, Va., and a daughter of John and Jane (Frost) Walker. 
Mr. and Mrs. Walker were the parents of the following children: H. E., 
deceased ; Samuel, farmer, Carroll County, Va. ; Martha, the wife of W. 
Delph, deceased; Livingston, farmer, CaiToll County, Va. ; and Mrs. Smith. 
The mother of these children died and Mr. Walker was later married to 
Josie Worrell also a native of Virginia. To this union six children were 
born as follows: Virgil, resides in Virginia; P. E., resides in Virginia; 
Sally, the wife of Henry Kyle, farmer, Carroll County, Va. ; Myra, the wife 
of R. Edwards, farmer, Woodlawn. Va. ; Sennie, the wife of H. Franklin, 
deceased ; and Ella, the wife of John Kyle, farmer, Galax, Va. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Walker are deceased. To Kimbro and Rosa (Walker) Smith one 
child has been born, Mont Smith. 

Mont Smith was born in Daviess County, and received his education 
in the public and high schools of Coffey. He was also graduated from 
Kirksville State Normal School, and has taught school for ten years. Mr. 
Smith resides on the farm with his father in Washington Town.ship. On 
March 15, 1916, he married Margaret A. Francisco, a native of Daviess 
County, and to this union one child has been born, Richard E. Smith. 



972 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Smith is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He is 
a substantial citizen who has built up a successful farming business by his 
integrity and progressive methods. 

O. P. Robinson, a substantial farmer and stockman of Lincoln Town- 
ship, was born in Illinois, Sept. 1, 1865, the son of William and Virginia 
(Turner) Robinson. 

William Robinson was a native of Tennessee and came to Illinois when 
a young man. Later, in 1866, he moved to Daviess County, where he 
settled in Lincoln Township. Mr. Robinson became a leading farmer of the 
county, and owned 500 acres of well improved land. He was a well known 
stockman. Mr. Robinson was a Democrat and a member of the Christian 
Church. He died in 1917 and his wife died in 1897. They are buried in 
Scotland Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were the parents of seven 
children, as follows: Quintes, deceased; E. T., deceased; D. H., farmer, 
Jamesport Township ; William, deceased ; 0. P., the subject of this sketch ; 
L. P., deceased ; Elizabeth, of St. Louis ; and Gertrude, the wife of J. W. 
Ley, also of St. Louis. 

0. P. Robinson was reared on his father's farm in Lincoln Township, 
Daviess County, and received his education in the district schools. Since 
early manhood he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. His 
farm consists of 200 acres, and is a productive and well improved place. 
Mr. Robinson has been very successful in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle 
and Chester White hogs. 

0. P. Robinson was married Jan. 10, 1889, to Miss Nellie Braden, a 
native of Grundy County, and the daughter of John L. and Sarah E. 
(Philips) Braden. Mr. Braden was born in Ohio, and was a veteran of the 
Civil War. He was a prominent farmer and stockman of Lincoln Township, 
where he owned 240 acres. To O. P. and Nellie (Braden) Robinson three 
children have been born, as follows: Alma, school teacher in Jamesport 
Township, Daviess County ; Clyde, further mention of whom is made below ; 
and Evelyn, the wife of Virgil Grisamore, farmer and stockman, Grundy 
County. 

Clyde Robinson, son of Mr. and Mrs. 0. P. Robinson, inducted into 
army service, Oct. 2, 1917 at Gallatin, Mo. He went to Camp Funston and 
became a member of Company D 356th Infantry and remained there until 
April, 1918. He was transferred to Company E 138 Infantry and served 
in France one year. He was seriously wounded in the shoulder by shrap- 
nel in the Argonne battle. He fought in St. Mihiel, Argonne and Meuse. 
Clyde Robinson was married to Miss Barbara Bray in September, 1917. 
Two children have been born to this union, Carlotta Ellen and William Lee. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 973 

Mr. Robinson is a Democrat in politics. He is one of the progressive 
and enterprising citizens of Daviess County, and tJie Robinson family 
stand high in the community. 

Ramus M. Cole, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of 
Lincoln Township, Daviess County, is a native of Daviess County. He was 
born Jan. 9, 1876, a son of William Robert and Nancy E. (Brown) Cole. 

William Robert Cole was born in Grundy County. He came to Daviess 
County and was among the pioneer settlers of this section. Mr. Cole 
carried on general farming and stock raising and was very successful. 
During the Civil War he enlisted in the Missouri Cavalry Company D 
Mennills Horse and served for over three years, and taking part in many 
important battles. Mr. Cole died Jan. 19, 1910, and is buried in Pilot Grove 
Cemetery. Mrs. Cole is now living in Gilman City, and is 69 years of age. 
Mr. and Mrs. Cole were the parents of 10 children, as follows: Anson Dean, 
resides in St. Joseph ; Minnie, the wife of Orin Young, both deceased ; 
Ramus M., the subject of this sketch ; Casper L., deceased ; Daisy and 
Dusty, twins, deceased; Tiny, the wife of Hugh Terry, farmer and stock- 
man, Jamesport; Robert, St. Joseph; Nellie, the wife of Thomas Fitch, 
farmer and stockman, Lincoln Township, Daviess County ; R. J., farmer 
and stockman, Jamesport, Mo., Jessie Q., farmer and stockman, Gilman 
City. 

Ramus M. Cole was reared in Daviess County and educated in the 
public schools and Grand River College of Gallatin. He began farming on 
i-ented land in Lincoln Township, Daviess County, and now owns a farm of 
240 acres. Mr. Cole is a widely known breeder of spotted Poland China 
hogs. He also breeds sheep. He has just completed a fine residence in 
Jamesport at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. It is modern throughout 
and is one of the attractive home of Jamesport and of Daviess County. 

On June 21, 1903, Mr. Cole was married to Pinkie McClure, a native of 
Jame.sport Township, Daviess County. She is a daughter of Jonathan and 
Mary (Hamilton) McClure. Mrs. Cole was educated in the .state normal 
school at Kirksville and taught school for seven terms in Daviess County. 
To Ramus M. and Pinkie (McClure) Cole two children have been born, as 
follows: Jewell, decea.sed ; and Ramus Jr., residing at home. 

Mrs. Cole is interested in poultry and raises White Leghorn and Ply- 
mouth Rock chickens. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cole are identified with the Re- 
publican party in politics. Mr. Cole has served as township school clerk 
and director of schools, treasurer of special road district also treasurer 
Liberty Thrasher Company. Mrs. Cole was chairman of the Red Cross of 
Lincoln Township during the World War, was recognized by higher offi- 



974 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

cials for her ability to do. She has served as Worthy Matron of the East- 
ern Star Chapter No. 119, Jamesport, Mo. She was the first woman to be a 
member of the Republican County Central Committee from Lincoln Town- 
ship. Mr. Cole was elected Worthy Patron of the Order Eastern Star for 
the year 1922, Jamesport. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge of Jamesport, 
No. 564. Mr. Cole is a member of the Baptist Church. He is an enterpris- 
ing farmer and an efficient citizen. 

Anda B. Terry is a farmer and stockman of Lincoln Township, where 
he owns 80 acres of well improved land and handles stock, and is known as 
an enterprising and substantial man. He was born in Daviess County, 
July 17, 1885, and is a son of Thomas and Frances Harriett (Fhnt) Terry. 

Thomas Terry is a farmer and stockman of Washington Township, 
Daviess County, where he owned 120 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Terry 
are the parents of three children, as follows: Chloea, the wife of Louis 
Dowell, farmer and stockman, Washington Township, Daviess County ; 
Sarah Ellen, the wife of N. B. Cox, farmer and stockman, Lincoln Town- 
ship, Daviess County; and Anda B., the subject of this sketch. 

Anda B. Terry was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, and 
received his education in the district schools. He began farming on rented 
land, where he remained for two years. Mr. Terry then purchased his 
present farm, where he is engaged in the breeding of Shorthorn and Here- 
ford cattle, as well as Duroc hogs. 

On Feb. 16, 1907, Mr. Terry married Cloe Neighswonger, a native of 
Daviess County, and the daughter of T. D. and Florence (Ray) Neighs- 
wonger. Mr. Neighswonger was born in Illinois, but came to Daviess 
County when a young man, settling in Lincoln Township. He owns 320 
acres of good land, and was for many years, one of the substantial farmers 
and stockmen of the county. Mr. Neighswonger now resides in Cameron 
and is in the real estate business. 

To Anda B. and Cloe (Neighswonger) Terry five children have been 
bom. as follows: Lawrence, at home; Helen, at home; Lucile, at home; 
Morris, deceased ; and Harold, at home. 

In politics Mr. Terry is a Republican. He is a member of the Church 
of Christ. Mr. Terry is a progressive man who merits the esteem in which 
he is held by his fellow citizens. 

Jefferson P. Pattoa, proprietor of East Lawn Stock Farm in Miller 
Township, is a member of a well known family in Gentry County where the 
Patton name has been known for three generations. Mr. Patton was born 
on the farm where he now lives, June 25, 1886, the son of John R. and Mary 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 975 

C. (Gentry) Patton, both dead, and sketches of whose Hves appear in this 
volume in connection with the review of the hfe of Isaac G. Patton. 

Jefferson P. Patton attended the rural school in his district later being 
a student in the Albany High School and then in the Northwest Missouri 
College at Albany. He has lived on the farm which is now his home ever 
since his birth and is the owner of 260 acres of land two miles south of 
Evona where he has a good residence, excellent farm buildings, and a good 
supply of water from the various wells of the farm. Mr. Patton is a suc- 
cessful general farmer and also raises, feeds, and ships horses, cattle and 
hogs. He is accounted one of the progressive men in his community and 
his farm shows the results of his untiring efforts. The residence, situated 
on the Albany Maysville road, is effectively located and the sloping lawn 
lying east of the house gives the farm its name. 

Jefferson P. Patton was married in 1906 to Lena Robertson, a daugh- 
ter of George and Vina Robertson, both now living in Miller Townhip. Mr. 
and Mrs. Patton have one child, Lucille Bernice, now a senior in the Albany 
High School. 

Mr. Patton has the distinction of being one of the few men who own 
land entered from the government by their ancestors. East Lawn Stock 
Farm, however, comprises land bought by James Patton in the early '40's 
from a squatter and later entered by him. The farm thus represents the 
life work of three genrations of the same family, James Patton being the 
paternal grandfather of Jefferson P. Patton. 

John W. Kaufman, a thrifty and progressive farmer of Jefferson 
Township, Daviess County, was born northeast of Gallatin, Sept. 16, 1884. 
His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Weber) Kaufman. 

Jacob Kaufman was born in New York in 1847, and came to Missouri 
when he was nearly 21 years old. He has lived in Daviess County ever 
since, and now operates his farm a mile south of Winston. His wife was 
born at Jeffersonville, N. Y., in 1850, and died in Daviess County in 1904. 
Their children were: Anna, married to Frank Milstead of Kidder; William, 
living at Winston ; Herbert, a resident of Winston ; Carrie, the wife of B. 
R. McCutcheon of Hamilton, Mo. ; Frank, died in infancy ; John, the subject 
of this sketch ; and Otto, died in infancy. 

John W. Kaufman attended the rural schools of the county and rented 
land for farming, until 1910, when he bought his present farm of 64 acres. 
The land is located a mile west of Altamont, and is well improved. It is 
conveniently arranged with a good residence, good water facilities, and 
excellent farm buildings. Mr. Kaufman raises purebred Brown Leghorn 
chickens, Shropshire sheep, cattle, and Duroc Jersey hogs. Part of the 
hogs are eligible for registry. 



976 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Kaufman was married on Feb. 28, 1907 to Hilda E. Harter, who 
was born in Caldwell County. She is a daughter of John C. and Lena S. 
(Weibke) Harter of Kidder. Mr. and Mrs. Harter had the following chil- 
dren: Hilda E., now Mrs. Kaufman; Bertha, the wife of Willis DeFord of 
Altamont; Christina, died in infancy; Zora, now the wife of Henry Walp, 
of Winston ; Nellie, married to Mack Stewart of Cameron ; Linus, a resident 
of Hamilton ; and Herbert, living at Winston. 

Mr. Kaufman's farm presents a neat and attractive appearance and 
shows the effect of his careful work. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman are 
energetic and ambitious, and are held in high regard in their neighborhood. 

Joseph G. Lawson, prominent farmer and stockman of Harrison Town- 
ship, is a well known breeder of registered spotted Poland China hogs and 
Shorthorn cattle, and the owner of 800 acres of land with his wife's land. 
He was born Feb. 1, 1865, in Livingston County, and is the son of Ami and 
Margaret (Clark) Lawson. They were the parents of nine children, as 
follows: Chas. J., Livingston County; Wm. A., Long Bend, Kans. ; Cath- 
erine, wife of J. J. Dixon, San Francisco, Calif.; Joseph G., the subject of 
this sketch; James A., Bright, Wash.; Mildred, with brother, Chas. J.; 
Amanda, the wife of F. W. Hutchins, deceased ; Maggie, living with brother 
Chas. J. ; the first child died in infancy. 

Ami Lawson was born in Carroll County, Mo., Feb. 12, 1828, and was 
a farmer and stockman during his entire life. He was the son of James 
Lawson, a native of Ireland, and he with Mr. Joseph Clark were the first 
white settlers of Mooresville Township, Livingston County. Ami Lawson 
married Margaret Clark, Nov. 13, 1858. She was born May 25, 1834, in 
Mooresville Township, Livingston County, and died March 29, 1875. They 
are both buried in Mooresville Cemetery. Mr. Lawson at the time of his 
death March 2, 1880, at Mooresville, was the owner of about 900 acres of 
land. 

Joseph G. Lawson was reared on his father's farm and attended the 
district school. At the time of his father's death he went to live with an 
uncle, James J. Lawson. In 1886, he began operating the farm which he 
had inherited, making improvements, and sold it in 1891. He then engag- 
ed in the gorcery and meat business at Mooresville, Mo. Feb. 22, 1804, he 
married Charity A. Weldon, the daughter of James B. and Elizabeth 
(Gilliland) Weldon, natives of Kentucky, and Ross County, Ohio. Mr. and 
Mrs. Weldon have two children: Mrs. Lawson and James H. Weldon. 

In 1894 Mr. Lawson came to Daviess County and settled on his wife's 
land in Harrison Township, and since that time he has made extensive 
improvements. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 977 

To Mr. and Mrs. Lawson have been born three children: Fern A., 
deceased; Elizabeth C, attending school at Columbia, Mo.; and Marguerite 
W., teacher, Breckenridge, Mo. 

Mr. Lawson is a Democrat. He is recognized as one of the successful 
men of Daviess County. 

George E. Dice, owner of the Altamont Independent Telephone system, 
was born in De Kalb County, Dec. 17, 1860. His parents were John and 
Margaret Jane (Connell) Dice, early settlers of Missouri. 

John Dice was born in York County, Pa., and came to Missouri in 1850. 
He located on a farm in De Kalb County, and served in the Missouri State 
Militia during the Civil War. His wife died at Santa Rosa, Mo., in 1877, 
and Mr. Dice died at the home of his daughter in Kansas City, Mo., in 1912. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dice had five children as follows: George E., the subject of 
this sketch ; Mrs. M. E. Hunt, living at Stanberry ; S. J., a resident of 
Stanberry ; Viola, now Mrs. Hughes of Kansas City, Mo. ; and Etta, died 
in August, 1918. 

George E. Dice attended the public school of Santa Rosa, and followed 
farming in De Kalb County for several years. He became interested in a 
hardware store at Weatherby, and remained in that business for four 
years. In 1900 he came to Altamont, where he has lived ever since. He 
was in the restaurant business for five years, during which time, he also 
operated the telephone exchange, which was located in his building. Since 
1905 he has owned and operated the telephone system, and has achieved a 
success in the work. 

Mr. Dice was married to Elizabeth Havet on Jan. 1, 1884. Mrs. Dice 
is the daughter of John B. and Elizabeth (Henry) Havet. John B. Havet 
was a native of Burhott, Belgium, and came to the United States with his 
parents when he was a lad of six years. They settled in Chicago. Mr. 
Havet located on a farm in Missouri, from which he later retired. He died 
in St. Joseph in 1914. His widow, Elizabeth (Henry) Havet, was born in 
Indiana, and now lives in St. Joseph, at the age of 78 years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dice have one son, W. H. He was born in De Kalb 
County, and was educated in the schools there and at Altamont. He 
married Anna Smith, a daughter of P. P. Smith of Winston. He is now the 
owner and operator of the Winston Telephone Exchange, and lives at Win- 
ston. 

The Altamont Independent Telephone System was established in 
1905, and within two years, the business had grown to include 35 farm 
telephones and 15 resident telephones. Under Mr. Dice's efficient manage- 
ment, the system has grown until it now operates 100 farm telephones, and 
75 in Altamont. It is the only telephone exchange at Altamont, where the 



978 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

first telephone in the town was installed in 1900 in the Hartman Hotel by 
P. A. Manring. 

Mr. Dice is highly esteemed in Altamont as a man of business ability, 
and is accounted one of the substantial citizens of the community. 

Amos C. Spiers, well known farmer of Jefferson Township, in Daviess 
County, and the proprietor of Center Farm, was born in Miller Township, 
Gentry County, Aug. 27, 1874, the son of Zephaniah and Martha (Vance) 
Spiers. 

Zephaniah Spiers located in Gentry County in 1849, and bought a farm 
ten miles southeast of Albany. He was one of the first settlers of that 
vicinity. Mr. Spiers at one time owned 1400 acres of land. He raised a 
family of 17 children. His first marriage was to Miss Lockwood, and to 
that union five children were born: Henry, William Z., now deceased, 
Reuben E., Mrs. Eliza N. Gibbany, and Mrs. Lizzie Miles. Mr. Spiers was 
maiTied the second time to Martha Vance and to that union the following 
children were born: Mrs. Ellen M. Bryant, now dead; Mrs. Mollie Ewing; 
Mrs. Myrtle Carpenter; Marion and Mariot, twins; Mrs. Nancy C. Camp- 
bell; Talitha Cumi, died at the age of 21 years; Amos C, the subject of 
this review ; June, living in Gentry County ; Newton Z. ; and Pearl, living 
in Gentry County. 

Amos C. Spiers attended the rural schools of Gentry County and came 
to Daviess County when he was 21 years old. He lived with his brother, 
Mariot, for a while, then went back to Gentry County and remained there 
for three years. At the end of that time he settled near McFall, where he 
lived for four years, and then spent a year in Gentry County. He bought 
his present farm of 164 acres three and one-half miles north of Winston 
in 1906 from J. W. Gillilan. The farm is well improved. The residence 
was on it at the time Mr. Spiers purchased the land, but he has added the 
barn and several farm buildings as they were needed. The Rock Island 
Railway runs through the farm. Mr. Spiers does general farming and 
raises Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. 

Mr. Spiers was was married in September, 1898 to Bertha Garrison, 
a daughter of A. H. and Margaret (Polk) Garrison. Mr. Garrison died in 
Jefferson Township in 1894 and his remains are buried in Cape Cemetery. 
Mrs. Garrison was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri with her par- 
ents in 1863. She still lives on the Garrison home place. To her union 
with A. H. Garrison the following children were born: Mrs. Clara Duffy of 
Civil Bend ; Mrs. Fannie Bellamy ; Edward, now living in Oklahoma ; Lulu 
Minor, living in Colorado ; George W., a resident of Marion Township, Dav- 
iess County ; Bertha, now Mrs. Spiers ; Frederick, living in Jefferson Town- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 979 

ship, Daviess County; Arthur, living in Oklahoma; Leonard, a resident of 
Dodge City, Kan. ; Mrs. Kate Bright, living in Omaha, Neb. ; Russell, living 
in DeKalb County ; and Carl, a resident of Kansas City, Mo. 

To the union of Amos C. and Bertha (Garrison) Spiers the following 
children were born; Wilma G., the wife of E. F. Bozarth of Prescott, Kan.; 
Winnie I., at home ; and Paul A. and Irene, both at home. Two children, 
Sylvia and Raymond, died in infancy. 

Mr. Spiers is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 
Lodge at Winston. He has filled the office of justice of the peace in his 
township. The Spiers and Garrison families are remarkable in that of the 
29 children born to the two families, 26 are still living, and all lived to 
years of maturity. Mr. Spiers is a substantial fanner, an excellent citizen, 
and a man held in high esteem by the community. 

Leland F. Minor, farmer and stockman of Jefferson Township, Dav- 
iess County, is the son of James T. and Ann Eliza (Donnelly) Minor. The 
Minor family has been well and favorably known in Daviess County for 
many years. 

James T. Minor was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri with his 
parents when he was a small lad. They settled in Platte County and later 
moved to Daviess County and bought land in Jefferson Township, one and 
one-half miles west of the home of L. F. Minor, where they died. James 
T. Minor bought 40 acres of land, paid $20.00 on the purchasing price, and 
had just $20.00 left. He believed, however, in having a home even though 
it meant assuming a debt. He built a small frame house of native lumber, 
in which the family was housed for some time. The old house is now a part 
of the new farm residence. Mr. Minor now has land holdings of 330 acres. 
The residence is five and one-half miles east of Weatherby and the farm is 
operated by Mr. Minor's two sons, Leland F. and Glenn. James T. Minor 
and his wife now live at Santa Rosa, where they own property. Mr. Minor 
and his wife were born the same year, 1855. Mrs. Minor is a daughter of 
Edward Donnelly, who was a native of Ireland. He was a teacher in Platte 
County. To James T. Minor and wife the following children were born: 
Theron E.. living at Wapello, Iowa; Ray, of Kidder; Leslie, living at Santa 
Rosa; Loren, died at the age of 21 years; Leland F., the subject of this re- 
view ; Glenn, enlisted for service in the army during the World War, served 
one year in the Ordnance Department, married Blanch Stewart of Santa 
Rosa, and is now a partner of Leland F. Minor in operating the home farm ; 
and Owen, living at Santa Rosa. 

Leland F. Minor attended the public schools of Daviess County and 
at Kidder, and was a student in Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111., 



980 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

where he graduated in 1913. A year later he returned to the farm where 
he has lived ever since. The land comprised in the Minor farm, is well 
improved, is well watered, and equipped with excellent farm buildings. 
Mr. Minor raises mules, Spotted Poland hogs, Shorthorn cattle, and Ply- 
mouth Rock poultry. 

Mr. Minor was married, Sept. 10, 1916, to Winnie Cox, a daughter of 
Sherman and Lucy (Smith) Cox of near Pattonsburg, Harrison County. 
Mr. Cox was born in Washington County, Pa., and his wife was a native 
of Harrison County, Mo. Their children are: Winnie, now Mrs. Minor; 
Grant, living at Pattonsburg; and Brooke, Lawrence, Crystal and Lucille, 
all at home. One daughter. Fern, died at the age of two years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Minor have two children. Rex Sherman and Max James. 

Mr. Minor is a progressive and able farmer and stockman and is 
rapidly achieving a marked success in his work. 

James C. Kibler. proprietor of Fairview Farm near Winston, Jefferson 
Township, Daviess County, is a native of Rappahannock County, Va., born 
on Aug. 4, 1876, the son of Reuben and Sallie F. (Carpenter) Kibler. 

Reuben Kibler was born in Page County, Va., where he was a farmer 
all of his life. He served for four years in the Confederate Army during 
the Civil War. Mr. Kibler died in 1909. His wife, who was born in Rappa- 
hannock County, Va., still lives there. Their children were: Henry, living 
at Elgin, Va., where he is a railway agent ; Silas, living at Jefferson, Va. ; 
Joseph, deceased ; Taylor, living on the home place ; Francis, living in Vir- 
ginia; James C, the subject of this review; Bourbon Nathaniel, living in 
Page County, Va. ; Virdee Lee, was Mrs. Houghton and is now dead ; Char- 
lie, living in Pennsylvania ; and Annie, the wife of E. N. Smedley of Jame- 
son, Mo. 

James C. Kibler attended the schools in Virginia and was a farmer in 
Rappahannock County for several years. He came to Missouri in 1900 and 
settled near Jameson in Daviess County. He has owned several farms 
prior to the purchase of his present farm in August, 1919. This farm lies 
five miles north of Winston and comprises 270 acres of well improved land. 
The residence is good and the farm is provided with excellent farm build- 
ings. The residence is on the Weatherby-Gallatin road and the Jefferson 
Highway passes within a fourth of a mile of the farm. There is a pleasant 
driveway to the house, which sets back from the road, and the lawn has an 
abundance of maple, cedar, and elm trees. The Firview church is located 
on the southwest corner of the farm. Mr. Kibler is raising registered 
Spotted Poland China hogs, cattle, and Shropshire sheep. 

James C. Kibler was married, Aug. 26, 1900 to Sallie B. Houghton, a 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 981 

daiifjfhter of Jack and Ellen (Houghton) Houghton. Mrs. Houghton is 
dead and Mr. Houghton is now living near Jameson. Mr. and Mrs. Kibler 
have ten children ; Lucille, Ruth, now the wife of William Loop, a farmer 
of Jefferson Township; Clarence, Chester, Virgie, Lila May, Walter W., 
Daisy Lee, Dorothy, and Mary Frances. 

Mr. Kibler is a member of the Yeoman Lodge at Gallatin. He is a 
practical and ambitious farmer, and a man highly esteemed in his neigh- 
borhood. 

Everett H. Helms, owner of well improved land holdings in Daviess 
County, has his residence midway between Weatherby and Winston. He 
was born in Hancock County, 111., Nov. 16, 1860, the son of M. K. and Mary 
Ann (Turman) Helms. 

M. K. Helms and wife were both natives of Virginia and came to 
Missouri in 1877. They rented land in Daviess County where they both 
died. Their remains are buried in Tuggle Cemetery. Their children were: 
Meritt, deceased ; Hatti, now Mrs. Weist of Gallatin ; Everett H., the' sub- 
.iect of this sketch; Celia, now Mrs. Picklesimer; Addison, died at Lock 
Springs; Enoch, a resident of Little Rock, Ark.; Tazewell, now living in 
Colorado ; and Lee, deceased. 

Everett H. Helms attended the public schools in Illinois and came to 
Missouri with his parents when he was a youth of 17 years. He worked 
near Coffey for some time, working by the month for the following people, 
Gilb Smith, Kirk Ford, James Netherton, Than Glaze, Ott Brothers, David 
Lamey. and Mrs. Melvin. His wages were $13.00 a month, but he was 
thrifty and careful and managed to save money. He went to Kansas and 
took up a claim in Norton County, but soon decided that it was a bad invest- 
ment and left without proving up on the land. He bought a farm of 120 
acres of land in De Kalb County, Mo., in 1883, later adding 40 acres to the 
original tract. He now owns 180 acres of land in Monroe Township, Dav- 
iess County, and 270 acres in his home place in the same county. The 
latter is the old Silas Rowland farm and is a well improved tract of land. 
Mr. Helms does general farming and buys and sells stock. For the past 
eight years he has been very successful in this latter line of work. 

iVIr. Helms was married in 1883 to Cora Reid, a daughter of Madison 
and Rebecca Reid, both now dead. Mrs. Helms was born in Daviess County, 
and died there in August, 1902. Her remains are buried in Reid Cemetery. 
To her union with Everett H. Helms the following children were born: 
Lola, the wife of William Harms of De Kalb County ; Floyd E., married 
Pearl Baker and lives in Monroe Township; Clyde, married Lulu Longoy 
and lives in the San Luis Valley in Colorado ; Inez, married Glenn Manring 



982 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

and lives in Jefferson Township ; Glenn, married Ora Brown and lives in 
De Kalb County ; and Basil, married Cecil Fleming and now lives on the 
home plance. 

Mr. Helms is a Democrat and has been actively interested in the work 
of that party, although he has always refused to run for any office. He 
is a man who is held in high regard in the community where his business 
integrity and his civic ideals are unquestioned. 

D. E. Hisel, a well known farmer and stockman of Liberty Township, 
Daviess County, was born Oct. 21, 1872, in Jackson Township, Daviess 
County, the son of Jackson and Ellen (Miller) Hisel. Jackson Hisel was 
born in Buchanan County, Mo., about two miles south of St. Joseph, when 
St. Joseph was a mere trading post. During the Civil War he served on 
the Union Army. Following the war, Mr. Hisel came to Daviess County, 
where he engaged in farming and stock raising in Liberty Township. In 
1902 he went to Oklahoma, where he remained until his death in 1906. His 
wife died there about two years later. To Jackson and Ellen (Miller) 
Hisel, nine children were born, as follows: Corbin, lives in Daviess County; 
Robert, Oklahoma; D. E., the subject of this sketch; Alvin, Hay Center, 
Neb. ; Rosa, the wife of John F. Wilder, Jameson, Mo. ; Otto, Louisiana ; 
Minnie, the wife of Louie Reed, living near Altamont, Mo. ; Fred, Lott 
Springs, Mo. ; Herbert, living in Oklahoma. 

D. E. Hisel was reared in Daviess County on his father's farm and 
received his education in the public schools. He has always been engaged 
in farming and stock raising, and handles very high grade cattle. His farm 
is located near Gallatin in Liberty Township. 

On Jan. 9, 1901, Mr. Hisel was married to Elizabeth Creekmore, a na- 
tive of Liberty Township, Daviess County, and a daughter of Jesse A. and 
Amanda (Baber) Creekmore. Jesse A. Creekmore was born in Liberty 
Township, Daviess County, in about 1832, and was a son of Henry Creek- 
more, a Kentuckian, and one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison County, 
Mo. His mother was also a native of Kentucky. Jesse Creekmore died in 
1905, while his wife died in 1909. Mrs. Hisel is one of nine children, seven 
of whom are now deceased. She has one sister living, Martha, the wife of 
W. B. Stevens. They have their home just two houses east of the Hisel 
residence in Liberty Township. Mrs. Hisel was a pupil of John Leopard, 
when he taught school. 

In politics Mr. Hisel is a Democrat. He is an enterprising citizen and 
representative of the successful type of farmer and stock raiser of this 
county, and he and his family are highly esteemed in the community. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 983 

R. M. Black, an enterprising farmer and stockman of Liberty Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born Nov. 4, 1885, in Oilman City, Harrison 
County, Mo., the son of Albert R. and Mary (Turner) Black. Mr. and Mrs. 
Black were the parents of the following children : Lockey, Zaola ; Glenwood, 
Pinos, R. M., the subject of this sketch. 

Albert R. Black was born in Frankfort, Ky., in 1837. In his early life 
he removed to Harrison County, Mo., where he engaged in farming. He 
died in 1914. Marj' (Turner) Black, his wife, was born in Illinois in 1854. 
She now lives in Oklahoma. R. M. Black's grandparents on his mother's 
side wei-e natives of Bethany, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Black were members of 
the Baptist Church. 

R. M. Black grew up on his father's farm in Harrison County, Mo., and 
was educated in the district schools. He assisted his father in farming in 
Oilman City, Mo., for some time, and later went to Oklahoma, where he re- 
mained for six years. Mr. Black has lived on his present farm in Liberty 
Township, Daviess County, for the past six years. He has made extensive 
improvements, and is a well known breeder of Hereford cattle. 

Mr. Black was married to Ethel Graham and to this union three chil- 
dren have been born, as follows: Christina, Olenwood, and Kathleen. 

In politics Mr. Black is a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church. Mr. Black is a public spirited and substantial citizen, and the 
Black family are among the representative people of Daviess County. 

J. S. Blair, popular former sheriff of Daviess County, was born~Dec. 
28, 1865, in Washington County, Pa., the son of John and Jane (Gunn) 
Blair. 

John and Jane (Gunn) Blair were natives of Pennsylvania who came 
to Harrison County, Mo., in 1868, where they resided for three years. 
They then came to Daviess County, where Mr. Blair carried on farming 
and stock raising. To John and Jane (Gunn) Blair, six children were born, 
as follows: Marcus A.; Isaac M.; Lucinda J.; William; J. S., the subject of 
this sketch ; and Katie. 

J. S. Blair was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, and 
attended the district schools. He was engaged in farming until 1907, 
when he removed to Pattonsburg, Mo., where he lived for two years. Mr. 
Blair then came to Gallatin, and was elected sheriff in 1909. He served in 
that office for four years and was then re-elected in 1916, serving until 
1920. During his term of office as .sheriff, Mr. Blair had a shooting affray, 
in which he arre.sted the Chism Brothers, notorious outlaws of Blooming- 
ton, 111. During the arrest Earl Chism was shot and died, March 24, 1909. 

In November, 1888, Mr. Blair was married to Martha J. Tunnel, a 



984 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

daughter of James Tunnel. To J. S. and Martha (Tunnel) Blair, seven 
children have been born, as follows: Bertha G., Delia, Dorothy, Rosella, 
Russel, Forest A., and John L. 

In politics Mr. Blair is a Republican. He is a member of the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Blair is well known in Gallatin and Daviess 
County, and is a substantial and highly respected citizen. 

Dr. Frank Hedges, a prominent physician and surgeon of Pattonsburg, 
Mo., was born Nov. 10, 1875, a son of Levi and Nancy (Cunningham) 
Hedges. He was born in Harrison County, Mo. 

Levi Hedges was a native of Kentucky. When a young man he removed 
to Illinois, making the trip by wagon, which required one month's time. 
He settled in Illinois for some time, later coming to Missouri, where he be- 
gan farming and stock raising in Harrison County. Mr. Hedges became 
the owner of 160 acres of good farm land and was well known throughout 
Daviess County as a successful stockman. In 1850, Mr. Hedges crossed 
the plains to California with his brother. They made the trip in covered 
wagons. On the return trip to Missouri, they walked part of the way. and 
came the remainder by boat. Mr. Hedges died in November 1890, and his 
wife died in October, 1887. They were the parents of the following child- 
ren: P. M., deceased; Edgar, deceased; Clarence, deceased; Mary E., de- 
ceased; Olive, the widow of J. D. Sutton, living in Bethany ; James P., May- 
ville ; Lucy, the wife of W. E. Salmon, Harrison County ; Eva, the wife of 
John W. Rice, McFall ; Charles and Emma, twins. Emma is the wife of 
W. M. Kidwell, Bethany; Charles, St. Joseph; and Dr. Frank, the subject 
of this sketch. 

Dr. Frank Hedges was educated in the public and high schools of 
Harrison County. He was also graduated from Stanbury Normal School 
and Endsworth Medical College, and took post graduate work in Chicago, 
111. Dr. Hedges served during the World War. He was the first physician 
called in Daviess County, and after receiving his commission, was sent to 
Fort Riley, Kan., where he remained for three months. He enlisted June 
20, 1917, and was commissioned captain on May 17, 1918. Dr. Hedges 
spent one year in France doing surgical work. The hospital in which he 
was stationed was raided during an air attack by the Germans. After the 
armistice. Dr. Hedges was discharged at Camp Dodge, Iowa, on Feb. 4, 
1919. 

Dr. Hedges practiced medicine in Andover, Mo., for two years and in 
1901 came to Pattonsburg, where he has since remained. He has a fine 
practice, which is the result of his unusual ability. 

On Aug. 7, 1894, Dr. Hedges married Mary E. Fanning, a native of 
Harrison County, and a daughter of Joseph and Anna O. (Querry) Fanning. 



I 




DK. FRANK HEIIOKS 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 985 

Joseph Fanning is a Civil War veteran and owns 480 acres of land in Har- 
rison County. He is a prominent farmer and stockman. Mr. and Mrs. 
Fanning are the parents of the following children : Ervie, the wife of 
Thomas M. Rice, Albany; Ida, the wife of Dave Campbell, Pattonsburg; 
Ollie, Colorado ; Oscar, Stillwater, Okla. ; Harvey, Daviess County ; Bonnie, 
the wife of C. E. Ross, Kansas City, Mo. ; Robert, resides on the home 
farm; and Mrs. Hedges. To Dr. Frank and Mary E. (Fanning) Hedges 
one child has been born, Frank R., born Nov. 3, 1896. He was educated in 
the public and high schools of Harrison County, and was graduated from 
the St. Louis University. Mr. Hedges is now chief clerk of the Empire 
Oil Company of Bartlesville, Okla. 

Dr. Hedges is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church He 
is a progressive, enterprising and substantial citizen of Daviess County, 
and has many friends. 

J. T. Patton, a leading farmer and stockman of Liberty Township, 
Daviess County, was born March 21, 1855, in Jefferson Township, Daviess 
County, two miles north of Altamont. He is a son of John William and 
Mary Jane (Hopkins) Patton. 

John William Patton was born May 7, 1826, in Tennessee. During his 
entire life he was a farmer and stockman. Te served during the Civil War, 
following which he removed to Daviess County, where he lived until the 
time of his death, April 9, 1909. His wife was a native of Virginia, born 
Sept. 29, 1831. She died April 24, 1900, and she is buried with her husband 
in Creekmore Cemetery. To John William and Mary Jane (Hopkins) 
Patton six children were born, as follows: Amanda, J. T., the subject of 
this sketch ; Phoebe, Florence, William R., married to Mollie Parmley, 
and Eleanor Christine. 

J. T. Patton grew up on his father's farm in Daviess County, Mo., and 
attended the district schools. For 12 years Mr. Patton served in the office 
of township clerk and assessor. In 1909 he purchased a farm of 80 acres 
in Liberty Township. Daviess County, where he has since been engaged in 
farming and stockraising. He has been successful in this work and is a 
breeder of high grade cattle. 

Mr. Patton was married the first time to Mary Creekmore, a daughter 
of Jesse and Amanda Creekmore, and to this union three children were 
born, as follows: Clem, Herbert, and Mamie. Mr. Patton's second marriage 
was to Alice Hartman, a daughter of William and Flora Hartman, and to 
this union one child was born. Flora Mary Patton. 

In politics Mr. Patton is a Democrat. He is a member of the Pente- 



986 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

costal Mission Church, and well known in Liberty Township, Daviess 
County, where he has many friends. 

J. H. Gillespie, the well known and capable cashier of the Jameson 
Bank, was born July 15, 1865, thirteen miles north of Coffey, Mo., and is 
the son of William and Elizabeth (Young) Gillespie. 

William Gillespie was born in 1833 in Jackson County, Ohio. He came 
to Jameson, Mo., in February, 1872, where he worked at the carpenter 
trade. He died in 1912, and is buried in the Grand River Cemetery. Eliza- 
beth (Young) Gillespie was born in 1838 in Salem, Ind. Her father was a 
native of Pennsylvania and her mother was born in Indiana. To William 
and Elizabeth (Young) Gillespie six children were born, as follows: Leona, 
the wife of J. G. Watson, Milan, Mo.; Harry, deceased; J. H., the subject 
of this sketch; Minnie, the wife of A. E. Watson, residing in Florida; Ella, 
the wife of John Curtis ; Charles Franklin, Jameson, Mo. 

J. H. Gillespie was educated in the district schools of Daviess County. 
He then became engaged as clerk in the J. F. Hamaker general merchandise 
store, where he remained for 15 years. Mr. Gillespie then went into the 
hardware business, and still has an interest in it. He recently took a part- 
ner, Mr. Smith, into his business. Mr. Gillespie has been in the hardware 
business for 20 years, and has been very successful. He has also been 
connected with the Bank of Jameson since Jan. 1, 1916, when he was elected 
vice president. He has served as cashier of the bank since 1916. 

The Bank of Jameson was organized in 1889 with the following officers: 
Mose Netherson, president; A. J. Selsor, vice president; L. M. Brown, 
cashier; R. J. Lowry, secretary. It was organized with a capital of 
$10,000. The directors were: W. G. Netherton; L. M. Brown; A. J. Selsor; 
R. J. Lowry ; Z. A. Kimball ; and E. J. Walls. The bank now has a capital 
of $15,000 and a surplus of $15,000. The bank has been located in its 
present building, which it purchased, since 1912. The present officers are, 
as follows: John F. Brown, president; J. H. Kemp, vice president; J. H. 
Gillespie, cashier; R. B. Adcock, assistant cashier. The directors are: 
John F. Brown, J. H. Kemp, D. E. Waters, J. V. Waters, R. A. Wilson, and 
J. H. Gillespie. 

Mr. Gillespie was married to Nellie Gorsuch. She died on Feb. 6, 1919, 
in St. Joseph, Mo., and is buried in Brown Cemetery, Gallatin, Mo. Mr. 
and Mrs. Gillespie had no children. 

Mr. Gillespie is the oldest resident of Jameson, Mo. Throughout his 
life he has been associated with the development of Daviess County, and 
has always held high standards and progressive ideals in civic affairs. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 987 

T. C. Barlow, of Jameson. Mo., a leading dealer in poultry, and produce 
of all kinds, was born April 18, 1883, two miles south of Jameson. He is a 
son of Thomas and Fannie A. (Lockard) Barlow. 

Thomas Barlow was born in 1850 in Jackson County, Ohio, a son of 
George and Lourecia (Burns) Barlow, natives of Virginia. Thomas Bar- 
low carried on general farming near Jackson, Ohio, where he remained 
until 1882, when he moved near Jameson, Mo. Here he farmed until 1917, 
when he retired and moved to Jameson. His farm was located about two 
miles from Jameson. Mrs. Barlow was born in 1852 in Jackson County, 
Ohio, and was the daughter of John and Mary Lockard, natives of Jackson 
County, Ohio. To Thomas and Fannie A. (Lockard) Barlow three chil- 
dren were born as follows: George W., married Helen Meredith, Jameson, 
Mo.; T. C, the subject of this sketch ; and Fleet M., married Nina Harbert, 
Gallatin. 

T. C. Barlow was reared on a farm and attended the district schools 
in Daviess County. He also attended the Brown School, south of Jameson. 
Mr. Barlow then engaged in farming northwest of Gallatin. After 12 
years of farming, he moved to Jameson, and became engaged in the poultry 
business, in which he has been very successful. He also owns a general 
merchandise store, known as Barlow's Cash Store, and each day his truck 
makes a trip through the surrounding district to purchase produce and 
poultry for his store, and for his poultry business. 

Mr. Barlow married Minnie Harris, and to this union one child has 
been born. Forest Robert, who lives in Gallatin. 

Mr. Barlow is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias of Jameson, and the Yeoman Lodge. 
He is a member of the Methodist Church. 

Mr. Barlow's honest business methods and his friendly attitude have 
won him a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. 

Dr. James B. Graham, a well known and successful physician of 
Jameson where he has been engaged in the practice of his profession for 
25 years is a native of Missouri and is a representative of a prominent 
pioneer family of this state. He was born at Gentryville, Oct. 18, 1874, a 
son of Dr. George and Martha Jane (Dobbins) Graham. 

Dr. George Graham was a native of Ohio and was brought to Missouri 
by his parents when he was a child. He was a son of John Graham, a pio- 
neer settler of Grundy County, who was a miller and operated a number of 
mills on Grand River, at one time or another and his six sons. Dr. George, 
James, John, William, Alfred and Oliver were engaged with him in the 
milling business. He had one daughter, Emeline who married Henry Whit- 



988 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

ten. Dr. George Graham was educated in the Grand River College at Edin- 
burg and the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis. After graduating, he 
engaged in the practice of medicine at Lindley, Sullivan County. While 
there he married Martha Jane Dobbins, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah 
(Kirkpatrick) Dobbins, early pioneers of Sullivan County and natives of 
Sangaman County, 111. The Dobbins family came to Missouri with an ox 
team and wagons and first settled in Livingston County. One year later 
they removed to Sullivan County and Thomas Dobbins was the first settler 
in the town of Lindley of which he was the founder. He paid for his first 
land which he entered from the Government there, by splitting 30,000 
rails. He became the owner of 1500 acres of land and was a prominent and 
influential citizen. He died at Lindley in 1896 at the age of 82 years and 
his wife died at the age of 72. 

After his marriage, George Graham located at Gentryville, where he 
operated a grist and woolen mill. In 1879 the mills were destroyed by fire 
and after this misfortune, Doctor Graham bought City Mills and the Grand 
River Mills at Trenton and resumed business. This mill was destroyed by 
a cyclone in July, 1883. Dr. Graham had practiced his profession to some 
extent while engaged in other business, and in 1887, located at McFall with 
the intention of devoting himself to his profession but died three weeks 
after his arrival, at the age of 47. He was a Democrat and a member of 
the Christian Church. His widow survived him for a number of years and 
died in March, 1913. They were the parents of the following children: 
David T., St. Louis ; Mrs. Emma J. Carson, St. Louis ; Mrs. Sarah M. Asher, 
Trenton; Leota Lee, deceased; and Dr. James B., the subject of this 
sketch. 

Dr. James B. Graham was educated in the public schools of Trenton, 
the McFall High School and Avalon College. In 1893 he entered Barnes 
Medical College, now the National University of Arts and Sciences at St. 
Louis where he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1897. 
He then engaged in the practice of his profession at Jameson where he has 
built up a large practice and is widely known as an able physician and a 
high class citizen. 

Doctor Graham was married Aug. 21, 1895 to Miss Maud C. Miller of 
Jamesport, a daughter of Mack Miller. To Doctor and Mrs. Graham have 
been born the following children: James B., Jr., died at the age of one year; 
Martha Lois, Jack Sutcliff, Mary Elizabeth, and Nancy Jane. 

Doctor Graham is a Democrat and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Wood- 
men of AmeVica. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 989 

V. P. Johnt^on, a successful farmer and stockman of Grand River 
River Township, Daviess County, was born March 1, 1888, in Union Town- 
ship, Daviess County, the son of Phihp M. and Lucy (Cornell) Johnson. 

Philip M. Johnson was born in Rhappahan6ck County, Va., in 1854. 
He has been a farmer during his entire life, and now lives on a farm 
of 60 acres in Union Township, Daviess County. Mrs. Johnson was born in 
Worth County, Mo., in 1861, and was the daughter of George C. and Mrs. 
Cornell. To Philip M. and Lucy (Cornell) Johnson, four children were 
born, as follows: Charles L., married Ruby Adams; V. P., the subject 
of this sketch: Mary, the wife of Marion Page: and George W., married 
Helen Feurt, Jameson, Mo. 

V. P. Johnson was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
district schools. For several years he worked in the Davis Drug Company 
of Gallatin, later going to Washington, where he remained for one year. 
Mr. Johnson now lives in Grand River Township, Daviess County, where 
he owns a farm of 120 acres. He has resided there since 1918, and the 
place is his wife's birth place. Mr. Johnson carries on general farming and 
stock raising, in which he has been very successful. 

On June 17, 1917, Mr. Johnson was married to Sarah Roe Everly, a 
daughter of W. C. and Laura (Feurt) Everly. To this union one child has 
been born, Lavinia Hortense. 

In politics Mr. Johnson is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
Methodist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Johnson is a 
man who is highly esteemed in his community. He is an enterprising 
farmer and stockman and an efficient citizen. 

C. C. Everly. a leading farmer and stockman of Grand River Township, 
Daviess County, was born July 22, 1882, in Grand River Township, Daviess 
County, and is a son of William C. and Laura (Feurt) Everly. William C. 
Everly was born in 1851 in Grand River Township, the son of John and 
Pheney (Sent) Everly. He was engaged in farming and stock raising 
during his entire life in Missouri. He died, Jan. 5, 1916. His wife was 
born in 1853 in Salem Town.ship, Daviess County, a daughter of Gabrial 
and Sarah (Glaze) Feurt. Mrs. Everly died Jan. 7, 1916. To William C. 
and Laura (Feurt) Everly three children were born, as follows: Ella, the 
wife of Cort Feurt, living in Grand River Township. Daviess County; C. C, 
the subject of this sketch ; and Roe, the wife of Virgil Johnson. Grand 
River Township. 

C. C. Everly has lived in Grand River Township, Daviess County, 
during his entire life. He was educated in the district schools and also 
attended Grand River College. When he began farming, Mr. Everly owned 



990 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

40 acres of land. He now has 400 acres of well improved land and is a 
successful and widely known breeder of high grade stock. 

On March 6, 1907, Mr. Everly was married to Dora Kemp, a daughter 
of John and Laura (Haines) Kemp, natives of Missouri. To this union 
five children have been born, as follows: Ruby Louise, Mamie Alice, John 
Kemp, Mary Ellen, and Laura Frances. 

In pontics Mr. Everly is a Republican. He belongs to the Modern 
Woodmen of America, and is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Everly 
is an energetic man who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and 
fellow citizens. 

S. J. Clark, well known contractor of Jameson, Mo., was born Aug. 16, 
1857, in Kentucky. He is a son of C. W. and Parthena (Mitchell) Clark. 

C. W. Clark was born in Kentucky in 1828. During the early part 
of his life he was a cabinet maker. He later removed to Jameson, Mo., 
where he was engaged in general farming until the time of his death, 
Jan. 21, 1902. Parthena (Mitchell) Clark was born in December, 1836, in 
Kentucky. She is now deceased, and with her husband is buried in Grand 
River Cemetery. To C. W. and Parthena (Mitchell) Clark four children 
were born as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of E. J. Martin, residing in Ken- 
tucky ; Granville, married Marie Cashman, Jameson, Mo. ; Mary E., the 
wife of William Hodges, Hillsboro, Ind. ; and S. J., the subject of this 
-sketch. 

S. J. Clark was reared in Kentucky. In 1883 he came to Jameson, 
Mo., where he worked at the carpenter trade until 1890. He was also 
engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Jameson. Mr. Clark 
has also been engaged in the grocery and drygoods business. In 1912 he 
became a building contractor, which work he is now engaged in. Mr. 
Clark has been very successful in his work, and he has a thorough under- 
standing of building conditions. 

Mr. Clark married Cora Maud Campbell, a daughter of Addison Valen- 
tine and Mai'tha (Yeley) Campbell. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell came from 
Illinois to Missouri many years ago, but are now residing in Colorado. Mrs. 
Clark was born in Vigo County, Ind., but later moved to Illinois with her 
parents. Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Clark are the parents of two children, as 
follows: Aletha, the wife of Dewey Smith, living two miles southeast of 
Jameson, Mo. ; and Ralph S., attending the Jameson High School. 

In politics Mr. Clark is a Republcian. He is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of Amercia and the Yeoman Lodge. Mr. Clark is a member of 
the Baptist Church. He is progressive and enterprising, and one of the 
dependable citizens of Daviess County. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 991 

T. T. Brown, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of 
Grand River Township, Daviess County, was born Marcii 11, 1870, a mile 
and a half from his present farm. He is a son of Joe and Mary (Ward) 
Brown. 

Joe Brown was born in Daviess County, in 1845. He served in the 
army during the Civil War, after which he returned to Missouri and carried 
on farming and stock raising until the time of his death, November, 1893. 
Mary (Ward) Brown was a native of Illinois, and is now living with her 
son, T. T. Brown, in Grand River Township, Daviess County. To Joe and 
Mary (Ward) Brown five children were born, as follows: Augusta, the wife 
of J. W. Poe, deceased; Etta, deceased, was the wife of Bert Harding; 
Daisy ; Ethel, the wife of William Poe ; and T. T., the subject of this sketch. 

T. T. Brown was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, and 
received his education in the district schools. He has been a farmer all 
his life. He owns 180 acres of good farm land, and is a well known breeder 
of high grade stock. 

In 1894 Mr. Brown was married to Estella Barrick, a daughter of 
Jefferson and Mary (Kline) Barrick, who were natives of Ohio. They 
settled in Daviess County, many years ago. To T. T. and Estella (Barrick) 
Brown two children have been born : Thomas Jefferson and Roberta May 
Brown. 

Mr. Brown is identified with the Republican party in politics and is a 
member of the Baptist Church. He is a reliable and efficient member of 
the community and has the esteem of his fellow citizens. 

H. S. Wynne, a leading farmer and stockman of Grand River Town- 
ship, Daviess County, was born Aug. 13, 1879, on the farm where he now 
resides. He is a son of William and Amanda (Bowen) Wynne. William 
Wynne is a son of Peter and Mary Wynne. He was born in Tazewell 
County, Va., April 7, 1836. He moved to Daviess County with his parents 
and settled on a farm in Washington Township. He served during the Civil 
War. Mr. Wynne was married to Nancy Hopkins, now deceased, and to 
them five children were born : Mary and Ella, deceased ; Anna, married 
Frank McNealy, now living near Jameson ; George, married Lillie Bear, 
now living near Jamesport ; and Henry, married to Maggie Brown now 
living near Jame.son. Mr. Wynne and his wife are now living on a farm 
near Coffey, Mo. To William and Amanda (Bowen) Wynne five children 
were born, as follows: H. S., the subject of this sketch; Johnnie, Coffey; 
Harry, married Pattie Marie Landes, now deceased ; Homer, married Laura 
Brown, residing in Jameson ; and Corda, the wife of Tom Boyer, living near 
Gilman, Mo. 



992 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

H. S. Wynne was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. 
He then became engaged in farming and stock raising on a farm in Grand 
River Township, Daviess County, which he now owns. It is an 80 acre 
farm of well improved land. Mr. Wynne is a well known breeder of Short- 
horn cattle and spotted Poland hogs. 

Mr. Wynne married Pearl Peniston, a daughter of George and Mary 
(Preston) Peniston, natives of Missouri and early settlers of Daviess 
County. Mr. Peniston was born Dec. 18, 1850, and died Aug. 26, 1889. He 
is buried in the Centenary Cemetery, east of Gallatin. Mrs. Peniston was 
the daughter of Thomas and Martha Preston, natives of Ohio. She died in 
1912 and is also buried in the Centenary Cemetery. George Peniston was 
a son of Theodore and Susan Peniston, natives of Virginia. To H. S. and 
Pearl (Peniston) Wynne one son has been born, Thomas Howard, attend- 
ing school. He was born in 1912. 

Mr. Wynne is a Democrat. He is a reliable and substantial member 
of his community, a man known for his integrity and progressive ideals. 

J. W. McDaniel, a well known citizen of Pattonsburg, was born in 
Benton Township, Daviess County, March 21, 1885. He is a son of John 
Henry and Louisa (Elliott) McDaniel. 

John Henry McDaniel was born March 9, 1825, in Orange County, N. 
C. In 1839 he came to Missouri, settling in Clay County, and the following 
year moved to Daviess County. Mr. McDaniel became a prominent farmer 
and stockman. He died Jan. 9, 1900, and his wife died July 3, 1900. They 
were buried in Lebanon Cemetery, north of McFall. To John Henry and 
Louisa (Elloitt) McDaniel the following children were born: J. W., the sub- 
ject of this sketch ; John Thomas, deceased; Mary A., deceased; Martha E., 
deceased ; Sarah, the wife of M. F. Sturgis, Clinton, Okla. ; Barbara, deceas- 
ed ; Lucy, deceased ; Robert M., a farmer and stockman, Benton Township, 
Daviess County ; Samuel H., decea.sed. Henry McDaniel was a staunch 
Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

J. W. McDaniel grew up in Daviess County and attended the public 
schools. He then engaged in farming and stock raising, owning 80 acres 
of land. For several years, he served as justice of the peace and is now 
city clerk. He was associated in business with the 0. K. Store of Pattons- 
burg, two years. 

On May 1, 1884, Mr. McDaniel married Anna A. Patton, a native of 
Texas and a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Locker) Patton. Frank 
Patton and wife were the parents of the following children: John H., de- 
ceased ; Mollie, widow of James Ronner, McFall ; Mrs. McDaniel ; and Will- 
iam Y., retired, Hulett, Wyo. Both Mr. and Mrs. Patton are deceased. To 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 993 

J. W. and Anna (Patton) McDaniel three children have been born, as fol- 
lows : Horace Newton, deceased, was a graduate of the Brunswick School 
of Pharmacy and St. Louis College ; Orville F., deceased ; Hattie Louisa, a 
bookkeeper in the Pattonsburg Savings Bank. 

Mr. McDaniel is a Democrat and belongs to the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows and the Yeoman Lodges. He is a member of the Methodist 
Church. Mr. McDaniel is the oldest living descendant of the McDaniel 
family, which has been prominent in Daviess County for many years. He 
is favorably known throughout Daviess County as a man of enterprise 
and ability. In Pattonsburg, he is esteemed as a progressive business man. 

In August, 1922, Mr. McDaniel became a candidate for Probate Judge 
of Daviess County. 

Boyd E. Walls, a progressive and enterprising business man of Jame- 
son, Mo., was born at Jameson, Oct. 2, 1882, a son of John 'M. and Mary E. 
(Janett) Walls. John M. Walls was born Nov. 15, 1858, in Daviess County. 
He was the son of George Washington and Ann (Mann) Walls, who were 
pioneer settlers of Daviess County. They settled on a farm where they 
lived for many years. At the time of his death, Mr. Walls was a resident of 
Jameson, Mo. Mary E. (Janett) Walls' parents were natives of West 
Virginia who settled in Daviess County, where they carried on general 
farming. John M. Walls died in 1901, and his widow is now living with her 
son, Boyd E. Walls, in Jameson. To John M. and Mary E. (Janett) Walls 
seven children were born, as follows: Bertha, deceased; Boyd E., the sub- 
ject of this sketch; Beula, deceased, was the wife of Roy Davis; Bessie 
M., deceased, was the wife of Ray E. Troxel ; Clyde, married Mary Roger, 
Pattonsburg, Mo. ; Blanche Alice, the wife of W. E. Cox ; and Cecil W., 
living at home. 

Boyd E. Walls grew up in Jameson and attended the public schools 
there. He then went to New Mexico, where he remained for two years. 
While there, Mr. Walls was in the meat business, and he also spent six 
months in Old Mexico. He then went to Nowater, Okla., where he spent 
four years, and one year following in Coffeyville, Kan. At the end of that 
time, Mr. Walls returned to Jameson, Mo., and purchased the restaurant 
and meat business of William Breeden, which he now operates. Mr. Walls 
has been in business in Jameson since May 14, 1911. He owns the only 
restaurant in the city, and is widely and favorably known. In connection 
with the restaurant and meat business, Mr. Wall also carries a full line of 
groceries. 

Mr. Walls is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 255 of 
Jameson, Mo. He has built up an extensive business, and has a host of 



994 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

friends throughout the county. Mr. Walls' mother is a Democrat. She is 
an interesting woman, having spent her entire life in Missouri. 

Edmon Henry, a well known and prosperous farmer and stockman of 
Pattonsburg, Mo., is the owner of 116 acres of the finest Grand River 
botton land in Grand River Township, Daviess County. Mr. Henry was 
born June 5, 1882, at the Henry homestead which he now owns. He grew 
to manhood on the farm. He received his early education in the district 
school, and later attended the Manual Training High School in Kansas 
City, Mo. He is an elder in the Bethel Presbyterian Church, and an inde- 
pendent voter. 

Mr. Henry is the son of Erdman and Theresa (Vogle) Henry. E. 
Henry, Sr., was born in Wittenbui-g, Germany, May 3, 1828, coming to 
America at the age of 26. He traveled over the greater part of the central 
states looking for a location, finally purchasing the tract of land now 
owned by his son. He then accepted a position in St. Joseph, Mo., as a 
baker, this being his trade learned in Germany. Here he met and married 
Miss Theresa Vogle, also a native of Germany, having come to America 
with her parents when six years of age. After their marriage they moved 
to the farm near Pattonsburg. This was in 1867. They reared to adoles- 
cence eight children, namely : Mrs. Mollie Henry Kessinger, who now lives 
in Harrison County, Mo., and with whom the widowed mother resides ; 
Albert, deceased since 1904 ; Dr. Frances J. Henry Ryan, now residing at 
2910 Harrison St., Kansas City, Mo. ; Charles E. Henry, now living in 
Texas ; Joseph W. Henry, in Kansas ; Dr. Anna Henry McClung, Pattons- 
burg; Edmon Henry, Pattonsburg; and John V. Henry, Redonda Beach, 
Calif. 

Mr. Henry, Sr., made many valuable improvements on his home place, 
aside from purchasing a home for each of his children during his life time. 
The advancement made by him showed the untiring skill and ceaseless 
ambition of a pioneer and his devoted helpmate. He passed away in April, 
1912, and interment was in Bethel Cemetery. 

Edmon Henry, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Alice 
Christie of McFall, Mo., Dec. 25, 1906. Mrs. Henry is the daughter of 
Lemuel and Sarah Burton Christie. Mr. Christie was a native of Kentucky, 
born Feb. 12, 1833 ; he was a veteran of the Civil War and died Nov. 12, 
1886. Mrs. Christie was a native of McFall, Mo., and died March 27, 1907. 
Interment at Salmon Cemetery. 

The children of Edmon and Alice Henry are ; Theresa Christine, now 
a sophomore in the Pattonsburg High School and Selden Kent, still in the 
grades; their respective ages are 14 and 11 years. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 995 

Mr. and Mrs. Henry have continued in the example set by their 
parents, in improving the home. Most of the farm is under cultivation, 
four acres in orchard. Mr. Henry speciaHzes in Aberdeen Angus cattle, 
and is a successful raiser of pure bred hogs. He is a man of enterprise 
and ambition, and is a reliable and well known citizen of Daviess County. 

Cort Francisco, a leading farmer and stockman of Daviess County, and 
owner of 330 acres of the finest land in Grand River Township, was born 
Nov. 20, 1873, in Daviess County. He is a son of E. H. and Levissa Ellen 
(Steel) Franicsco. 

E. H. Francisco was born in Iowa in 1848. He grew up in Iowa, but 
removed to Daviess County in 1869, where he settled in Benton Township. 
He has always been a farmer and is now living in Grand River Township, 
Daviess County, three miles west of Jameson Township. Mrs. Francisco's 
parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, and Mr. Francisco's 
parents were natives of New York. To E. H. and Levissa Ellen (Steel) 
Francisco 11 children were born, as follows: Claud, a Methodist minister, 
married Lizzie Goodkey, living at Graham, Mo. ; Cort, the subject of this 
sketch ; Elmer, Salem Township, Daviess County ; Nellie, the widow of J. 
J. Wigger; Herbert, teacher at Weatherby ; Oscar, deceased; Elma, the 
wife of William Burn, residing in Brooks County, Kan. ; Ray, married 
Carrie Hammond, living west of Pattonsburg; Walter, now of Cheyenne, 
Wyo. ; Margaret, the wife of Mont Smith, Washington Township, Daviess 
County ; Frank, married M. Cunningham, Salem Township, Daviess 
County. 

Cort Francisco was reared in Benton Township, Daviess County, and 
attended the district schools. He has been a farmer and stockman during 
his entire life and has lived on his present farm since 1908. Mr. Francisco 
is widely known as a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and his farm is 
one of the lai'gest and best in the township. 

Mr. Francisco was married in 1896 to Melissa Hays, a daughter of 
George and Susan (Williams) Hays. Mr. Hays is a native of Kentucky 
and his wife was born in Iowa. They were pioneer settlers of Daviess 
County, having come to Marion Township in 1877. To Cort and Melissa 
(Hays) Francisco three children have been born, as follows: Orville, 
married to Boline Ellis. They are living at home with Mr. and Mrs. 
Francisco and have one child, Raymond Earl ; Earl, deceased ; Golda, living 
at home. 

George W. Williams, a leading farmer of Daviess County, is a veteran 
of the Civil War. He was born August 8, 1841, in Grundy County, Mo., the 
son of George and Nancy (Austin) Williams, natives of Virginia who came 



996 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

to Grundy County, Mo., in 1838. They were the parents of five children 
as follows: Susan, the widow of Theodore Peniston; Martha, deceased; 
Sarah, deceased; Roger, deceased; and George W., the subject of this 
sketch. 

George Williams, Sr., died in 1841, the same year in which George W. 
was bom, and his wife died in 1844, three years later. After the mother's 
death, the oldest sister, Susan, a brother, Roger and George W., the subject 
of this sketch, came to Daviess County to live with an uncle, Chas. B. 
Williams, with whom they lived until 1861, at which time Roger and 
George W. enlisted in the army. Two sisters, Sarah and Martha, lived 
with an aunt in La Fayette County, Mo., until they were married. At 
Springfield Roger and George W. were taken prisoners while in the hospi- 
tal sick with the measles. Roger and George W. were both engaged in the 
battle of Carthage, Wilson Creek, Drywood, and Lexington. At the end of 
the war, George W. settled in Daviess County, where he remained until 
1869, when he went to Colorado. He remained there for six months, and 
then went to Texas, and Indian Territory. He was engaged in the cattle 
business in Texas, New Mexico, and Indian Territory for 18 years. At 
the end of that time, Mr. Williams returned to Daviess County. In 1891 
he removed to his present location in Marion Township, where he owns 575 
acres of well improved land. Mr. Williams has made many improvements 
on the land, and is one of the best known farmers and stockmen in the 
country. 

Mr. Williams married Frances P. Smith, daughter of William B. and 
Mary (Black) Smith, natives of Missouri. Mrs. Williams is now deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of six children, as follows: Mrs. 
Williams, deceased; James; Jennie; William; Chester; and Katie Smith, 
deceased. To George W. and Frances P. (Smith) Williams five children 
were born, as follows: J. B., deceased; Roger E., deceased; Lee, deceased; 
George, deceased ; and Frederick, living at home. 

Mr. Williams also owns a large section of land in Texas and some 
property in Roswell, N. M. He is a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, and is a Democrat. Mr. Williams is one of the substantial 
and highly respected citizens of Daviess County and a prominent pioneer 
of Missouri. 

Dr. S. L. Hiarding-er, a prominent physician of Pattonsburg, and Civil 
Bend, Mo., was born Aug. 7, 1855, in Maryland, the son of Conrad and 
Eliza M. (Rice) Hardinger. To Conrad and Eliza M. (Rice) Hardinger 
seven children were born, as follows : Mary Virginia, married Frank Lee- 
son, both deceased; Bascom, died in infancy; Dr. S. L., the subject of this 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 997 

sketch; Joseph Benson, married Alice Hermance; Hughbartus, married 
Cora Reed; George Sommerfield, married Delia Ward; Charles Temple, 
married Delia Gregory. 

In 1868 Doctor Hardinger moved to Osceola, Iowa. He was educated 
in Centenary College, Indianola, Iowa, and studied medicine under Doctors 
Davis and Park in the Medical School in Keokuk, Iowa. He was graduated 
from the Medical Physicians and Surgeons School in 1878, and began his 
practice of medicine in Aurora, Hamilton County, Neb. Two years later 
he removed to Daviess County, Mo., settling at Civil Bend, where he has 
since practiced. He has been the leading physician and surgeon of that 
community for many years, and is still active in his profession, although 
he does not make long trips. 

In 1883, Doctor Hardinger was married to Emma Powell, daughter of 
Dr. Henry and Mary J. (Webster) Powell, natives of Ladoga, Ind. Mrs 
Hardinger's parents were pioneer settlers of Daviess County, having 
settled in Gallatin, where Mrs. Hardinger was born. To Dr. Henry and 
Mary J. (Webster) Powell four children were born, as follows: Mrs. Hard- 
inger; John W., died in infancy; James H., married to Sarah Gilbert, living 
in Montana ; Alice, died in infancy. Mrs. Hardinger's father was a veteran 
of the Civil War, having served under General Lew Wallace of Indiana. 
He died in 1871 and is buried in the Christian Church Cemetery. For a 
time Doctor Powell was deputy sheriff of Daviess County. At the time of 
his death he was living on his farm in Marion Township, Daviess County. 
His wife died in 1906 and is buried in the Civil Bend Cemetery. 

To Dr. S. L. and Emma (Powell) Hardinger three children have been 
born, as follows: Cleic T., educated in the schools in Hamilton County, Neb., 
University of Missouri, Columbia, and attended school in Wisconsin. He 
taught French for two years in Chillicothe, Mo., and also taught mathe- 
matics and Latin. Mr. Hardinger is now principal of the Consolidated 
Schools of Civil Bend, Mo. ; Georgia, died at the age of 14 years ; Mina A., 
graduated from the Chillicothe High School, and is now taking a commer- 
cial teacher's course in the State Teachers College at Kirksville, Mo. 

Doctor Hardinger is a Republican. He is one of the substantial citi- 
zens of Daviess County and the Hardinger family is representative of the 
best citizenship of this county. 

N. B. Brown, a well known farmer of Marion Township, Daviess 
County, was born March 3, 1856, in Daviess County, two miles east of his 
present home in Marion Township, and is a son of Samuel and Missouri A. 
(Carroll) Brown, natives of Ohio. 

Samuel Brown's first marriage was to Miss Keller, and to this union 



998 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

six children were born, as follows: John, deceased; James, deceased; Mar- 
ion, deceased; Obediah, deceased; the remaining two are also deceased. 
Mr. Brown's second marriage was to Matilda Morris, and to that union one 
child was born, William, deceased. To Samuel and Missouri A. (Carroll) 
Brown, his third wife, the following children were born: N. B., the subject 
of this sketch ; Henry ; Charles ; Rose Anna, the wife of George Brestow ; 
Sarah E., the wife of Frank Landes ; Mahada, the wife of Will Morris ; 
Thomas 0., married to Ellen Crawford ; May, the wife of Charles Rhodes ; 
Wiley E., deceased ; and Franklin, deceased. 

N. B. Brown was reared on a farm and attended the district schools 
in Daviess County and Professor Peery's College at Stewartville, Mo. 
After completing his education, Mr. Brown practiced law for some time 
in justice court of Daviess County, together with his farming. In 1911 
Mr. Brown gave up his law practice and since that time has devoted his 
entire time to farming. He has lived at Civil Bend since 1888, and owns 
7>4 acres of land. Civil Bend is a very old village. 

Mr. Brown was married to Myra E. Canfield, a daughter of Gilbert 
and Emma (Flint) Canfield. To this union seven children have been born, 
as follows: Franklin E., married to Bertie Teal; Clara, the wife of Floyd 
Smith ; Lola, the wife of Jake Donner ; Ruth, the wife of W. Wimple ; Ruby, 
the wife of J. E. Way ; Effie, the wife of Ray Long; and Emma, living at 
home, and attending the Gallatin High School. 

In politics Mr. Brown is a Republican and is serving on the township 
board. He is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Brown takes a com- 
mendable interest in local affairs. He is progressive and enterprising and 
one of the highly esteemed citizens of Daviess County. 

Edward E. Rybolt, a prominent and successful farmer of Grand River 
Township, Daviess County, was born in Greensburg, Ind., the son of 
Jacob and Mary Jane (Johnson) Rybolt. Jacob Rybolt was born near Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, and spent his boyhood days there. He was a brick layer by 
trade and was also in the grocery business with his brother in Cincinnati. 
He later sold out and moved to Greensburg, Ind., where he pur- 
chased a farm. After farming there for ten years, Mr. Rybolt returned to 
Cincinnati, where he remained for several years. Later he again moved 
to Greensburg, Ind.. and was engaged in farming there for 20 years, until 
he came to Missouri, and settled in Daviess County in 1881. Mr. Rybolt 
carried on general farming in Grand River Township, until his death in 
1889. His wife died in 1906 and is buried with her husband in Brown 
Cemetery at Gallatin. 

To Jacob and Mary Jane (Johnson) Rybolt 12 children were born as 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 999 

follows: William Alexander, deceased; Micheal Robert, married to Caroline 
Crossin, Gallatin ; Eliza J., the wife of Wilson Agin, both deceased ; Rachael 
Caroline, the widow of John Yaney, Cleves, Ohio; John Jacob, deceased; 
Phoebe Margaret, the widow of Ephram Cory, Chillicothe; Oscar Fitzallen, 
married to Lizzie Johnson and he is now deceased; Mary Elizabeth, 
deceased; Phemie, unmarried, living at home with her brother, Edward 
E. ; Clara Belle, married Henry Wheeler, both deceased; Edward E., the 
subject of this sketch ; James Lane, living at home with Edward E. 

Jacob Rybolt had the following brothers and sisters: John William; 
Willis; Steven; Barbara; Alice; and Phoebe. His wife, Mary Jane (John- 
son) Rybolt had the following brothers and sisters: Aletta; Caroline; 
Katherine; Robert; Alexander; Jonathan and William. 

Edward E. Rybolt was reared on his father's farm and received his 
education in the district schools. He has been engaged in farming and 
stock raising for many years. He moved to his present location on Aug. 
31, 1920, which is located just southeast of Jameson, Mo., and was formerly 
known as the Cal Fisher farm. Mr. Rybolt owns 85 acres of well improved 
land in Grand River Town.ship, and is a well known breeder of Shorthorn 
cattle. He operates the farm with his brother, James Rybolt, and his 
sister, Phemie, also makes her home with her brothers. Mr. Rybolt is 
unmarried. 

Two of Mr. Rybolt's brothers served during the Civil War in the 
army. John Jacob Rybolt served 100 days, while Micheal Robert Rybolt 
served 30 days. 

Mr. Rybolt has a wide acquaintance in Daviess County and is recog- 
nized as one of the representative and substantial citizens of the 
community. 

0. R. Whitt, a prominent farmer and stockman of Union Township, 
Daviess County, was born Aug. 2.5, 1880, in Monroe Township, Daviess 
County, a son of Henry A. and Sarah Elizabeth (Place) Whitt. 

Henry A. Whitt was bom in Kentucky and his wife was a native 
of Missouri. They were pioneer settlers of Monroe Township, Daviess 
County, where Mr. Whitt carried on farming and stock raising until the 
time of his death in 1892. Mrs. Whitt died in 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Whitt 
were the parents of 15 children, as follows: Ida May, married first to 
John stone, deceased, and now the widow of John New; Jeanna Rebecca, 
deceased; and William Powhattan, deceased; Eva Lee, widow of Samuel 
Holcomb, deceased ; John T., unmarried ; Sarah Ann, the wife of A. J. Place ; 
Joseph B., married Nannie Boor; George A., married Gusta May Whitt; 
Henry B., married Mary Lillie Winburn; Linnie E., deceased, was the wife 



1000 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

of George Boor; 0. R., the subject of this sketch; Of fa H., the wife of 
James Jones ; Hannah B., the wife of George F. Wilson ; Perry Place, 
married Sarah J. Cox ; and Fred F., married Mary Lizzie Place. All reside 
in Daviess County except Ida May, who resides in California, and Joseph 
R., in Colorado. 

0. R. Whitt was reared on a farm and attended the district schools of 
Daviess County. He also attended the Grand River College for two years. 
After completing his education, Mr. Whitt farmed for his m,other on the 
home place until he was 21 years of age. He then rented a farm for two 
years, after which he purchased a farm of 130 acres in Monroe Township, 
Daviess County, in 1903. Mr. Whitt operated this farm for ten years, and 
then sold it. He then purchased his present farm of 160 acres and later, 
82 acres in Union Township, Daviess County, where he carries on general 
farming and stock raising. He and his wife now own 415 acres of land in 
Monroe and Union Township, Daviess County. In 1921, Mr. and Mrs. 
Whitt pui"chased their property in southeast Gallatin where they now live. 
Mr. Whitt still operates their farms in Union Township, Daviess County. 

Mr. Whitt married Virgie L. Downing, the daughter of Charles L. and 
Thusa I. (Richessen) Downing, both natives of Missouri. Mrs. Downing 
died Feb. 17, 1885 and Mr. Downing died Jan. 7, 1921. Mr. and Mrs. Down- 
ing had but one child, Mrs. O. R. Whitt, who was reared by her grand- 
parents, Mr. Powhattan and Hannah B. Downing, after the death of her 
mother. To 0. R. and Virgie L. (Downing) Whitt, three children have 
been born, as follows : Lena Grace ; Mildred Fay ; and Roy Powhatan. 

In politics Mr. Whitt is a Democrat. He is a member of the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows of Gallatin, and he and his wife are members 
of the Christian Church of Gallatin. Mr. Whitt is an enterprising and 
public spirited citizen of Gallatin, and well known in Daviess County. 

John W. Reed, a prominent citizen of Gallatin, Mo., was born in Wash- 
ington Township, Daviess County, Mo., April 8, 1860, the son of Nathan E. 
and Rachael (Mayo) Reed. 

Nathan Reed was born in Delaware, Ohio, and later went to Illinois. 
He was a wagon maker by trade, and also a carpenter, having built many 
houses within a radius of ten miles of his home in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. 
Reed settled in Daviess County, Mo., in 1860, where Mr. Reed died in 1888, 
at the age of 62 years. Mrs. Reed was a member of the Christian Church, 
and all of her grand children and great-grand children, numbering 42, are 
members of the Christian Church, with one exception. Mrs. Reed died 
Aug. 23, 1920, aged 86 years. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1001 

Mr. and Mrs. Reed were parent.s of 13 children, six of whom are now 
living, as follows: John W., the subject of this sketch; Chas W., Indepen- 
dence ; Mrs. C. L. Payne, Gallatin ; Mrs. James Brown, Jamesport ; D. J., 
Jamesport; Josie, the wife of C. J. Royston, Lawrence, Kans. Mrs. Payne 
and Mrs. Brown are twins. 

John W. Reed, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and 
was educated in the district schools. During his early life he was engaged 
in farming, later going into the mercantile business at Pattonsburg, Mo., 
where he lived for 17 years. After being in the mercantile business for 
eight years, Mr. Reed bcame a salesman and agent for acetylene lights 
and lightning rods. 

In 1919 Mr. Reed moved to Gallatin, Mo., where he became an agent 
for the Pathe Phonograph, Moore Bros. Lightning Rods and the Capital 
City Motor Oils. Mr. Reed owns his residence in the southern part of 
Gallatin, Mo. 

Mr. Reed was married March 1, 1883, to Ella Dunn, a daughter of 
John A. and Jane (Loer) Dunn, and a native of Plate County, 111. In 1866 
Mr. and Mrs. Dunn located on a farm in Grand River Township, Daviess 
County, known as Prairie City, an inland town which stood on what is now 
Mr. Dunn's farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are deceased. They were the 
parents of seven children, of whom three are now living: Mrs. Reed; 
Harvey, Tappenish, Wash.; John J., now living in Washington. 

Mr. Reed is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Modern 
Woodmen of America, and the Yeoman Lodge. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. He is a member of the Christian Church, being an elder and has not 
missed Sunday School but six times in seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Reed 
have no children. 

Mr. Reed is a progressive and enterprising citizen and one of the lead- 
ing business men of the community. 

D. H. Robinson, a well known and successful breeder of Shorthorn 
cattle who is now the owner of 340 acres of land in Grundy County, was for 
many years identified with Daviess County. He owned and operated a 
farm of 330 acres, known as the Dr. R. V. Thompson place, which he sold in 
1921. Mr. Robinson has been a breeder for 30 years and four years ago he 
began with three imported Shorthorn cows. He has a demand for his stock 
over a large scope of territory and ships a great many pure bred Short- 
horns. In 1909 he received $800 for one cow at Trenton and in 1920 he 
sold a male calf for ,$525. 

D. H. Robinson was born in Menard County, 111., March 1862 and is 
a son of William and Virginia (Turner) Robinson, the former a native of 



1002 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Clay County, Tenn., and the latter of Ky. They settled in Illinois at an 
early day and in the fall of 1865 came to Missouri and settled in Daviess 
County seven miles north of Jamesport. The father died in St. Louis in 
1918 at the age of 82 years and the mother died on the old home place in 
1896. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are now liv- 
ing, as follows : D. H., the subject of this sketch ; 0. P., who Hves in Lincoln 
Township; Elizabeth in St. Louis and Gertrude, married J. W. Lay, of St. 
Louis. 

D. H. Robinson was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. 
When a young man he began his career as a farmer and stock raiser and 
bought his first land in Lincoln Township, in 1883. He operated the home 
farm for five years and in December, 1907 bought his present place. 

Mr. Robinson was married Nov. 8, 1881 to Miss Dora Garner, a native 
of Grundy County and a daughter of Thomas and Clarissa (Jones) Garner, 
natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Missouri and both of whom are 
deceased. They died on their home farm in Grundy County. To D. H. Rob- 
inson and wife have been born ten chilren as follows : Lettie, married J. T. 
Miller, Maysville; Austa, resides at home; Howard L., Brimson; Harvey, 
Brimson; Harmon, a sketch of whom appears in this same volume, lives 
at King City ; Lowell, Joseph D., Marvin, Ida May, and Nellie, all of whom 
reside at home. 

Mr. Robinson is a Democrat and has held various local offices. He is 
a member of the township boai'd and has also served as a member of the 
school board. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and be- 
longs to the Christian Church. 

S. W. Allen, who is extensively engaged in the marble and granite 
business at Albany, and King City, Mo., is one of Gentry County's progres- 
sive and enterprising business men. Mr. Allen was born in DeKalb, 111. 
March 16, 1864, a son of George and Mary Campbell Allen, both natives 
of Ireland. The mother died in Illinois and the father in Iowa where he 
settled in 1869. 

S. W. Allen is one of eight chldren born to his parents, the others 
being as follows: W. S., a retired stone mason, residing at Scranton, Iowa; 
J. J., retired harness maker at North Yakamo, Wash.; G. C, deceased; 
I. J., a carpenter and contractor, Portland, Ore.; Robert, deceased; Mary I., 
married J. M. Blackburn, Jefi'erson, Iowa.; and S. W., the subject of this 
sketch. 

S. W. Allen was educated in the public schools, completing high school 
at Scranton, Iowa. March 1, 1883 he engaged in the harness business at 
Early, Iowa, and was engaged in that line of business about ten years. He 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1003 

then bought 160 acres of land in Sac County, Iowa, and engaged in farm- 
ing and stockraising. He gave particular attention to breeding pure bred 
cattle and hogs, making a speciality of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China 
hogs and standard bred poultry. He came to Missouri and settled in Har- 
rison County in 1903 and bought a farm a mile northeast of Bethany where 
he was engaged in general farming and stockraising about 16 years. 

Mr. Allen was the first man to pay as much as $1,025.00 for a Poland 
China hog at auction. In 1919 he came to Albany and engaged in the 
marble and granite business. He has an extensive business which extends 
over a large scope of territory from St. Joseph to Iowa. He has a branch at 
King City with one of his sons as manager. 

Mr. Allen was married July 20, 1888 to Miss Liddie Warden, a daugh- 
ter of James and Mary A. (Ross) Warden of Conewango, N. Y. Mrs. Allen 
is one of seven children born to her parents, four of whom are living: Frank 
M., Odebolt, Iowa; Charles M., Waterloo, Iowa; J. Mark, Odebolt, Iowa; 
and Mrs. Allen. 

To S. W. Allen and wife have been born the following children ; two 
died in infancy ; Monroe, born March 19, 1892, graduated from the Bethany 
High School, married Carrie Bodam, lives at Riverside, Calif. ; Edith, born 
in 1894, graduated from high school, woi'ked as a linotype operator for a 
time and is now the wife of Ross Berry, a farmer near Bethany, Mo. ; 
Chnton and Clayton, twins, born Jan. 1, 1896, both graduated from high 
school and are now engaged in the marble and granite business at Albany 
and King City; Clayton married Odessa (Wilkinson) Emery of Ridgeway ; 
Clinton, enlisted in the mechanical department during the World War and 
served in the army for eight months and was discharged as sergeant, 
married Ola Cooper now resides at King City; Elma, born April 17, 1878, 
graduated from high school, married Lewis Barr, Albany ; Anna, born June 
16, 1900, is bookkeeper for her father and resides with her parents at 
Albany, Mo. 

Mr. Allen has always been a Republican and is a member of the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. 

Mrs. Ada Wood, one of the well known and highly respected women 
of King City, is a native of Iowa and a decendent of pioneer parents ; she 
was born in Taylor County, Iowa, and is a daughter of George and Helen 
Clark, the former a native of Massachusetts and the later of Michigan. 
They settled in Iowa at an early day and to them were born the following 
children: Delia, married Richard Foster, a farmer and stock raiser in South 
Dakota ; Charles, died in Iowa ; Hattie, married Mark King, a farmer and 
stockman and lives in Iowa; Edna, deceased; and Ada, whose name intro- 



1004 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

duces this sketch. The father, George Clark was a farmer and breeder and 
was well known as a successful breeder of Clydesdale horses, Shorthorn 
cattle, and Poland China hogs. He was a Republican, a member of the 
Masonic Lodge and the Presbyterian church. His widow now resides at 
Newmarket, Iowa. 

To Ada Clark's marriage to Mr. Wood were born the following chil- 
dren: Bessie, married Wilbur McKnight, who is engaged in the tailor 
business St. Joseph ; Georgia, graduated in the high school and the Univer- 
sity of Missouri and is now engaged in teaching ; Dona, a graduate of high 
school and the University of Missouri, is now superintendent of schools at 
Marshalltown, Iowa ; Claude Calvin, was born in Gentry County and educa- 
ted in the public schools and the State Teachers College at Maryville, Mo. 
He began life as a teacher and later entered the United States mail service. 
When the United States declared war against Germany he entered the 
army and on Sept. 18, 1918 he was sent to Camp Funston, Kans. He was a 
member of C Company, 356th Infantry, 89th Division. He was sent to 
France with his Division, leaving New York, May 23, 1918 and arriving at 
Liverpool June 16, 1918. After arriving in France he went on the firing 
line Aug. 6, and was with his command in all the hard fought battles in 
which they participated. He was promoted to Corporal and while leading 
his squad in the battle of Argonne he was killed on Nov. 10, between 10 and 
11 o'clock. His remains were buried at Lille, France with about 22 other 
American soldiers. In March 1921 his remains were shipped to the United 
States arriving at New York, March 18th, and at King City on April 7th. 
Here the body was met at the depot by a delegation from the American 
Legion and escorted to the home of the dead soldier's mother. The body 
was identified and on April 10 buried with Military Honors, the funeral 
services being in charge of the American Legion, Lieutenant Keys com- 
manding the Firing Squad and the remains of Corporal Wood now rest 
beneath the sod of the land for which he gave his life. 

Charles B. Miller, a well known farmer an stockman of Miller Town- 
ship, Gentry County, is a member of one of the very earliest pioneer fami- 
lies of Gentry County and the Miller family has been identified with this 
county since its first settlement. Charles B. Miller was born in Gentry 
County, Jan. 3, 1874, and is a son of Allen C. and Sarah Allen (Robertson) 
Miller, both natives of Gentry County, the former born Nov. 13, 1842 and 
latter Nov. 11, 1843. 

Allen C. Miller was a son of Isaac Miller who was the first permanent 
white settler in Gentry County. Isaac Miller was born in Garrett County, 
Ky., in 1813. He was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Whitely) Miller, the 



J 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1U05 

former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of South Carolina. In 1832 
Isaac Miller came to Missouri and settled in Clay County and the fall of 
that year he made a trip in the direction of what is now Gentry County 
hunting wild honey and was favorably impressed with this section of the 
country. In 1833, in company with four others he came here and settled 
at Greenwell Ford, four miles south of where Albany now stands. The 
following year he prempted land. In 1838 Isaac Miller married Elizabeth 
Cope who lived in a settlement in what is now Daviess County and their 
daughter Nancy Miller who married Wellington P. Gartin was born Oct. 21, 
1839 and was the first white child born in Gentry County. William H. 
Miller was the second child born to Isaac Miller and wife and he was born 
April 6, 1841 and was the first male white child born in Gentry County, 
and Allen C. Miller was the third child of the family. Allen C. Miller was 
a southern sympathizer and served through the Civil War and took part 
in a number of important engagements. After the war he engaged in 
farming and stockraising until the time of his death, June 21, 1908. He 
was a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His widow 
lives on the old homestead. To Allen C. Miller and wife were born the fol- 
lowing children: Sallie, A. 0., and Effie, all residing in Miller Township; 
and Charles B., the subject of this sketch. 

Charles B. Miller was educated in the public schools and in early life 
went to Oklahoma where he remained for some time when he returned to 
Gentry County where he has since been engaged in farming and stock rais- 
ing. He is the owner of 70 acres of land in Miller Township and is well 
known as one of the dependable citizens of Gentry County. 

Charles B. Miller married Mary F. Whitton, a daughter of Thomas and 
Matilda (Flood) Whitton. Mrs. Miller's father was engaged in railroading 
for a number of years and he and his wife now living in St. Joseph. They 
are the parents of the following children: Bert, yardmaster for the Frisco 
railroad at Kansas City ; Laura, married Charles Anderson, Los Angeles, 
Calif. ; John, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Rolla, LaJunta, Colo. ; Richard, Gentry 
County ; Mack, lives in St. Joseph ; Michael, St. Joseph ; and Mrs. Miller of 
this review. 

To Charles B. Miller and wife have been born the following children : 
Bert T.. born Oct. 20, 1900, resides at home; Anna Laura, born May 10, 
1901, died Dec. 22, 1920; Joseph C, born May 11, 1903, died June 25, 1911 ; 
Maude, born in 1906, attending the public schools; Marjorie, born Jan. 8, 
1910 also attending the public schools; Morris Whittley, born June 17, and 
one child died in infancy. 

Mr. Miller is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge and the 



1006 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Knights of Pythias and also holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of 
America. He has served as treasurer of the Masonic Lodge at Gentryville, 
and has served as master of finance of the Knights of Pythias Lodge for 
eight years. He is a dependable citizen and a worthy representative of 
Gentry's pioneer families. 

Alfred E. Utz, a well known retired farmer of McFall, Mo., was born 
May 24, 1856, in West Pattonsburg, Mo. He is a son of George M. and 
Mary Ann (Stamper) Utz. 

George M. Utz was a native of Boone County, Ky. In 1854 he came to 
Missouri bringing his wife. They settled in Daviess County. Mr. Utz 
was one of the early settlers of the county and lived in a log cabin. At the 
time of his death he owned 312 acres of well improved land and was a 
prominent farmer and stockman of Daviess County. To George M. and 
Mary Ann (Stamper) Utz, the following children were born: Jasper, living 
retired in Daviess County, Mo. ; George W., Pattonsburg, Mo. ; Ellen, the 
widow of James Royce, Pattonsburg, Mo. ; William, Daviess County, Mo. ; 
Thomas, McFall, Mo. ; Anna, the widow of John Akes, McFall, Mo. ; and 
Alfred E., the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Utz are deceased and 
are buried in the Best Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Utz belonged to the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows and was a Democrat. He was a member of the 
Baptist Church. 

Alfred E. Utz grew up in Daviess County and was educated in the dis- 
trict schools. He began farming on 40 acres of land in Daviess County, 
and now owns 320 acres of good farm land. Mr. Utz was a widely known 
farmer and stockman of Daviess County, and was a successful breeder of 
Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. Part of the old trail runs 
through Mr. Utz's farm, there still being old rails and logs to be seen that 
are 75 years old. Mr. Utz is now retired. For many years he served as a 
justice of the peace and is vice president of The Bank of McFall, and direc- 
tor of the Pattonsburg Savings Bank. 

On Sept. 29, 1881, Mr. Utz was married to Emma Bunnell, a daughter 
of Nathaniel and Sarah (Reese) Bunnell, natives of Indiana. Mr. Bunnell 
served during the Civil War in the volunteer army from Indiana. He was 
shot during the battle of Gettysburg and died a few days later. Mrs. 
Bunnell died in 1898, and is buried in Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Utz has 
one brother living, John Bunnell, King City, Mo. To Alfred E. and Emma 
(Bunnell) Utz the following children were born: Mary Ann, deceased; 
Crettie Fern, deceased; Mettie C, deceased; Amos, resides in St. Joseph, 
Mo.; Raleigh A., living near Pattonsburg; Charlie, McFall; Carrie, the wife 
of Clay Jolly, farmer and stockman; Stella, the wife of 0. D. Ward, resid- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1007 

ing northeast of McFall ; Estie, at home. Mrs. Utz died Sept. 30, 1914, and 
is buried in McFall Cemetery. 

Mr. Utz is a Democrat and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. He is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Utz is a substantial 
citizen and stands high in the community and county. He is vice president 
and director of the Bank of McFall and a director of the Pattonsburg Sav- 
ings Bank. 

Dr. James Clyde Campbell, a well known and successful dentist of 
Pattonsburg, Mo., was born Jan. 21, 1895, in Russellville, Mo., a son of A. 
J. and Anna (Shikles) Campbell, natives of Russellville, Mo. 

A. J. Campbell lived in Russellville, Mo., during his entire life. He 
was a blacksmith by trade. In politics Mr. Campbell was a Democrat, and 
he was a member of the Baptist Church. He died March 1, 1903, and is 
buried in Russellville, Mo. His wife later married J. R. Stevens, and lives 
in Russellville, Mo. To A. J. and Anna (Shikles) Campbell two children 
were born : Myrtle, the wife of George E. Wetzel, residing in Russellville, 
Mo. ; and Dr. James Clyde, the subject of this sketch. 

Dr. James Clyde Campbell was educated in the public and high schools 
of Russellville, and wa-s graduated from the Chicago College of Dental 
Surgery. In 1915 he began practicing dentistry in Pattonsburg, Mo., where 
he is now located. Dr. Campbell enlisted during the World War from Pat- 
tonsburg, and was stationed at Fort Snelling, Minn., as a first lieutenant. 
On June 1, 1918, he was promoted to captain. He was discharged on Jan. 
15, 1919, at Camp Greenleaf, Ga., and returned to Pattonsburg. Dr. 
Campbell belongs to the National, State and Local Dental Associations and 
is now taking a post graduate course in dentistry at Northwestern Univer- 
sity, Chicago. He is a member of the Psi Omega Fraternity. 

Dr. Campbell married Delia E. Wiser, a native of Russellville, Mo., 
and a daughter of G. W. and Sarah (Leslie) Wiser. Mr. Wiser, 
was for many years a prominent farmer and stockman of Russell- 
ville, owning 160 acres of land and widely known as a breeder of Shorthorn 
cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Wiser are now living retired 
in Russellville, Mo. Mr. Wiser is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist 
Church. They are the parents of the following children: Pearl, the wife 
of H. W. Morrow, poultry raiser, Russellville, Mo.; Jo.seph, mail clerk, 
Kansas City, Mo.; Delia, twin sister of Mrs. Campbell, living in Russell- 
ville, Mo.; Leonora, attending high school in Russellville; and Mrs. Camp- 
bell. 

To Dr. James Clyde and Delia E. (Wiser) Campbell two children have 



1008 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

been born, as follows : Beatrice Irene, attending school ; and Robert Clyde, 
at home. 

In politics, Dr. Campbell is a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church, also the Masonic Order, and Moila Shrine. Dr. Campbell is one 
of Daviess County's best known young men and is deservedly popular with 
his large clientage. 

N. G. Ellis, well known furniture dealer of Pattonsburg, Mo., was born 
in Salem Township, Daviess County, Dec. 21, 1874, a son of John M. and 
Elizabeth (Graham) Ellis. 

John M. Ellis was born in Benton Township, Daviess County, and has 
been a farmer during his entire life. During the Civil War, Mr. Ellis 
served in the State Militia of Missouri, and took part in several battles. 
His health was effected while serving in the army. For many years, Mr. 
Ellis was one of the biggest cattle men in Missouri, and was the owner of 
1200 acres of land. He shipped 12 cars of cattle each year. For several 
years, he was president of the Bank of Coffey, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are 
now living retired in Pattonsburg. He is 75 years of age and his wife is 
68 years old. They are the parents of the following children ; Minnie, the 
wife of John Hass, retired merchant of Des Moines, Iowa ; John 0., farmer 
and stockman of Coffey, Mo. ; Hallie E., employed in a department store of 
Pattonsburg; Stella, the wife of Oliver McClellan, farmer and stockman, 
Coffey, Mo. ; Ola, resides in Pattonsburg, Mo. ; and N. G., the subject of this 
sketch ; Zeta P., farmer and stockman, living with his father. Mr. Ellis is 
a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis 
have 12 grand-children, four of whom are named Virginia. 

N. G. Ellis was reared in Daviess County, and attended the district 
schools. He then began farming, having rented land for three years. He 
later purchased his first farm of 120 acres, and later 160 acres south of 
Pattonsburg. For many years, Mr. Ellis carried on farming and stock- 
raising, and was a well known breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland 
China hogs. He then removed to Colorado, where he was engaged in the 
mercantile business for a time, after which he returned to Pattonsburg, 
Mo., and purchased the furniture and undertaking business, which he has 
successfully operated for 14 years. 

Mr. Ellis married Virginia D. Slaughter, a daughter of David M. and 
Virginia (Hawk) Slaughter, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Ellis was born in 
Daviess County, Mo. Mr. Slaughter was a well known farmer and stock- 
man in Daviess County, for many years. He owned 650 acres of well im- 
proved land and was widely known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle. He 
served as justice of the peace for six years, and was deacon of the Baptist 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1009 

Church for 50 years. Mr. Slaughter is deceased, and buried in the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows' Cemetery of Pattonsburg. Mrs. Slaughter 
is now 76 years of age and lives with her daughter, Mrs. Beverly, in Coffey, 
Mo. Mr. and Mrs. David M. Slaughter were the parents of the following 
children: Emma, the wife of J. Beverly, farmer and stockman, residing 
near Coffey, Mo; Theodosia, deceased; Ann, the wife of James Meadows, 
farmer of Daviess County ; Jane, the wife of Virgil Farrar, St. Joseph, Mo. ; 
Ross, farmer and stockman, Daviess County ; and Mrs. Ellis. To N. G. 
and Virginia D. (Slaughter) Ellis one child has been born, Virginia, at- 
tended the public schools also a graduate of Howard Payne College and 
Central College. She holds a life certificate to teach. She is the wife of 
Paul Chapel, who enlisted during the World War in the signal coi-ps and 
was sent to Camp Jefferson, and later to Camp Grant and Camp Upton. 
He served in France 17 months. He was engaged in many important 
battles. During the Argonne drive, Mr. Chapel was gassed and wounded 
by shrapnel. Since his discharge from the anny, June 1, 1919, he has 
been unable to do work of any kind. He and his wife are living in Pattons- 
burg, Mo., and have one daughter, Virginia Chapel. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis 
adopted a boy, Ernest H., attended the public and high schools of Pattons- 
burg, and will be graduated from the Maryville school, in agriculture on 
May 15, 1922. During the World War, he served seven months in the 
navy. While in the service he won a medal for profiency in athletics. He 
also was captain of the basketball team. 

In politics Mr. Ellis is a Democrat. He has served on the school board 
for five years, and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch of Galla- 
tin, Mo., the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Ellis is a Democrat 
and a graduate of Harding College, Mexico, Mo., and is a member of the 
Eastern Star. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Methodist Church. He is one 
of the enterprising and substantial citizens of Pattonsburg, and widely 
known. 

Mary Elizabeth Meadows, is a native of Daviess County. She was born 
Dec. 10, 1840, a daughter of J. J. and Icofena (Seat) Everly. 

J. J. Everly was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio with his par- 
ents when a small boy. He later settled in Daviess County, where he en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising. During the Civil War, Mr. Everly 
served with the Volunteer State Militia from Missouri. He then returned 
to Daviess County, where he farmed until the time of his death. He owned 
320 acres of land and was well known throughout the county. Mr. Everly 
was a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. He and his wife 
are buried in the Everly Cemetery, Jameson. They were the parents of 



1010 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

the following children: James Oscar, deceased; Joseph, deceased; Martha, 
deceased ; S. H., retired merchant, Coffey ; Hannah Netherton, the wife of 
Dr. George T. Netherton, St. Joseph ; Jane, the wife of Delbert Netherton, 
Gilman City; Jack, Jameson; and Mary Elizabeth, the subject of this 
sketch. 

Mary Elizabeth Meadows was born in Pilot Grove, near Jamesport. 
She was reared in Daviess County and received her education in the district 
schools. She married Joseph T. Meadows, a native of Virginia, and a son 
of John and Nancy (Gwynne) Meadows. Joseph T. Meadows was born 
Feb. 28, 1837. At the age of four years, his parents moved to Daviess 
County, settling in Benton Township, where his father became a prosper- 
ous farmer and stockman, owning 900 acres of land. Mr. Meadows was a 
Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Both he and his wife 
are deceased and are buried in the Bethel Cemetery. They were the par- 
ents of the following children: Susan, deceased; Sylvester, deceased; Mary 
Graham, deceased ; Martha, the wife of James Prichard, Texas ; Hudson, 
Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Augustus, California ; Jane, the widow of R. M. 
Strange ; and Joseph T., deceased. 

Joseph T. Meadows was a prominent farmer and stockman of Daviess 
County. He specialized in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland 
China hogs. For several years, Mr. Meadows served in the office of road 
overseer, and was also school director. He was a staunch Democrat and a 
member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Meadows died Dec. 17, 1920, and is 
buried in Bethel Cemetery. To Joseph T. and Mary Elizabeth (Everly) 
Meadows ten children were born, as follows: W. H., Pattonsburg; Charles 
L., Salem Township, Daviess County ; James E., Daviess County ; Clara, the 
wife of R. W. Welden, McFall ; Alice, the wife of John Street, Mary ville ; 
Laura, the wife of W. H. Feurt, Washington Township, Daviess County; 
Carlia, at home; Lillie, the wife of Robert Welden, deceased; Mollie May, 
the widow of Jesse Mays, Harrison County ; Oscar, Pattonsburg. Mrs. 
Meadows has 28 grand-children. 

Mrs. Meadows owns 78 acres of land in Salem Township, Daviess 
County, and 80 acres which her father gave her. She is 81 years of age, 
and is one of the interesting pioneers of Daviess County. The Meadows 
family ha,s always stood high in the community. 

Oscar P. Meadows, a substantial farmer and stockman of Benton 
Township, was born in Salem Township, Daviess County, Sept. 18, 1881, 
a son of Joseph Taylor and Mary Elizabeth (Everly) Meadows. 

Joseph Taylor Meadows was born in Monroe County, Va., and came to 
Daviess County, with his parents at the age of four years. During the 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1011 

Civil War, Mr. Meadows enlisted in the Missouri Volunteers and served 
throughout the war. He then returned to Daviess County, where he be- 
came one of the most prominent farmers and stockmen of the county. At 
one time he owned 2000 acres of land was widely known as a breeder of 
Shorthoi'n cattle. He was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. 
Mr. Meadows is now deceased and his widow is 81 years of age. She is a 
good church worker and well known in Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. 
Meadows were the parents of the following children: John C, deceased; 
William Henry, Pattonsburg, Mo.; C. L., Pattonsburg, Mo.; James E., 
Daviess County ; Clara, the wife of R. W. Welden, McFall, Mo. ; Alice, the 
wife of J. H. Street, Maryville, Mo. ; Caroline, at home ; Lillie, the widow of 
R. D. Welden, at home ; Molly, the widow of Jesse E. Maize, living in Har- 
rison County, Mo. ; and Oscar P., the subject of this sketch. 

Oscar P. Meadows was reared in Salem Township, Daviess County, 
and received his education in the public schools. He was also graduated 
from Grand River College, where he took a scientific course. After com- 
pleting his education, Mr. Meadows went into the banking business, being 
appointed assistant cashier of the Pattonsburg Savings Bank. He later 
became interested in farming, and purchased a farm of 247 acres. He 
now owns 387 acres in Benton Township, Daviess Countj'. Mr. Meadows 
has been successful in general farming and stock raising, and specializes 
in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Meadows 
has a fine residence of one and one half stories and excellent barns on his 
property. 

On Oct. 5, 1913, Mr. Meadows married Maud E. Burgess, a native of 
Blue Ridge, Mo., and daughter of Dr. C. W. and Mary (Fling) Burgess. 
Mrs. Burgess is deceased, and Dr. Burgess, 77 years of age, is living in 
Bethany, Mo. For 16 years, Dr. Burgess was president of the Bethany 
Savings Bank. He is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. 
Mrs. Meadows has two brothers living in Harrison County, Mo., Ralph and 
Earl Burgess. To Oscar P. and Maud E. (Burgess) Meadows two children 
have been born, as follows: 0. P., Jr., born July 23, 1914, now attending 
school; and Mary Elizabeth, born March 15, 1915, attending school. 

In politics, Mr. Meadows is a Democrat. Mrs. Meadows owns 160 acres 
of land in Harrison County, Mo. They are members of the Baptist Church, 
and are among the leading citizens of the county. 

John Henry Koger, a well known farmer and stockman of Marion 
Township, Daviess County, was born March 26, 1881, in Daviess County. 
He is a son of William G. and Mary A. (Vanover) Koger. 

William G. Koger is a native of Daviess County. He owns 900 acres of 



1012 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

well improved land and is a successful farmer and stockman. For a num- 
ber of years Mr. Koger served as school director. He is a Democrat and a 
member of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Koger now reside in Pat- 
tonsburg. They are the parents of five children, as follows: Minnie, the 
wife of George W. Lockridge, Daviess County ; James G., Daviess County ; 
George T., Daviess County ; Mary, the wife of Clyde Walls, Daviess County ; 
and John Henry, the subject of this sketch. 

John Henry Koger was reared in Daviess County and attended the 
public schools. He was also graduated from the Chillicothe Normal 
School. After completing his education, Mr. Koger began farming on 
rented land. He now owns 240 acres of land in Marion Township, Daviess 
County, 160 acres of which are corn. Mr. Koger has been very successful 
in the breeding of Jersey cattle and is widely known throughout the county. 

On Feb. 24, 1904, Mr. Koger was married to Clara Bratcher, a native 
of DeKalb County, and a daughter of W. W. and A. J. (Groomer) Bratcher. 
Mr. Bratcher is a native of Kentucky who came to Missouri in the pioneer 
days, settling in DeKalb County. He served in the army during the 
Spanish American War, having enlisted in the 16th Regiment, Company 1, 
Missouri Infantry. After the war, Mr. Bratcher became a prominent 
farmer and stock feeder, owning 265 acres of land. For a number of years 
he was a school director. Mr. and Mrs. Bratcher now reside in DeKalb 
County. Mr. Bratcher is a Republican and a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Bratcher are the parents of six chil- 
dren, as follows : Cora, deceased ; Anna, the widow of William A. Leaper, 
Bates County ; Henry, DeKalb County ; Alonzo, Daviess County ; Rosco, 
DeKalb County ; and Mrs. Koger. Mr. and Mrs. Koger have adopted two 
children, as follows: Leonard, born Sept. 27, 1906, attending school; and 
Robert 0., born March 11, 1915, also attending school. 

Mr. Koger is identified with the Democratic party in politics. He is 
a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Koger is a progressive and enter- 
prising citizen and he is well and favorably known in Daviess County. 

John M. Ellis, a Civil War veteran who is a prominent citizen of Pat- 
tonsburg, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Daviess County, May 4, 
1845, a son of John E. and Eva (McMillan) Ellis. 

John E. Ellis was a native of Virginia. He was one of the very early 
pioneer settlers of Missouri, making the trip by wagon from Virginia. 
After arriving in Daviess County, Mr. Ellis purchased some land, which 
was all prairie land and had to be cleared and broken up. He carried on 
farming and stock raising, and at one time owned 700 acres of land. Mr. 
Ellis was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. Both he and 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1013 

his wife are now deceased and buried in the Ellis Cemetery. They were 
the parents of the following children: Fifie, deceased; Nancy, deceased; 
Louis A., deceased; Robert, deceased; and Martha, deceased; Belle, resid- 
ing in Daviess County ; Ellen, the widow of Harry Ellis, living in St. 
Joseph; Cornelia, the wife of Dean Ruben, residing in Topeka, Kan.; Sally, 
the wife of John Morris, retired farmer, living in Oklahoma ; Alonzo, living 
in Daviess County; and John E., the subject of this sketch. 

John M. Ellis was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, and 
attended the district schools. At the age of 18 years he joined the army, 
and was in service 115 days in Company M, 4th Missouri Cavalry, during 
the Civil War. After the close of the war, Mr. Ellis worked for five dollars 
per day breaking up prairie land. He chopped wood for two winters and 
helped build the Rock Island and Wabash Railroad. Mr. Ellis lived in 
Denver, Colo., when that city was no larger than Pattonsburg, Mo. His 
first purchase of land consisted of 40 acres. By hard work Mr. Ellis was 
able to add to his land holdings, until at one time he was the owner of 1100 
acres of good farm land. He became one of the most successful farmers 
and stockmen of Daviess County, and was a well known breeder of Short- 
horn cattle, Poland China hogs, and other stock. Mr. Ellis is now living 
retired in Pattonsburg, Mo., where he owns a beautiful home, located on 
the corner of Third and Maple Streets. He owns 820 acres of land in Dav- 
iess County. 

On March 1, 1874, Mr. Ellis married Elizabeth Jane Graham, a daugh- 
ter of John and Mary Elizabeth (Meadows) Graham, natives of Virginia 
and Daviess County. Mrs. Ellis was born in Daviess County. To Mr. and 
Graham the following children were born: Ira, deceased; Nancy, the widow 
of J. W. Aldrich, residing in Pattonsburg, Mo. ; and Mrs. Ellis. Mr. Graham 
was a prominent farmer and stockman of Daviess County, Mo., and owned 
300 acres of land. He served as county judge for two terms and was also 
justice of the peace. He was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist 
Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Graham are deceased and are buried in Bethel 
Cemetery, Daviess County. To John M. and Elizabeth (Graham) Ellis 
seven children were born, as follows: N. G., engaged in the furniture and 
undertaking business of Pattonsburg, Mo. ; Minnie L., graduate of North- 
western College, Palmer College of Albany, Mo., now the wife of John Haas, 
retired meixhant of Des Moines, Iowa; John 0., farmer and stockman of 
Daviess County ; Hollie E., farmer and stockman of Daviess County ; Stella, 
the wife of Oliver McClung, farmer and stockman of Coffey, Mo. ; Ollie E., 
teacher of music, residing with her parents; Zanis, living at home. He 



1014 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

served in the army during the World War. All the Ellis family are high 
school and college graduates. 

Mr. Ellis is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a 
member of the Methodist Church and is a Democrat. Mr. Ellis is a sub- 
stantial and well known pioneer citizen of Daviess County, and the Ellis 
family stand high in the community. 

W. J. Morris, a well known retired farmer of Benton Township, Dav- 
iess County, was born in Daviess County, Sept. 17, 1859. He is a son of 
Daniel J. and Mary Elizabeth (McMillan) Morris. 

Daniel J. Morris was born in Illinois and came to Missouri when a 
young man with his parents. They settled in Benton Township, Daviess 
County, where Mr. Morris carried on general farming and stock raising 
during his entire life. During the Civil War, Mr. Morris enlisted in the 
volunteer state militia from Missouri, and was in service for two years. 
He then returned to his farm. Mr. Morris owned 200 acres of good farm 
land and was widely known as a breeder of Holstein cattle and sheep. 
Mrs. Morris was born in Virginia. They were the parents of the following 
children: James Louis, deceased; Mary Emily, deceased; Nathaniel, J., 
deceased; John B., Oklahoma; Samantha J., the wife of Herbert Shaver, 
Daviess County; George Harvey, St. Joseph, Mo.; and W. J., the subject 
of this sketch. Mr. Morris died in 1904 and his wife died the following 
year. They are buried in the Ellis Cemetery. Mr. Morris joined the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows in 1881. 

W. J. Morris was reared on his father's farm in Benton Township, 
Daviess County. He had very little schooling. During his life Mr. Morris 
has carried on farming and stock raising. His first purchase of land was 
60 acres, and he later owned 138 acres. Mr. Morris is now living retired on 
his farm, known as Cedar Farm, located in Benton Township, just outside 
Pattonsburg. 

On March 25, 1886, Mr. Morris married Mary J. Rebels, a daughter of 
Reverend John W. and Tempa C. (McCord) Rebels, natives of Alabama 
and Missouri. Reverend John W. and Tempa C. (McCord) Rebels were the 
parents of the following children: David F. ; Solomon; William J.; Cort 
Clara E. ; John W. ; Tempa C. ; Edward, Crane, Mo. ; Wyley J., Crane, Mo. 
Nettie, the wife of Nat Lemaster, Golden, Mo. ; Herman, Golden, Mo. 
Joseph E., Golden, Mo. ; Maud M., the wife of Newton Johnson, Golden, Mo. 
Harrison E., Golden, Mo. ; and Mrs. Morris. Rev. and Mrs. Rebels are both 
deceased. 

To W. J. and Mary J. (Rebels) Morris nine children were born as 
follows: Jesse, deceased; Rosco, deceased; William 0., deceased; John D., 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1015 

Daviess County, Mo.; Archie A., Idaho; Elsie E., the wife of Everett Mar- 
shall; Walter H., bookkeeper of the Redmond Publishing Company of 
Kansas City. He served in the navy during the World War, and was 
stationed on a battleship. He made two trips to France ; Clara R., the wife 
of Claud Patton, ranchman living in Montana ; Robert B., farmer and stock- 
man, living with his father. He was also in the navy during the World 
War and served two and one-half years in France. 

Mrs. Morris died May 2, 1905. Mr. Morris is a well posted and inter- 
esting gentleman and one of the substantial citizens of Daviess County. 

Asa L. Smith, a progressive and entei-prising farmer and stockman 
of Benton Township, was born June 5, 1843, in Iowa. He is a son of John 
J. and Sarah (Smith) Smith. 

John J. Smith was a prominent stockman of Iowa for many years. 
He was born in Tennessee. Mr. Smith was a Democrat and a member of 
the Baptist Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are deceased and are buried 
in Iowa. They were the parents of the following children: Idirus; Orlena; 
Rachael; Julia Ann; Caroline; William; David, resides in Minnesota; 
Theodosia, the wife of David Howard, resides in Iowa ; Alice, the wife of 
Howard John, resides in Iowa; and Asa L., the subject of this sketch. 

Asa L. Smith was reared in Iowa, and he received his education in the 
district schools. He began farming on rented land in Daviess County, but 
later purchased a farm of 40 acres. Mr. Smith now owns 60 acres in Ben- 
ton Township, Daviess County, and carried on general farming and stock 
raising. He raises Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

On Feb. 27, 1863, Mr. Smith married Sarah A. Boysol, a native of 
Iowa, and a daughter of Frederick and Susan (March) Boysol. To this 
union nine children were born, as follows: Walter; Alice; Samuel; John, 
retired farmer, residing in Missouri ; Susan, the wife of Charles Taylor, 
residing in Nebraska; Mary, the wife of Robert Bell, farmer and stockman, 
residing in Missouri ; William, farmer and stockman, Daviess County : 
George, living in Oklahoma; and A. H., farmer and stockman, Daviess 
County. 

In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He has an extensive acquaintance 
in Daviess County and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. 

Timothy Morris, deceased, was a well known fanner of Benton Town- 
ship, where he spent many years of his life. He was born in Daviess 
County, a son of Meredith and Mabel (Plymel) Morris. Meredith Morris 
was a native of Kentucky and a pioneer of Daviess County. He carried on 
general farming and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Morris were the parents 
of the following children: George, deceased; Josephine, deceased; Peter, 



1016 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

deceased; Lynn, deceased; John, deceased; Timothy, deceased, the sub- 
ject of this sketch; Peter, farmer and stockman, Daviess County; and 
Elizabeth, the wife of William Martin, Oklahoma. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Morris are deceased, and are buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

Timothy Morris was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County, 
and attended the district schools. He began farming on rented land, and 
later purchased his first farm of 80 acres. Mr. Morris was a successful 
breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. At the time of his 
death, April 9, 1902, he owned 170 acres of land in Benton Township, 
Daviess County. 

On Feb. 15, 1880, Mr. Morris married Martha Thomas, a daughter of 
S. A. and Elizabeth (Conwell) Thomas. Mr. Thomas was a native of 
Virginia, and came to Daviess County with his parents when a small boy. 
He became a leading farmer of the county, and was a breeder of high grade 
stock. Mr. Thomas was a Civil War veteran, having served throughout 
the war. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are deceased. They were the parents 
of the following children : Eliza ; Thomas ; Lee ; Mary ; Martha ; Elizabeth ; 
James ; Henry ; David ; William, deceased ; Elizabeth, the wife of William 
Black. 

To Timothy and Martha (Thomas) Morris six children were born, as 
follows : Leah ; Elsie ; Charles Stella ; Mary ; and Clara. 

Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Morris has managed the farm 
and now owns 100 acres of land. Mr. Morris was a Republican. He was 
an industrious, energetic man, who held the high esteem of his neighbors. 

Samuel F. Sperry, an interesting pioneer of Daviess County, who, for 
many years was prominently indentified with the development of this 
county, and who is now living a retired life in Benton Township, Daviess 
County, was born Oct. 7, 1843, in Kentucky, the son of Alford and Eliza- 
beth (Githens) Sperry. 

Alford Sperry was born in Tennessee and was one of the first settlers 
in Daviess County, Mo. For several years, Mr. Sperry taught school, and 
was also sheriff of Green County, Ky., for a number of years. He became 
a prosperous farmer and stockman of Daviess County. His wife was a 
native of Green County, Ky., and was one of the first school teachers of 
Daviess County, Mo. Mrs. Sperry's father was the first rural mail carrier 
of Pattonsburg, Mo., and he traveled on horseback. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry 
were the parents of the following children: Jack, deceased; Liddie, the 
wife of Timothy Murray, Garfield, Wash. ; James, Daviess County, Mo. ; 
and Samuel F., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Sperry died at the age of 
86 years. He was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1017 

Samuel F. Sperry was reared in Daviess County, Mo. He began farming 
when a very young man, having but $40 and a team of horses. He worked 
for $26 per month for several years. Later, Mr. Sperry was able to pur- 
chase a little land, and began raising stock. He became the owner of 260 
acres of land in Benton Township, Daviess County, and was widely known 
as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. During the Civil 
War, Mr. Sperry served with the 1st Missouri Cavalry, and was engaged 
in several battles and skirmishes. In the early days, Mr. Sperry made two 
trips across the plains, making the trips with teams of oxen. 

On Dec. 29, 1869, Mr. Sperry was married the first time to Myra 
Burton, a native of Daviess County, Mo., and a daughter of Sherrid and 
Eliza (Groomer) Burton. To this union the following children were born: 
Forest, deceased; Edith, deceased; Pearl, deceased; William, residing in 
the west ; Alice, the wife of Robert Reed ; Lulu, the wife of James Hill, 
Jameson, Mo. ; Ruby, the wife of Earnest Read, postmaster, Trenton, Mo. 
Mrs. Sperry died Sept. 20, 1887, and is buried in the Groomer Cemetery, 
Daviess County. 

Mr. Sperry was married the second time on Oct. 13, 1889, to L H. 
Rynhart, a daughter of John Ellis and Sarah (Smithson) Ellis, natives 
of West Virginia. To Samuel F. and L H. (Rynhart) Sperry two children 
were born, as follows : Samuel, Daviess County, Mo. ; and Juanita, the 
widow of Frank Noll. Mr. Ellis was a prominent farmer and stockman 
of Daviess County, and was the owner of 800 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ellis are deceased and are buried in the Ellis Cemetery, Daviess County, 
Mo. 

In politics Mr. Sperry is a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church, having been a deacon since 1887. Mr. Sperry attributes his suc- 
cess in life to hard work and thrift. He is one of the highly esteemed 
citizens of Daviess County. 

William L. Utz, a substantial farmer and stockman of Pattonsburg, 
was born March 11, 1856, in Daviess County, a son of George M. and Mary 
A. (Stamper) Utz. 

George M. Utz was a native of Boone County, Ky., and came to 
Missouri in the early days, settling on the farm now owned by his son, 
William L. Utz. In making the trip from Kentucky to Missouri, is required 
three months and was made by horse and wagon. Mr and Mrs. Utz were 
parents of the following children: Jasper, Gentry County; George, Dav- 
iess County ; Alford E., Daviess County ; Ellen, the wife of James M. Royce ; 
Thomas, Daviess County ; Anna, the widow of John Akes, Gentry County ; 
and George M., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Utz owned 360 acres of 



1018 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

land in Daviess County and was a prominent farmer and stockman. He 
was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Utz are deceased and are buried in the Best Chapel Cemetery. 

William L. Utz was reared on his fathers farm in Daviess County and 
attended the district schools. He began farming on the farm he now owns, 
and at the present time owns 152 acres of well improved land. Mr. Utz 
is a well known breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

Mr. Utz married Esther Parker, a native of Daviess County, and 
daughter of John and Louisa (Grimes) Parker. Mr. and Mrs. Parker 
were the parents of the following children: Laura, deceased; James, 
deceased ; Samuel, Daviess County ; Noma, Turney, Mo. ; and Mrs. Utz. 
Mr. Parker is deceased and buried in Kidder, Mo. His widow lives in 
Daviess County. To William L. and Esther (Parker) Utz two children 
have been born, as follows: Harvey W., born Jan. 1918; and Harley L., 
born April 19, 1920. 

In politics Mr. Utz is a Democrat. He is an enterprising and progressive 
citizen and is widely and favorably known in Daviess County. 

J. B. Gurthep, a well known farmer and stockman of Salem Township, 
Daviess County, was born in Marshall County, Ind., a son of Mr. and Mrs. 
George Gurthep. 

George Gurthep was born in Germany. He came to the United States 
when a young man, and settled in Bremen, Ind. By trade he was a carpen- 
ter and cabinet maker. He later became engagd in farming and owned, at 
the time of his death, 80 acres of land. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gurthep are 
buried in Indiana. They were the parents of the following children : Will- 
iam, residing in Indiana; Catherine, the wife of Clarence Slater, Plymouth, 
Ind. ; Ann, the wife of Zide Treux, Plymouth, Ind. ; John, banker, Hobart, 
Ind.; Jacob, retired farmer, Plymouth, Ind.; and J. B., the subject of this 
sketch. 

J. B. Gurthep was reared in Indiana. He began farming early in life, 
renting land. In 1901 he removed to Missouri, settling in Grundy County. 
Later Mr. Gurthep came to Daviess County, where he opened the first 
cold storage plant of the county. In the fall of 1921 Mr. Gurthep purchased 
182 acres of land in Salem Township, where he carries on general farming 
and stock raising. He is a well known breeder of pure blooded Poland 
China hogs and Jersey cattle. Mr. Gurthep holds two stock sales each year, 
which are among the biggest sales of Daviess County. His stock has taken 
many prizes at the fairs. Mrs. Gurthep raises fancy poultry. 

Mr. Gurthep was married the first time to Effie Cavender, a native 
of Marshall County, Ind., and daughter of Edward and Hannah Cavender, 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1019 

natives of Indiana and Ohio. To this union two children were born, as 
follows: Elsie, the wife of Charles Harris, Tulsa, Okla. ; and Omar, Tulsa. 
Okla. Mrs. Gurthep died March 1, 1898, and is buried in Argos, Ind. 

Mr. Gurthep later married Minnie Monk, a native of Grundy County, 
Mo. To this union one child was born, Ulea, living at home. She graduated 
from high school on May 20, 1922. Mrs. Gurthep has three sisters living, 
as follows: Minnie, the wife of Newton Bridge, Spickard, Mo.; Alice, the 
wife of Elmer Wolf, Trenton ; and Nellie, residing in Trenton. 

Mr. Gurthep has a fine home in Pattonsburg, and also owns 12 city 
lots and two other residences. He belongs to the Yeoman Lodge and the 
Macabees. He is a Republican and is a member of the Christian Church. 
Mrs. Gurthep belongs to the Royal Neighbors, Eastern Star and Yeoman 
Lodges. Mr. Gurthep is progressive and public spirited and one of the 
leading business men in Daviess County. 

R. W. Chapman, a leading farmer and stockman of Benton Township, 
Daviess County, was born May 21, 1867, a son of David and Lucinda (Dan- 
iels) Chapman. He was born in Daviess County, Mo. 

David Chapman was born in Virginia and came to Daviess County, 
in. 1835, settling in Benton Township. He made the trip from Virginia by 
horse and wagon. His first home in Missouri was a log cabin. Mr. Chap- 
man became a prosperous farmer and stockman, owning 320 acres of land. 
He was a well known breeder of high grade stock. Mr. Chapman was 
married first to Margaret Groomer, a native of Kentucky, and to this 
union the following children were born: George W., deceased; J. D., retired, 
living in Atchison, Kan.; Nancy Ann, the widow of Perry McCulley, living 
in McFall, Mo. To David and Lucinda (Daniels) Chapman, his second 
wife, the following children were born: Mary, deceased; Francis, deceased; 
Isabel, deceased; Siegel, deceased; Wiley E., deceased; Charles H., 
deceased ; Cloe, deceased ; Maggie, the wife of Edward Berry, residing in 
Colorado; W. M., resides in Thomas County, Kan.; and R. W., the subject 
of this sketch. Mr. Chapman died Oct. 11, 1892, and his wife died Sept. 
8, 1892. They are buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

R. W. Chapman was reared on a farm in Daviess County, and received 
his education in the district schools. He then became engaged in farming, 
renting land for a few years. Later Mr. Chapman purchased 80 acres of 
land and now owns 268 acres in Benton Township, Daviess County. Mr. 
Chapman has been very successful in stock raising and is widely known as 
a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

Mr. Chapman married Narrissa Allen, a native of Harri.son County, 
Mo., and to this union the following children were born: Guy C, deceased; 



1020 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Emil, farmer and stockman, residing in South Dakota; Edith, the wife of 
George S. Robertson, Fremont, Neb. ; Bertha, attending school. 

Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are members of the Christian Church. In 
politics they are Republicans. Mr. Chapman has an extensive acquaint- 
ance in Daviess County, and is recognized as a dependable citizen. 

R. E. Woodring, a substantial farmer and stockman of Daviess County, 
was born Oct. 26, 1876, in Daviess County, a son of D. T. and Julia (Nalle) _ 
Woodring. 

D. T. Woodring was born Aug. 15, 1848, in Kentucky, and came to 
Gentry County when a young man, where he engaged in farming and 
stock raising. He later moved to Daviess County, and farmed the land 
now owned by his son, R. E. Woodring. On Dec. 25, 1873, Mr. Woodring 
was married to Julia Nalle, a native of Ohio, and to this union the following 
children were born: Myrtle, deceased; R. E., the subject of this sketch; 
J. D., resides in California ; Nellie Pearl, the wife of Leon Bratcher, Marion 
Township, Daviess County ; Charles, deceased ; Maggie Mable, deceased ; 
T. Ellen, deceased; Allie B., farmer, Nebraska; Harry Raymond, Pattons- 
burg; Ruby D., Daviess County. Mr. Woodring was a Democrat and a 
member of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Woodring died May 10, 1907, and 
Mr. Wodring died Feb. 13, 1919. They are buried in Savage Cemetery, 
Daviess County. 

R. E. Woodring was reared on his father's farm in Daviess County 
and was educated in the district schools. He then began farming, renting 
land for several years. Mr. Woodring now operates the old homestead 
of 160 acres, and is a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and spotted 
Poland China hogs. 

On March 11, 1906, Mr. Woodring married Maud J. Dilley, a daughter 
of Willis and Margaret (McLaughlin) Dilley, natives of Ohio and Pennsyl- 
vania. Mrs. Woodring was born in Gentry County. Mr. and Mrs. Dilley 
were the parents of eight children, as follows: Samuel B., deceased; Jennie, 
the wife of Richard Blankenship, Fairport ; Belle, deceased ; Fannie, the 
wife of Charles Barnes, Jameson ; Mary, the wife of William Blankenship, 
Isabel, Kan. ; Robert, farmer, Santa Rosa, Mo. ; Maud, the wife of R. E. 
Woodring; Liteshia, the wife of Tillman Caraway, Gentry County. Mr. 
Dilley was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted from Missouri in 
Campany F, Infantry. He took part in several important battles of the 
war. Mr. Dilley was a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. 
Mr. Woodring is a Democrat and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Yeoman Lodge. He is a member 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1021 

of the Baptist Church. Mr. Woodring is one of the reliable citizens of 
Daviess County and has a host of friends. 

Henry Lear, a leading farmer and stockman of Benton Township, was 
born Feb. 2, 1854, in Missouri, and is a son of Joseph and Martha (Bunnell) 
Lear. 

Joseph Lear was a native of Indiana. In the early days he came to 
Iowa and soon after to Harrison County, where he became engaged in 
general farming and stock raising. He owned 80 acres of land, and was a 
successful breeder of high grade cattle and hogs. He drove his stock to 
St. Joseph, as there were no railroads at that time. Mr. Lear was a Repub- 
lican. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lear are deceased. Mr. Lear is buried in Harri- 
son County, while his wife is buried in Texas. They were the parents of 
six children, as follows: William, deceased; Plaza, the wife of Louis 
Cummings, deceased; Martha, the wife of Jack Forth, both deceased; 
Mary, the widow of James Rhodes, living in Oregon, and Henry, the subject 
of this sketch. 

Henry Lear was reared on his father's farm in Harrison County, and 
received his education in the public schools. During his entire life he has 
been a farmer and stockman, and is a prominent dealer in cattle and hogs. 
Mr. Lear is also a contracting plasterer. He owns 10 acres of land and his 
residence in Benton Township, Daviess County. 

On Jan. 20, 1877, Mr. Lear married Jessie Savage, a native of Ken- 
tucky, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Burnett) Savage. Mr. 
Savage came to Missouri from Kentucky in a wagon, drawn by oxen, and 
settled in Grand River Township, Daviess County. He owned 260 acres of 
land and was a prosperous farmer and stockman. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Savage are deceased. They were the pai"ents of the following children: 
Joseph, Pattonsburg; Delia, deceased; Georgia, Daviess County; John, 
Daviess County ; Nicholas, deceased ; and Mrs. Lear. To Henry and Jessie 
(Savage) Lear eight children were born, as follows: John, at home; Clar- 
ence, St. Joseph ; Maud, the wife of Robert Royston, Daviess County ; 
Mamie, the wife of Logan McClock ; Robert, enlisted in the army in 1921 
for three years ; Albert, enlisted during the World War. He enlisted in 
1917 and was sent to Oklahoma and served 15 months in France with the 
35th Division. He took part in many important battles and was gassed. 
He has recently been discharged from the hospital and is now at home; 
Herbert, deceased; and George, deceased. Mr. Lear has seven grandchil- 
dren. 

In politics Mr. Lear is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist 



1022 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Church. Mr. Lear is a progressive citizen and is known for his industry 
and integrity. 

John Thomas James, a successful farmer and stockman of Benton 
Township, Daviess County, is a native of Daviess County. He was born 
Jan. 28, 1868, in Mai'ion Township, a son of Robert T. and Mary Jane (Pen- 
nington) James. 

Robert T. James was born in Callaway County, Aug. 23, 1845, and 
came to Daviess County with his parents when ten years of age. He be- 
came a prominent farmer and stockman, owning 300 acres of land in 
Marion Township, Daviess County, and 800 acres in Kansas. He was a 
breeder of Shorthorn cattle and spotted Poland China hogs. Mr. James 
was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He died Aug. 16, 
1915, and his wife died in December, 1893. They were the parents of the 
following children : George F., deceased ; Lester, deceased ; Ellen, deceased ; 
William, Johnson City, Texas ; S. Ann, the wife of Connie J. Miller, Civil 
Bend ; Alice, the wife of Elmer E. Bowsart, Gentry County ; Rose, married 
Jerry Ahart, Daviess County ; Alma, the wife of Robert Miller, Gallatin ; 
Wesley, Vernon County ; Ezra, Missouri ; Carrie, the wife of George F. 
Fleming, Santa Rosa, Mo.; and John Thomas, the subject of this sketch. 

John Thomas James was reared in Daviess County, and received his 
education in the public schools and in Stanberry, Mo. He then taught 
school for eight years in Daviess County. At the end of this time, Mr. 
James became engaged in farming and stock raising. He purchased 125 
acres of land, and became a widely known breeder of Shorthorn cattle and 
black Poland hogs. Mr. James has also been a minister in the Penticostal 
Church for 19 years, having been located in the Pattonsburg church for 
12 years. 

On Feb. 3, 1892, Mr. James married Amanda E. Groomer, a native of 
Marion Township, Daviess County, and a daughter of Jesse and Mary E. 
(Cain) Groomer. Mr. and Mrs. Groomer were both born in Missouri. 

To John Thomas and Amanda E. (Groomer) James the following 
children were born: Lelia, deceased; Mary, deceased; Elroy, resides in Al- 
bany ; Floyd F., enlisted in the navy during the World War, and was in act- 
ive service, transporting troops to France ; Estie, the wife of Albert Ther- 
ber, Civil Bend ; Esther, the wife of Robert Devers ; Florence, the wife of 
0. L. Butcher, Pattonsburg; Grace, Kansas City; Robert T., at home; Lilia, 
at home; Ethel, at home. Mrs. James died Sept. 30, 1919. 

Mr. James is a Republican. He is well known throughout the county 
for his progressive ideas, and he and his family are highly respected 
citizens. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1023 

Dewitt C. Courtier, retired, was for many years a prominent farmer 
and stockman of Harrison County. He was born Feb. 14, 1861, in Harrison 
County, a son of Dewitt Clinton and Cionie J. (Miller) Courtier. 

Dewitt Clinton Courtier was a native of Ohio. He came to Missouri 
in 1844, being one of the very early settlers of Harrison County. He be- 
came the owner of 480 acres of land, and was a successful breeder of Short- 
horn cattle, sheep and hogs. Mr. Courtier served as a justice of the peace, 
constable, and as a member of the township board. In politics he was a 
Republican, and he belonged to the Baptist Church. Mr. Courtier died 
Jan. 7. 1897, and his wife died May 8, 1910. They are buried in Pleasant 
Ridge Cemetery. Harrison County. Mr. and Mrs. Courtier were the par- 
ents of 10 children, as follows: James S., deceased; W. H., Harrison 
County; J. M., deceased; G. E., deceased; Dewitt C, the subject of this 
sketch; G. W., Harrison County; Armenta, the wife of G. A. Miller, Har- 
rison County; Dulcina, the wife of Al Bennett, Gallatin; Samuel, deceased; 
and Mary J., deceased. 

Dewitt C. Courtier was reared on his father's farm in Harrison 
County, and received his education in the district schools. He then worked 
as a farm hand for fifteen dollars a month. Later, Mr. Courtier purchased 
160 acres of land in Harrison County, and became a widely known breeder 
of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He is now living retired in 
Coffey. 

On Nov. 17, 1907, Mr. Courtier married Ethel J. Hagler, a daughter 
of E. W. and Lucy (Bartlet) Hagler, natives of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs 
Hagler were the parents of eight children, as follows: Grace, deceased; 
Marion, Harrison County ; Bertha, the wife of Clyde Hart, Troy, 111. ; 
Mrs. Courtier; Alvia, living in the west; Letia, the wife of G. F. Glaze, 
deceased; Dennis, Harrison County; Paul, Lincoln, Kan.; and Truman, 
Harrison County. Mrs. Hagler died Oct. 31, 1911, and is buried in Coffey 
Cemetery. Mr. Hagler now resides in Harrison County. 

Mr. Courtier is a staunch Republican and a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. He is a director in the Coffey Bank. He is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, as also is his wife. Mr. Courtier is a substantial 
citizen and deservedly stands high in the estimation of his friends and 
acquaintances. 

Arthur Best, a successful farmer and stockman of Benton Township, 
Daviess County, and owner of 765 acres of well improved land, was born in 
Rockyford, Col., Oct. 2i5, 1879, a son of Louis M. and Ella (Lawrence) Best. 
He was the first white child born in the vicinity of Rockyford, Col. 

Louis M. Best was born in Daviess County, Jan 17, 1852. When a very 



1024 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

young man he went to Texas, where he became engaged in farming and 
stock raising. In 1878 he returned to Daviess County and married Ella 
Lawrence, after which he moved to Rockyf ord, Col. To this union one child 
was born, Arthur, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Best died Nov. 10, 
1879, at the age of 19 years. She is buried in Rockyford, Col. In 1885, Mr. 
Best returned to Daviess County, and married his second wife, Nancy 
Elizabeth Hibbs. To this union three children were born, two of whom 
died in infancy. The third child is Ella, the wife of Fred Plowman, Benton 
Township, Daviess County. Mrs. Best died March 4, 1911, and is buried 
in Daviess County. Mr. Best was married the third time to Perenta 
Catherine Smith. At one time Mr. Best owned 800 acres of land in Daviess 
County. He was a prominent farmer and stockman and well known 
throughout Missouri. For three years Mr. Best served in the office of 
County Judge of Daviess County and was township trustee for two years. 
He was a director of the Pattonsburg Savings Bank and one of its largest 
stockholders. Mr. Best was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist 
Church. He died Feb. 10, 1912, at the age of 60 years, and is buried in 
Benton Township, Daviess County. 

Arthur Best received his education in the district schools and Chilli- 
cothe College. He began farming as soon as he completed his education, 
renting some of his father's land. Besides owning 765 acres of land in 
Daviess County, Mr. Best owns 160 acres of land in Louisiana and 40 
acres in Arkansas. He is a very prominent stockman of Daviess County, 
and specializes in the breeding of Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs. 
His home is modern in every respect, and his farm contains a first class 
watering system. 

On May 11, 1901, Mr. Best was married to Ethel J. Elam, daughter of 
Henry and Emelie (Adkinson) Elam, natives of Kentucky and Missouri. 
Mrs. Best was born May 13, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Elam were the parents 
of the following children: Nola Ann, deceased; Ezra, Pattonsburg; Hattie 
B., the wife of John D. Savage, Daviess County ; Eff ie Mary, the wife of 
W. J. Dougherty, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. Best ; Elbert Seth, Omaha, Neb. 
Mr. Elam was a veteran of the Civil War. He died in June, 1913, and his 
wife died Dec. 26, 1902. They are buried in Best Chapel Cemetery, Dav- 
iess County. To Arthur and Ethel J. (Elam) Best two children have been 
born, as follows: Lawrence Elam, was graduated from high school in May, 
1922 ; and Lalah May, was also graduated from high school in May, 1922. 
Before her marriage, Mrs. Best was a teacher of music. 

Mr. Best is vice president and a director of the Pattonsburg Savings 
Bank. He is identified with the Democratic party in politics and has been 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1025 

a member of the township board and trustee for two terms. Mr. Best 
ranks as one of the leading citizens of Daviess County. 

Henry H. Everly, a leading farmer and stockman of Benton Town- 
ship, Daviess County, is a native of Daviess County. He was born May 
2. 1889, a son of John B. and Ermina (Slaughter) Everly. 

John B. Everly was born in Daviess County. He has been engaged in 
farming and stock raising during his entire life, and is one of the most 
extensive land holders of the county, owning 1150 acres of well improved 
land. Mr. Everly is widely known as a successful breeder of of high grade 
stock. Mr. and Mrs. Everly are the parents of six children, as follows: 
Laura, the wife of Cleveland Herald, farmer and stockman, Daviess 
County ; Henry H., the subject of this sketch ; Grace, the wife of Robert 
Kepler, farmer and stockman, Daviess County ; Dott, the wife of Perry 
Glaze, farmer and stockman, Daviess County ; James, resides with his 
father in Salem Township, Daviess County ; and Max, living at home. 

Henry H. Everly was reared in Daviess County and received his edu- 
cation in the public schools. He began farming on his father's land in Ben- 
ton Township, Daviess County, where he is now located. Mr. Everly is a 
breeder of cattle, hogs, and other stock. 

On Dec. 24, 1912, Mr. Everly married Aura E. Courter, a native of 
Harrison County, and a daughter of W. H. and Fanny (Iddings) Courter. 
Mr. Courter is an extensive farmer and stockman of Harrison County, and 
owns 500 acres of good farm land. He is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to the Methodist Church. In politics, 
Mr. Courter is a Republican. To Henry H. and Aura E. (Courter) Everly 
one child has been born, Herbert Nolan, born June 12, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. 
Courter are the parents of the following children ; Ezra, veteran of the 
World War, living at home ; Elnora, deceased ; Iva, resides in Kansas City ; 
Mrs. Everly; Heslep, farmer and stockman, veteran of the World War; 
Nerval, farmer and stockman, Harrison County; Judson, at home; Oris, 
at home. 

Mr. Everly is identified with the Republican party in politics. He is 
one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of Daviess County. 

John Nalle, deceased, was a prominent farmer and stockman of Ben- 
ton Township. He was born in Kentucky, Nov. 26, 1860, a son of Albert 
and Eliza Jane (Savage) Nalle. 

Albert Nalle was a native of Virginia, born April 13, 1826. During the 
Civil War, Mr. Nalle enlisted from Kentucky in Company G, 30th West 
Virginia Cavalry, and was killed in action. He was killed near Newton, 
West Virginia, in a skirmish. His widow later moved to Missouri with her 



1026 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

family, settling in Benton Township, Daviess County. Mrs. Nalle became 
the owner of 152 acres of land and carried on farming and stock raising. 
She is now deceased and is buried in Savage Cemetery, Daviess County. 
Mr. and Mrs. Nalle were the parents of four children, as follows: Ellen, the 
wife of James Beals, farmer and stockman, Idaho ; Julia, the wife of David 
Woodring, farmer, Benton Township, Daviess County; John, the subject 
of this sketch ; and Maggie, deceased, was the wife of David Shultz. 

John Nalle grew up on his mother's farm, and received his education 
in the district schools. He became a successful farmer and stockman of 
Benton Township, Daviess County, and owned 152 acres of well improved 
land, which was originally his mother's farm. Mr. Nalle died November 
10, 1904, and is buried in Savage Cemetery, Daviess County. 

In 1888 Mr. Nalle married Georgia Ella Savage, a daughter of William 
and Ann Elizabeth (Burdett) Savage. Mrs. Nalle was born Feb. 14, 1864, 
in Kentucky. Mr. Savage was a native of Kentucky, and a pioneer settler 
of Missouri, settling in Benton Township, Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. 
Savage were the parents of the following children: Joseph, Pattonsburg; 
Jessie, the wife of Henry Lear, Pattonsburg; Dollie, the wife of Frank 
Stamper, both deceased ; and Mrs. Nalle. Mrs. Savage died Jan. 8, 1874, 
and is buried in Kentucky. Later, Mr. Savage married Amanda Ferguson, 
and to this union the following children were born : John, Benton Township, 
Daviess County ; Magnola, the wife of George Weller, Albany ; the third 
child died in infancy. To John and Georgia Ella (Savage) Nalle four chil- 
dren were born, as follows : Walter, Pattonsburg ; Elsie, wife of Lloyd Per- 
singer, farmer and stockman, McFall ; Joseph, living with his mother; and 
David, farmer and stockman, Benton Township, Daviess County. David 
Nalle enlisted during the World War from Gallatin and was sent to Camp 
Funston. He was in service 18 months. While there he was taken ill and 
was operated upon at the army hospital, and has never regained his health. 

Mrs. Nalle owns 309 acres of well improved land in Benton Township, 
Daviess County, and is carrying on farming and stock raising with her son, 
Joseph. They are breeders of high grade stock, including Shorthorn cattle 
and Poland China hogs. 

Mrs. Nalle is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. 
Mr. Nalle was industrious, earnest and sincere. He merited the high 
regard in which he was held by the community. 

Alonzo Mathews, a substantial farmer and stockman of Daviess 
County, was born in Nodaway County, May 17, 1863. He is a son of John 
and Nancy (Sharp) Mathews. 

John Mathews was a native of Tennessee, and one of the very early 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1027 

settlers of Nodaway County, Mo. For several years he lived in Buchanan 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews were the parents of one child, Alonzo, the 
subject of this sketch. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mathews are deceased, Mrs. 
Mathews having died Nov. 6, 1919. 

Alonzo Mathews went to live with an uncle in Buchanan County when 
he was six years old. Later he lived with another uncle in Arkansas from 
1869 until 1875. He then removed to Newton County, Mo., with his uncle 
and later worked out by the month, there, receiving $3.00 per month and 
his board. During that time he attended the district school a part of the 
year. In 1884, he received $8.00 a month and in the next year, $13.00 a 
month. In 1890 he came to Daviess County and rented land and later 
bought a farm. Mr. Mathews now owns 47 acres of good farm land in 
Benton Township, Daviess County, and raises Jersey cattle and Poland 
China hogs. His farm contains a modern residence, good barns, and good 
equipment. 

Mr. Mathews was married the first time to Arvilla Vanwort, a native of 
Missouri, and to this union the following children were born: Onnie, farmer 
and Stockman, Benton Township, Daviess County ; Oca, the wife of Owen 
Wilson, farmer and stockman. South Dakota; and Alma, who died in 
infancy. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Mathews later married 
Nancy Wamack, a daughter of Charles and Malinda (Gore) Wamack. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wamack were the parents of the following children: Jackson, 
farmer and stockman, Douglas County; Jasper, farmer, Kansas; Elizabeth, 
the wife of Henry Williams, farmer, resides in Oklahoma; Thomas, 
deceased ; and Mrs. Mathews. 

Mr. Mathews is a man who is highly esteemed in his community. He 
is an enterprising farmer and a worthy citizen. 

Rev. Grant Creekmore, the well known pastor of the Baptist Church 
of Pattonsburg, was born in Whitley County, Ky. He is a son of F. B. and 
Sarah (Snyder) Creekmore, natives of Kentucky. 

F. B. Creekmore settled in Gallatin in 1878, and was one of the pio- 
neers of that section. He became a prosperous farmer and stockman of 
Daviess County, owning a large tract of land. He died July 14, 1878, and 
is buried in Purda, Mo. His wife died March 18, 1921, and is buried in the 
Creekmore Cemetery, Daviess County. To F. B. and Sarah (Snyder) 
Creekmore ten children were born, as follows: Ely, farmer and stockman, 
Martinsville ; Amelia, killed in an accident in 1905 ; Madonna, the wife of 
Thomas Zimmerman, farmer and stockman, Wa.shington Center, Harri- 
son County ; Reverend Grant, the subject of this sketch ; Winifred, the wife 
of Mathew Miller, farmer and stockman, residing in Oklahoma ; Sherman, 



1028 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

deceased; Mary, the wife of Benjamin Pritchard, retired farmer, Salem 
Township, Daviess County ; Reverend George, minister of the Baptist 
Church of Wichita, Kan.; Cora, resides with her sister, Mrs. Benjamin 
Zimmerman, Denver, Mo. ; Anna, the wife of B. F. Pryde, Rothsville. 

Rev. Grant Creekmore was reared in Kentucky, and received his educa- 
tion in the Wilham Jewell College, and was also graduated from the Bap- 
tist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He has had charge of the 
Baptist Churches of Lynn County for several years. He was appointed 
pastor of the Baptist Church of Pattonsburg in 1919, where he is now 
located. 

Reverend Creekmore is the originator of the drainage system which 
has been installed on the Grand River to Gallatin, a distance of 34 miles. 
This system, which has been promoted by him, has proven to be of great 
value to the farmers of that vicinity, as the land in that locality has always 
been under water. 

On June 4„ 1890, Reverend Creekmore was married to Cora A. Neil, 
a native of Daviess County, and a daughter of Dr. William and Eliza 
(Burton) Neil. Dr. Neil, who died in 1907, was for many years a promi- 
nent and successful physician of Buchanan County. Mrs. Neil is now 76 
years of age, and resides in McFall. Mr. and Mrs. Neil were the parents 
of the following children: Laura, the wife of C. J. Welden; Mrs. Creekmore; 
Everett, deceased. To Rev. Grant and Cora A. (Neil) Creekmore three 
children have been born, as follows: Ethel, the wife of H. E. Cozad, farmer 
and stockman, Hamilton ; Lloyd, now taking the agricultural course in 
Missouri University, and living at home ; Gerald, a sophomore in high 
school, living at home. 

Reverend Creekmore has a wide acquaintance in Daviess County, 
and is recognized as one of the representative and substantial citizens of 
this county, and the Creekmore family are highly respected citizens of the 
community. 

Crittenden D. Prior, a pioneer farmer and stockman of Lincoln Town- 
ship, and owner of 120 acres of well improved land, is a native of Daviess 
County. He was born in Lincoln Township, Daviess County, Aug. 16, 1851, 
a son of Wesley Nelson and Rachael (Dewitt) Prior. 

Wesley Nelson Prior was born Oct. 9, 1807, in Virginia. When a 
young man, he moved to Ohio, where he remained for several years, later 
moving to Missouri. Mr. Prior was one of the earliest settlers of Lincoln 
Township, Daviess County, and he became a leading farmer and stockman. 
He was a breeder of horses, cattle and hogs. During the Civil War, Mr. 
Prior enlisted in the state militia under Captain Broomfield and served 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1029 

throughout the war, taking part in practically all the important battles. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Prior are deceased and are buried in Pilot Grove Ceme- 
tery, formerly known as the Prior Cemetery. Mr. Prior served as post- 
master of Lincoln Township for 17 years and was also a director of schools. 
He was very much interested in education, and was the organizer of the 
Prior School. Mr. Prior was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Gallatin, 
and was a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Prior were the parents of four chil- 
dren, as follows : Mary Jane, the wife of S. McNeill, both deceased ; Arvilla 
Pierce, the wife of Louis Kitchen, both deceased; Crittenden D., the subject 
of this sketch; and Thurston G., married Adda Ward, both deceased. 

Crittenden D. Prior was reared in Daviess County, and received his 
education in the district schools. He began life farming on the place he 
now owns in Lincoln Township, Daviess County. Mr. Prior does general 
farming and raises stock, in both of which pursuits he has achieved 
success. 

Mr. Prior was married on Jan. 25, 1874, to Helen Christina Jefferson, 
born in Huron County, Ohio, the daughter of William and Emma (Wood) 
Jefferson, the former a native of Vermont and the latter born in Boston, 
Mass. To Crittenden D. and Helen C. (Jefferson) Prior 12 children were 
born, as follows : Laura Maud, deceased ; Delia, the wife of Clem Mann, 
farmer, Jamesport Township; Hattie, the widow of William Gay, St. 
Joseph ; Wesley G., deceased ; Charles C, farmer, Daviess County ; Frankie, 
the wife of Walter Lockridge, farmer, Jamesport Township ; Frederick H., 
farmer, St. Joseph; William Arthur, deceased; Stella Pearl, deceased; 
Mark Edwin, deceased; Paul D., farmer, residing with his father. Paul 
D. Prior served during the World War, having been drafted from Galla- 
tin. He was sent to Fort Riley, Kan., and went to France with Ambulance 
Company No. 21. Mr. Prior served 18 months on the firing line in France, 
and took part in many important battles. After the signing of the armi- 
stice, he was sent to Germany with the army of occupation for eight 
months. He was married March 5, 1920, to Vivian Lois Davidson, and to 
this union one child has been born, Peggy Eugene. 

Crittenden D. Prior has served as justice of the peace for several 
years. He is a staunch Republican and is a member of the Christian 
Church. His wife died June 25, 1920, and is buried in the Prior Cemetery. 
Mr. Prior is an enterprising citizen and the Prior family is highly respected 
in Daviess County. 

James C. Trimm, born Feb. 14, 1858, on a farm one mile east of his 
present residence, has spent all of his life in Miller Township, Gentry 
Township. His memories follow the period of the development of the 



1030 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

county since the early days. His parents were Lafayette and Lurana 
(Giles) Trimm, both members of pioneer families in Missouri. 

Lafayette Trimm was born in Tennessee in 1827 and came to Missouri 
in 1849. He located in Bates County where he remained for one year when 
he came to Gentry County and bought the farm now owned by James C. 
Trimm from Red Whitton. Lafayette Trimm became a well known farmer 
in the community and continued to operate his land until his death in 
1902. His remains are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Lurana (Giles) 
Trimm was born in McMinn County, Tenn., Feb. 3, 1834, the daughter of 
John C. and Mary (Lovell) Giles who came to Missouri in 1849 and settled 
in Miller Township, Gentry County. John C. Giles and his wife both died 
on the Giles farm and their remains are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery Mrs. 
Trimm has made her home with her children since the death of her hus- 
band. To the union of Lafayette and Lurana (Giles) Trimm the following 
children were born : John, died on the home place at the age of 13 years ; 
Sarah M., the widow of Warren Fore of Albany ; Martha E., the wife of 
W. F. Dalby, an attorney at Albany ; James C, the subject of this sketch ; 
Mary C, deceased, was married to W. F. Dalby ; Susan R., now Mrs. H. F. 
Owen of California ; and Nancy C, the wife of E. C. Bleish of McFall. 

James C. Trimm attended the district school at Lone Rock where his 
first teacher was Alexander Cronwhite who taught in an adjoining district, 
the Arnold. The school house was the typical primitive building made of 
logs, with rough hewn benches. Mr. Trimm's recollections of those early 
days in the rural schools are very interesting. He says that the first 
teacher at the Lone Rock District was J. L. McCullough, or Buck McCul- 
lough as he was familiarly known. He taught three or more terms of 
school, practicing law at the same time. Mr. McCullough later filled the 
office or representative for Gentry County, and served as the prosecuting 
attorney of the county for two terms. 

Mr. Trimm received a practical education in farming on his fathers' 
farm, and since he has been operating land of his own, has proved the value 
of that early training. Since his marriage he has lived on a farm of 280 
acres which he owns, located 5; j miles northwest of McFall. Mr. Trimm 
has improved the land and has established a reputation for his successful 
management. He raises Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs, and Black 
Plymouth Rock chickens. 

James C. Trimm has been twice married ; the first time Nov. 13, 1884, 
to Susan M. Gulp, a daughter of J. B. and Luvina (Gates) Gulp, who settled 
in Bates County in the early days later moving to Gentry County where 
they located in 1848. Mr. Gulp died at Albany and Mrs. Gulp died at War- 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1031 

rensbrug. The remains of both are buried in Davidson Cemetery. Mrs. 
Trimm died Nov. 10, 1900 leaving four children : Inez, deceased ; Ross, de- 
ceased; Luvina, married to Gilbert Whitton; and Raymond L., now living 
on the home place. Mr. Trimm married the second time, Dec. 18, 1902, to 
Lena A. Winstead, born in Clinton County, Oct. 27, 1875. Mrs. Trimm's 
father, George Winstead, was born in North Carolina and came to Missouri 
in his boyhood. He died in Gentry County, Nov. 8, 1906, and his remains 
are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. His widow, Mary (Parrot) Winstead, was 
born in Clay County and is now seventy years of age. Since the death 
of her husband, she makes her home with her children. 

Mr. Trimm is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is a 
Democrat in his politics. He is a reliable and highly esteemed man in the 
county. 

Robert M. McCammon. The McCammon family descends from Scotch 
Covenanters, who settled in North Ireland prior to 1642. They were also 
among the early Colonists of middle North Carolinas, and among the very 
earliest settlers from North Carolina to Tennessee there was a McCammon 
household. John McCammon, grandfather of Robert M., was born near 
where Knoxville now stands in 1758, only four years after the Earliest 
white settlement. Naturally he was among the first white children born in 
Tennessee. He married Elizabeth Upton and lived to the age of 80. Their 
youngest son William McCammon was born Sept. 10, 1809 in Knox County, 
Tenn. He married Eliza E. Pickel and Robert M. was their fifth child. At 
the time of Robert's birth, his father and his father's brother were both 
county officials. And his father at the time of his death in 1851 was county 
trustee. 

Robert McMillen McCammon, the subject of this sketch, was born near 
Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee on Nov. 21, 1842. He was the son of 
William McCammon and Eliza E. (Pickel) McCammon, both natives of 
Tennessee. His father, William McCammon, a county official at the time, 
died in 1851, when Robert was but a small boy. The same autumn his 
mother and family removed to Monroe County, Tenn., and in 1856 they 
emigrated to Missouri locating in Gentry County. 

Robert McCammon a farmer boy in pioneer times, but at the age of 17 
began teaching school, which he continued for two years, one of the old 
contracts stipulates that his salary was due at the end of the term^ — pay- 
able in corn at 20c a bushel delivered at his mother's home. From 1861 to 
1863 he enjoyed western life, roughing it in Western Iowa, in Nebraska, 
and Colorado, and in Northern Kansas. Next at St. Joseph, Mo., he spent 
a year with the wholesale house of Tootle, Fairleigh and Company, and a 



1032 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

year with Lemon, Hosea and Co. After further experiments in varied 
activities, in 1868 he set up for himself in the mercantile business at 
Gentryville, Gentry County. Two years later he became a farmer in the 
same vicinity. 

In 1872 at the age of 30 he was elected first collector of Gentry County, 
after that office was separated from the sherifi"s office. He was re-elected 
in 1874, completing the four years with increasing popularity. From 1876 
till 1880 Mr. McCammon was busy in various trading enterprises. During 
this period, Albany, the County seat, decided it was big enough to have a 
mayor, and R. M. McCammon was first to fill this office in 1878 and 1879. 
In 1880 he became a member of the dry goods firm of Peery and McCam- 
mon. Not long after he became assistant cashier in the Gentry County 
Bank. 

In many ways Mr. McCammon was allied to the best interests of the 
County and its permanent progress. In 1902 he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Albany, and re-elected in 1904. During these four years the public 
square was paved with brick. After 19 years this work is a credit alike 
to the city administration, and to the contractors who laid the pavement. 
Also it was during Mr. McCammon's Mayorality that the conditions were 
adjusted which secured the Carnegie Public Library. Thus adding another 
splendid building to the permanent monuments of Albany's progress and 
prosperity. At no other time did Mr. McCammon's integrity, patience and 
diplomacy serve the city better. From 1884 till 1888 he was deputy County 
Clerk, a little later he was deputy Circuit Clerk for two years. From 1888 
to 1890 he was in the abstract business with Wallace Hubbard. Aside from 
the periods indicated he spent the time up to Jan. 1905, either as Assistant 
or as Cashier in the Gentry County Bank. He also filled many minor 
positions. He was Police Judge for the City of Albany for 25 years. He 
literally fell in the harness, being Public Administrator and Justice at the 
time of his passing. At the beginning of his last illness he remarked, "I 
have had a desk in Albany for over 46 years." The last months of his life 
were principally occupied in preparing a history of Gentry County, assisted 
by his eldest daughter, Mrs. Mary McCammon Hillman. After several 
weeks of severe suffering, the end came peacefully. He passed to his 
reward Jan. 29, 1922. 

On Oct. 29, 1868, he married Miss Sarah J. Fitzgerald, with whom he 
had spent more than 58 years of wedded life. Seven children were born 
to them, two of whom, Martha Lou and Bathsheba G., are dead. The 
others are Mrs. Mary Hillman, of Albany ; David F., of ELing City ; Mrs. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1033 

Anna Skiles, of near Sussex, Wyo. ; Robert M., of St. Joseph ; and Mrs. 
Narcissa Holden, of Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Mr. McCammon had been a manysided citizen of the town, especially 
during his more active and more prosperous days. No movement for the 
betterment of the conditions of the community was ever launched that he 
did not support with his time, energy and means. In the erection and ad- 
vancement of the various churches, the public schools and colleges, pro- 
motion of the various civic, religious and social enterprises, he was always 
ready to help. Especially was this true of the work and life of the Presby- 
terian church herewith which he had been associated for so many years. 
His faith in the ultimate growth and of the mission of the church of his 
choice here has always been unbounded and during the dark days of the 
struggling congregation he more than anyone else, was responsible in hold- 
ing the organization intact, realizing that brighter days would come, and 
he gave unstintedly of his means to further the cause. The beautiful new 
building now near completion is in a certain sense the result of his abiding 
faith in the ultimate outcome during the days others were less hopeful 
than he. For many years he had been a Mason, having been a member of 
the Blue Lodge, the Royal Arch chapter, the Knights Templar and the 
Eastern Star. He had been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church for 
many years, a teacher in the Sunday School and a zealous and consistent 
Christian. 

Harley J. Harrah, the efficient county clerk of Daviess County, and 
treasurer of the Gallatin Trust Company, is a native son of Daviess County 
and descendant of Missouri pioneer stock. Mr. Harrah was born in Wash- 
ington Township, June 7, 1888, a son of Harford F., and Dinah (Robb) 
Harrah, both natives of Daviess County. Harford F. Harrah was born 
near Jameson, Jan. 20, 1857. He was a son of Robert and Nations Harrah 
who were very early pioneer settlers in Daviess County. Harford F. Har- 
rah was engaged in farming and stock raising all his life; he died May 23, 
1908. He was an active member of the Church of Christ. His widow now 
lives at Alta Vista, Kan. They were the parents of the following children: 
Emma, married B. F. Cox, and they live in Washington Township, Daviess 
County ; Jessie, married W. S. Hays and they also live in Washington 
Township; and Harley J., the subject of this sketch. 

Harley J. Harrah was reared on a farm in Daviess County and attend- 
ed the district school, and later the Gilman City High School, where he 
graduated in the class of 1907. He then took a course in the Normal School 
at Carney, Nebr. In 1910, he taught school in western Nebraska. In 1911 
he returned to Daviess County and taught in this County seven terms. 



1034 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Mr. Harrah is a Republican and has always taken an active interest in 
politics. In 1916 he was a candidate for county surveyor, but was defeated 
by 23 votes. In 1918 he was nominated for county clerk of Daviess County, 
and elected by a substantial majority, and assumed the duties of that office 
in January, 1919, and is now serving in that capacity. While teaching in 
his home township he was elected a member of the board of that township. 
He is now the owner of 188 acres of land in Washington Township. On 
Sept. 1, 1920, Mr. Harrah became indentified with the Gallatin Trust Com- 
pany and since that time has served as treasurer of that institution. 

On Feb. 26, 1908, Harley J. Harrah was married to Miss Ethel Brown, 
a native of Washington Township, Daviess County and a daughter of James 
and Anna (Reed) Brown who now reside near Jamesport. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Harrah have been born three children as follows: Webster, Jessie N., and 
Virginia. 

Mr. Harrah is a member of the Church of Christ and one of the pro- 
gressvie and enterprising men of Daviess County. 

The Gallatin Trust Company of Gallatin, Mo. was organized June 16, 
1917, with a capital stock of $50,000. The institution was the outgrowth 
of the desire on the part of Dr. Wooden and several other citizens for a well 
established company of this kind in the community. 

The bank building was erected on the southeast corner of the square 
at a cost of $20,000, including all the fixtures. The company is composed 
of business men and farmers of Daviess County and the institution holds 
membership in the American Banking Association and the Missouri Bank- 
ers Association. 

This company does a general banking business and its activities also 
extend to the legitimate field usually covered by a modern trust company, 
such as the administration of estates and the handling of insurance, 
farm loans and kindred transactions. The defined policy of the company is 
to lend money to farmers, to enable them to raise more grain, more stock 
and more of everything. 

The present officers of the Gallatin Trust Company are Dr. G. M. 
Wooden, President; C. L. Craner, Vice-President; J. M. McGruder, Secre- 
tary ; and Harley J. Harrah, Treasurer. 

Herbert C. Grantham, a progressive and enterprising business man of 
Pattonsburg, has been identified with the business interest of Daviess 
County practically all his life. 

Mr. Grantham is engaged in the automoible business and has the 
agency of the Reo and Elgin cars and does a very satisfactory business in 
that line. He also conducts the leading restaurant of Pattonsburg. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1035 

Mr. Grantham is recognized as one of the dependable citizens of 
Daviess County and is a successful business man. 

Lewis M. Bowman, editor of the Tri-County News at King City is one 
of the enterprising newspaper men of northwest Missouri. He is the son 
of W. L. and Margaret A. (Nelson) Bowman and was the only child born 
to them. 

Lewis M. Bowman was educated in the public schools and after com- 
pleting high school he entered the Univei'sity of Missouri at Columbia 
where he took the course in journalism. He began his newspaper career in 
Columbia, Mo., and later identified with the St. Joseph Gazette for 18 
months. He then came to King City where he is now publishing and edit- 
ing the Tri-County News. This is an up-to-date country newspaper and is 
capably edited by Mr. Bowman. 

During the world war Mr. Bowman enlisted and was sent to the Offi- 
cer's Training School at Camp Pike, Ark., where he was when the armistice 
was signed and was shortly afterwards discharged. 

Mr. Bowman is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and belongs to the Presby- 
terian Church. He is a Democrat. 

Allen F. Wade, editor of the Jameson Gem is one of the well known 
newspaper men of northwest Missouri. He was born Nov. 9, 1866, a son 
of John T. and Elizabeth Jane (Coughey) Wade. They are the parents 
of the following children. Allen F., the subject of this sketch ; Armilda E., 
now Mrs. Charles McCandless, living in Idaho; Hiram S., is married and 
lives in Oklahoma ; Nora Ellen, deceased ; Cynthia A., married John Geddes, 
Kansas City, Kan.; Hester M. deceased; George C, resides at Coffey; 
Milo B., Salem Township; Elmer E., Sheridan, Iowa; Elvira Jane, married 
James McKeeman near Sheridan, Iowa ; and Bessie E., married Lee Reed, 
Kansas City, Mo. 

John T. Wade was born in Beaver County, Pa., Sept. 10, 1840, and 
when he was nine years old removed to Ohio with his parents and settled 
in Jackson County, where he grew to manhood and followed farming in 
early life. He enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, becoming 
a member of Company H, 1st Ohio. Heavy Ai'tillery and about a year later 
was transferred to Company H 117th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served 
three years in the army and was a corporal. In 1866 he came to Daviess 
County and settled in Salem Township and now resides on the same place. 
John T. Wade is a son of James and Elimy (Kerr) Wade natives of Penn- 
sylvania. James Wade was born Nov. 9, 1814 and died in Harrison County, 
Mo., 1868. His wife died in Pennsylvania in 1849. 



1036 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

Allen F. Wade was reared on the home farm in Salem Township and 
received his education in the public schools. He was engaged in fanning 
until 1893 when he entered the grocery business at Pattonsburg. Shortly 
afterwards learned the printers trade in Pattonsbui'g and in 1897 bought 
an interest in the Pattonsburg Star Press. On May 25, 1899 he established 
the Coffeyburg Sun which he published until 1901. He then went to 
Kansas City where he was engaged in commercial printing until 1905 when 
he was appointed deputy city assessor and also served as clerk in the 
treasurer's office in Kansas City until 1908. He was then interested in 
truck farming until 1911 when he came to Jameson and since Sept. 25, 
1913 he has published the Jameson Gem, one of the lively newspapers of 
Daviess County. 

Mr. Wade was married Feb. 28, 1901, to Miss Minnie N. Boler, a 
daughter of Benjamin F. Boler. To Mr. and Mrs. Wade have been born 
the following children: Verna Elizabeth a student in the University of 
Missouri ; Ethel Elenore, a graduate of the Jameson Consolidated High 
School ; Pearl Olive and Frederick Allen both students in the Jameson 
school. 

Mr. Wade is a Republican and has served as mayor of Jameson. He 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

L. T. Moulten. who has been the owner of the King City Chronicle 
since 1891, is one of the prominent educators of northwestern Missouri 
as well as a newspaper man, and is at present principal of the public schools 
at Maryville. He was born in Hilldale County, Mich., Aug. 23, 1850 and is 
the eldest of six children boi'n to W. A. and Mai-garet (Clark) Moulten. 
W. A. Moulten was born in Canada in 1816, the son of Proctor Moulten, 
who is a citizen of the United States. W. A. Moulten removed to Ohio in 
early life and was there engaged in farming. Later he went to Michigan 
and in 1853 removed to Iowa and in 1865 came to Missouri, locating in 
Nodaway County and three years later to Gentry County and in 1869 he 
went to Caldwell County. He died Feb. 7, 1879 while on a business trip 
to DeKalb County. His wife was born in Westmorland County, Pa., Jan. 
12, 1825 and now lives in Cameron, Mo. 

L. T. Moulten received his education in the public schools and at the 
college where Kidder Institute is now located. He also attended the Iowa 
State College. After teaching for four years he engaged in a mercantile 
business at Stewartsville, Mo., and three years later in 1885 he removed 
to Maryville and has been identified with the schools since that time. 

Mr. Moulten is a Republican and has always taken a prominent part in 
politics. He has served two terms in the State Legislature and has been 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1037 

one of the Republican Presidential electors of Missouri. He served as 
State Statistical Agent for the Government Agricultural Department from 
Missouri from 1903 to 1913. He was the candidate for Congress from the 
Third Missouri District in 1916. In 1891, Mr. Moulten became the owner 
of the King City Chronicle and in 1916 Tracy D. Stallman became his part- 
ner in that publication. 

Tracy D. Stallman was born in Fulton, Callaway County, Mo., and 
received his education in the public schools, including a high .school 
course, Westminister College at Fulton and then took a course in Journal- 
ism. In 1916, he became associated with Mr. Moulten in publishing the 
King City Chronicle to which he has devoted himself to the present time. 

Tracy D. Stallman was married to Miss Strossie Marten and one child 
has been born to them. Mr. Stallman is a Republican, a member of the 
Masonic Lodge and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

R. L. Cornett, a successful farmer and stockman of Marion Township, 
Daviess County, was born Feb. 10, 1879, in Virginia, the son of W. C. A. 
and Caroline (Smoot) Cornett, natives of Virginia. 

To W. C. A. and Caroline (Smoot) Cornett the following children were 
born: Grey, married Kate Vaughn, Detroit Mich.; Alice, deceased; R. L., 
the subject of this sketch ; Fleming Alexander, deceased, was the husband 
of Phoebe Ketch um; Effie, the wife of Joseph Collins, living in Illinois; 
Cora, the wife of Doc Ketchum, Marion Township, Daviess County, Mo.; 
Joseph, deceased ; Josie, the wife of Fred Beech, Meadow Grove, Nebr. ; 
Floyd E., married May Cornett, Meadow Grove, Nebr. ; Cana, the wife of 
G. C. Bruce, Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Ann, Meadow Grove, Nebr. W. C. A. 
Cornett is now living in Battle Creek, Nebr. His wife died in 1901 and is 
buried in Virginia. 

R. L. Cornett was reared in Virginia and attended the district schools 
there. In 1900 he left Virginia and came to Daviess County, Mo., where he 
remained for one year, later going to Washington and Oregon. He returned 
to Missouri in 1904, and settled in Marion Township, Daviess County, 
where he remained until 1907. when he moved to his present location of 80 
acres, near Pattonsburg, Mo. Mr. Cornett carries on general farming and 
stock raising and has been very successful. His farm is modern through- 
out. 

Mr. Cornett was married to Essie Ketchum, a daughter of David and 
Irene (Thurston) Ketchum. Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum were natives of Illinois 
and came to Daviess County, Mo., in 1871, locating in Marion Township, 
just across the road from Mr. Cornett's farm. Mr. Ketchum died in 1916, 
and is buried in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery at Pat- 
tonsburg, Mo. 



1038 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 

To R. L. and Essie (Ketchum) Cornett four children have been born, 
as follows : Vivian ; Guy ; Mamie ; and Mina, all attending school. 

In politics, Mr. Cornett is a Republican. He is a member of the Meth- 
odist Church of Civil Bend, Mo. Mr. Cornett is enterprising and energetic, 
a man whose integrity and ideals of citizenship have given him the esteem 
of his fellow citizens. 

Clarence Riley Fields, a practical farmer and stockman of Marion 
Township, Daviess County, and owner of 310 acres of well improved land, 
was born June 14, 1888, just across the road from his present home. He is 
the son of Riley and Mary Jane (Groomer) Fields. 

Riley Fields was married for the first time to Mary (Burton) Fields, 
and to this union two children were born: Ellen, married to Christy Barker, 
Oklahoma ; and Dave, married Mary Reynolds, Idaho. Mr. Fields then 
was married to Mary Jane (Groomer) Fields, and to this union 11 children 
were born, as follows : Jessie, died in infancy ; Edith ; Ida, deceased, was 
the wife of Albert Henry, and was killed in a runaway at Altamont, Mo., in 
1912; Ebenizer, married to Laura King, living in Idaho; John William, 
living on the home place; Elmer, died Oct. 10, 1921, in Seattle, Wash.; 
Grace, married first to D. Bess, now deceased. She is now married to J. 
Wimmer; Clarence Riley, the subject of this sketch; Clara, the wife of 
Edgar Shaw, Marion Township, Daviess County, Mo. ; Everett, married 
Alta Dickson, Oilman, Mo. 

Clarence Riley Fields was reared on a farm and received his education 
in the district schools of Daviess County. In 1913 he began farming with 
his father, who died soon after, at the age of 73 years. His mother died in 
September, 1921. Mr. Field's grandfather, on his father's side, obtained 
the farm from the government in 1846, and Mr. Fields still has in his 
possession the deed, signed by President Polk, at that time president of the 
United States. Mr. Fields purchased the land from the heirs of the prop- 
erty, and since that time has made extensive improvements. In 1919 he 
built a modern bungalow just across the road from the home place. He 
obtains sping water from a pump which he had installed. Mr. Fields 
carries on farming and stock raising and is a well known breeder of Poland 
China hogs. He has a 30 acre apple orchard on his farm of 310 acres. 

In 1919, Mr. Fields was married to Ruth Ellis, a daughter of A. L. and 
Sarah Elizabeth (Egbert) Ellis, natives of Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ellis were the parents of 11 children, as follows: Arch, married Florence 
Ray; Ethel, the widow of Ralph Bechil; Mrs. Fields; Bolene, married 0. 
Francisco; Paul, living at home; Cleo, at home; Ralph, at home; George, 
at home ; Walter, died in infancy ; Leslie, died in infancy ; and Hazel, died 
in infancy. 



HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 1039 

» To Clarence Riley Fields and Ruth (Ellis) Fields one child has been 
born, Marian Lois. 

In politics Mr. Fields is a Democrat. He is a reliable citizen, indust- 
rious and enterprising. He is a citizen of whom the community is justly 
proud. 



! HK i3 79 



